Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

AnthonyI said:
Now I really can't wait to hear more about the 3, looking forward to more from you @Ethos99 and @HiFi Guy you'll be up soon :)

The Grado is a beautiful cart.
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First a rant. I swear I need to drive to Brooklyn (shoot me) and teach the Grado family about captive nuts. It’s not 1953. I’m getting too old for the loose nut bullshit. Until I listen to it. Then all is forgiven.

Differences between the 2 and the 3 are huge- even cold from the box. How can I say this? We all know auditory memory is poor. I just removed a Statement Platinum2 and replaced it with a Gold3. I actually prefer the Gold3 already. It reminds me of a Dynavector DV-20XL- a cartridge I once owned. They are over $1k now.

The Gold3 weighs more than the 2- it’s got the proprietary Grado black goop in the body which the 2 lacks. I’m thinking for better tracking but I haven’t tested it yet. If your Grado had has black goop when you remove the stylus, do not remove it. It’s there for a reason.

The output has (accordingly to the spec sheet) dropped from 5mV to 4mV. I liked the Gold2 at 45 dB gain. The 3 may have dropped in output, but I’ve already reduced the gain to 40dB, which I prefer.

If you have a 2 series, look at the body. The 2 series looks like someone smeared clear snot on the body. The 3 is snot free.
 
HiFi Guy said:
The output has (accordingly to the spec sheet) dropped from 5mV to 4mV. I liked the Gold2 at 45 dB gain. The 3 may have dropped in output, but I’ve already reduced the gain to 40dB, which I prefer.
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What does this mean, explain like I'm 5.. no wait just like 16 or so.
 
Ethos99 said:
So I had to try the Grado on the old TT and my initial impression if the prestige 3 is:

Wow! What have I been listening too!?

I changed it with my 2m blue on an ok album, not great pressing, and it seemed warmer but maybe flat.

Thought oh no, this sucks.

Went back to the blue and realized it wasn't bright as much as it was harsh. Put on a different album known for its harshness and bright recording, that never sounded good on the blue, and it was noticably better. Not amazing but definitely better.

Then I realized, in my haste and excitement, I didn't set the tracking force or make sure the cart was perfectly lined up 90° with the album. Set it all up and tried again and holy hell it is warm and detailed at the same time!

Bass is even and pronounced! I get less annoying pops and crackles during soft parts or between songs. (Apparently there's no fixing a fat possom pressing).

I will continue to break it in and critique but so far very happy and impressed!

@HiFi Guy and @Joe Mac , good damn call and I appreciate the guidance. Can't imagine the quality difference with an 8MZ.
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Yes, this where I’m at with my Blue3. Bass has cranked up a few notches since I switched from the Black2.
 
Ethos99 said:
So I had to try the Grado on the old TT and my initial impression if the prestige 3 is:

Wow! What have I been listening too!?

I changed it with my 2m blue on an ok album, not great pressing, and it seemed warmer but maybe flat.

Thought oh no, this sucks.

Went back to the blue and realized it wasn't bright as much as it was harsh. Put on a different album known for its harshness and bright recording, that never sounded good on the blue, and it was noticably better. Not amazing but definitely better.

Then I realized, in my haste and excitement, I didn't set the tracking force or make sure the cart was perfectly lined up 90° with the album. Set it all up and tried again and holy hell it is warm and detailed at the same time!

Bass is even and pronounced! I get less annoying pops and crackles during soft parts or between songs. (Apparently there's no fixing a fat possom pressing).

I will continue to break it in and critique but so far very happy and impressed!

@HiFi Guy and @Joe Mac , good damn call and I appreciate the guidance. Can't imagine the quality difference with an 8MZ.
Click to expand...

There’s hope for you. You get it. The Ortofon 2m series sounds like a stereo. Grados sound like music. Big difference.
 
HiFi Guy said:
There’s hope for you. You get it. The Ortofon 2m series sounds like a stereo. Grados sound like music. Big difference.
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But why do audiophile call ortofon essential instead

I just need to figure out what to plan for in the future (and do instead of sleep)
 
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