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Grado Cartridge questions.....

I drive me Vandersteen 1C's with a Rogue Audio Cronus integrated amp (EL-34 tubes) and an NAD 533/Goldring Elektra (basically, a Rega Planar 2) front end. The table is plugged directly into the amp's phono input (built-in MM phono stage). The music sounds lovely, but..... I want to improve my analog set-up (the usual "upgrade itch").

I have heard that the Grado wood body cartridges match very well with my Vandy's and my amplifier. Most of my LP listening is "classic acoustic small ensemble" jazz (Miles, 'Trane, Rollins, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Brubeck, Peterson, Lester Young, Hawkins, Messengers, Horace Silver, MJQ, etc.) So, finally, here are my questions :

1. Grado Platinum vs. Grado Sonata ?? The $200 difference is affordable.....is it worth it ?

2. Platnum/Sonata Reference vs. Platinum/Sonata Statement ??........The higher output Reference series would allow me to use my current built-in phono stage, whereas I would need an outboard phono stage (and the necessary issues of stage and interconnect decisions) for the Statement series. What's your opinion ??

3. What $ 1000 - $1500 table/arm combo to drive the cartridge ??... Rega ?, Project ?, SOTA ?, Music Hall ?....

I'd really appreciate your feelings and advice. Thanks, and Happy Listening !!
adam18

Showing 2 responses by rushton

rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
The higher level wood bady Grados can sound quite lovely, particulary on acoustic music. The Sonata is a material improvement over the Platinum, and each step up from the Sonata offers improvements in resolution, soundstaging, and extension at both ends of the frequency spectrum.

If you can use and can acquire the 1.5mv output versions of these cartridges, they will provide better sonics than the 4.5mv output versions.

A Grado Sonata or Reference would be a nice match with a VPI Scout and it's tonearm. An alternative cartidge that works well with the VPI Scout, and would provide greater resolution and transparency, is the Shelter 501. But its 0.4mv output will require a competent phono stage and it is yet another jump higher in cost.
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rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Adam18, fwiw, I lived very happily for many years with Grado Sonata/Reference cartridges and Vandersteen 2C speakers with a VPI HW-19 turntable. (Prior to that the speakers were Celestion SL700s, perhaps even more "polite" on top but more resolving).

On acoustic music the Grados and Vandersteens were a great combination, with very natural reproduction of the timbre of the instruments. Yes, some of the very top might be a bit rolled off, but the midrange was wonderful and one could listen for hours without fatigue. Your Vandersteen 1C speakers are more neutral, with a more extended top, than the 2Cs I had, so the match might be even better.
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