{"product_id":"grado-timbre-master3-tonabnehmer-high-output","title":"Grado Timbre Master3 MI Phono Cartridge (High Output)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Grado Master3 High Output is a Moving Iron phono cartridge from the Timbre series that runs at 4.0 mV on any classic MM phono input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBody made of Australian Jarrah, machine-crafted boron cantilever, hand-assembled in Brooklyn. Within the Timbre series, the Master3 sits high up the ladder – only the Reference3 ranks above it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Master3 High Output?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado builds on the Moving Iron principle with a dual-magnet system: the moving mass stays small, the sound open and fast. The machine-crafted boron cantilever in a five-piece OTL construction further reduces tip mass compared to the smaller Timbre models and brings audibly more control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe difference to the low-output version lies in the generator system, not just the level: 55 mH inductance and 660 Ω internal resistance are classic moving-magnet values. This version is built for the MM input you already have in your amplifier – and needs neither an MC stage nor a step-up transformer. It's rare enough in this hobby for an upgrade to come without a follow-up purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTracking is handled by Grado's own bare elliptical diamond; the coils are wound with ultra-pure UHPLC copper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe warm, colourful Grado character, but with significantly more precision, calm and fine detail than the smaller Timbre models. The Jarrah body settles resonances and keeps the imaging stable. Because 4.0 mV means ample level on a normal MM stage, the phono stage works comfortably – signal-to-noise ratio is uncritical, even on more modest inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the Master3 High Output for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone with a fully grown turntable and an MM phono input who wants to give their analogue setup a big step up. Plain talk: on an entry-level turntable it's overkill – there you'll get more enjoyment at Opus3 or Prestige level. And if your phono stage only offers an MC input hard-wired to 100 Ω, neither Master3 version will be happy: Grado wants to see 47 kΩ, regardless of output level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-end analogue sound just below the Timbre summit – wood, boron and craftsmanship from Brooklyn. The High Output version is the pragmatic one of the two: same body, same cantilever, but you simply plug it into the MM input and you're done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Moving Iron phono cartridge (MI), High Output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries: Grado Timbre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody: Australian Jarrah wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCantilever: Machine-crafted boron, five-piece OTL construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus profile: Bare elliptical diamond (Grado cut)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput voltage: 4.0 mV (5 cm\/s, 45°)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal resistance: 660 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInductance: 55 mH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended load resistance: 10–47 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoad capacitance: Uncritical, Grado systems don't react to capacitive load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable phono input: MM (Moving Magnet), around 40 dB gain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 10–60,000 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel separation: average 30 dB (10–30 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompliance: 20 µm\/mN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended tracking force: 1.6–1.9 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 10 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus: Not user-replaceable; Grado offers an exchange and trade-in programme for wood-bodied systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufacturing: Hand-assembled in Brooklyn, NY\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh or Low Output – which Master3 version suits me?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt depends on your phono stage. This High Output version delivers 4.0 mV and runs on any normal MM input with around 40 dB of gain. The Low Output version with 1.0 mV needs about 55 to 60 dB and an input that can be terminated at 47 kΩ. When in doubt, it's not the sound but the input you have that decides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich phono input does the Master3 High Output belong to?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MM input. With 4.0 mV output voltage, 660 Ω internal resistance and 55 mH inductance, the Master3 behaves like a moving-magnet system and wants to see a load of 10 to 47 kΩ. It's not sensitive to cable capacitance – so the length of your phono cable is uncritical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I replace the Master3's stylus myself?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Unlike the Prestige series, the stylus assembly on Timbre systems is not user-replaceable. If the diamond wears out, the cartridge goes back to Grado in Brooklyn via specialist retailers and is refitted there; in return, you receive an exchange system. We handle this for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere does the Master3 rank in the Timbre series?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh up. In ascending order: Opus3 with maple body, then Platinum3 and Sonata3 with aluminium cantilever, then Master3 and Reference3 with boron cantilever in a Jarrah body. Only the Reference3 ranks above it. Every Timbre model comes in a High and a Low Output version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Grado Master3 High Output at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a cartridge of this class only delivers on its potential with careful setup. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorised Grado dealer, sets tracking force, anti-skate and azimuth precisely, and tells you honestly whether your phono stage suits the High Output version. Call us or write to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'll find the right turntable among our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eturntables\u003c\/a\u003e, and the amplification among our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/phono-vorverstarker\"\u003ephono preamps\u003c\/a\u003e. For comparison, it's worth checking out the other \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tonabnehmer\"\u003ephono cartridges\u003c\/a\u003e, and for setup and care, our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler-zubehor\"\u003eturntable accessories\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/platten-reinigung\"\u003erecord cleaning\u003c\/a\u003e – and if you're diving into the whole topic, our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/alles-vinyl\"\u003eAll Vinyl\u003c\/a\u003e section.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grado","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989511795024,"sku":"304148","price":1089.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/grado-timbre-master3-mi-tonabnehmer-high-output-schraegansicht.jpg?v=1785927026","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/grado-timbre-master3-tonabnehmer-high-output","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}