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Grado Reference vs Benz Glider and H2

I'm looking to replace my beloved Grado Reference and thought a Benz Glider or H2 might be a nice change.

I love the lush, rich midrange and vocals the Grado gives but am curious about other cartridges.

How does the Glider and higher priced h2 compare to the Grado Reference. Keeping in mind that I'm spoiled by the fabulous cartidge I already have. Will I be taking a step back or fowards by buying a Benz?

I'm not willing to sacrifice anything that the Grado gives me when I can just go buy another one. I use an EAR834P with a Rega arm on a suspended table with metal platter like the Linn.

Finally I am led to believe that the Grado is not compliant with the Rega arm which is evident from all the subsonics I get. Is the Benz a better match?
kel34

Showing 5 responses by kel34

kel34 OP
64 posts
 
I use the Grado Reference Reference and I am curious about finding a comparable replacement.

This is a really good cartridge so it's gonna take something exceptional to satisfy me.

I am interested in suggestions
kel34 OP
64 posts
 
Good point Doublebass your thoughts are similar to my own. Seeing how I don't have 4k for a cartridge perhaps I could get more out of the Grado Reference with a different tonearm.

I do believe the RB300 is not an ideal match for it and could be the cause of all the subsonics I'm getting.

Any ideas anyone on ideal tonearms for this awesome cartridge?
kel34 OP
64 posts
 
I just did a quick calculation to measure tonearm/cartridge matching with the Rega arm and Grado Reference and got a number of 8.38Hz.

Keeping in mind I use a heavier drop counterweight and therefore effective mass is added upon I believe I'm below the suggested minimum of 8Hz.

I'm wondering if a lighter tonearm would make my Grado perfom better. Which arm would you use?

Any thoughts?
kel34 OP
64 posts
 
Hi Doublebass;

I get subsonics on every record with the Rega arm. Apparently the Grados excel with low mass arms how do you like your Grado Ref/Moerch combination?

I've also been looking at the Haddock but don't know if its suited for a suspended deck.
kel34 OP
64 posts
 
Sounds like the H2 is worth an audition perhaps I will try it and see if it a suitable replacement for my Grado Reference.
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