I have VERY pleased with the Grado Reference ($1200, 4.5 mV output version). Many of my friends get fooled into thinking it's a very pricey moving coil cartridge. I have heard the Statement, and in comparison to the Reference I don't think it's worth twice the money. Just a personal opinion, but before I'd spend the money for the Statement, there are other cartridges I'd consider (Shelter 90x, Lyra Helicon, etc.).
Has anyone listened to the Grado Statement ?
I know they have reviews written about it,but I just wanted to hear from any Audiogoners about the reproduction of this cartridge,in your own words, by your own ears.
I'm leaning toward the Ref. Ref.due to my preamp not having the gain fro the .75Mv.The preamp is the CJ PV-5
with 41db gain in phono stage.Another concern I have is the cartridge on the Statement cost$1,650.00 for a retip.Ouch Ouch! That seems a bit steep,but maybe not at its 2.5k retail.Also is the extra 1K in price over the Reference
clearly heard in your opinion or not?Maybe that is too subjective of a question to answer.
I'm leaning toward the Ref. Ref.due to my preamp not having the gain fro the .75Mv.The preamp is the CJ PV-5
with 41db gain in phono stage.Another concern I have is the cartridge on the Statement cost$1,650.00 for a retip.Ouch Ouch! That seems a bit steep,but maybe not at its 2.5k retail.Also is the extra 1K in price over the Reference
clearly heard in your opinion or not?Maybe that is too subjective of a question to answer.