Into The Woods

The Reference Series of wooden cartridges are a fixed coil design, hand-crafted at Grado labs from a specially selected species of mahogany. An intricate procedure of curing is done between production steps to achieve optimal sonic quality. This series generator/stylus module is not replaceable* allowing a redesigned one-piece magnetic circuit and a reduction of chassis resonances. The Reference Series utilizes manufacturing and assembly techniques of fantastic accuracy and precision, and the result is virtual perfection. Should be used only with the finest equipment. Recommended tracking force 3/4 to 2 grams.

“The Reference’s reproduction of the leading edge of low-frequency information, and it’s overall portrayal of bass dynamics and pitch, were the best I’ve heard from any cartridge: solid powerful, authoritative.”

– Stereophile, Michael Fremer

The Master1 and Reference1 models use a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum1 and Sonata1 models. The coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire. The Master1 model is mounted with Grado’s specially designed nude elliptical diamond, and the Reference1 model uses Grado’s true ellipsoid design diamond. These cartridges are individually calibrated.

Specs

Reference1 & Master1:

Frequency Response: 10-60
Principal: MI
Channel Separation at 1KHz: 40
Input Load: 47K
Output at 1KHz 5CM/sec.: 5.0mV
Recommended Tracking Force: 1.5
Stylus Type: E
Inductance: 2mH
Resistance: 2
Compliance CUs: 20
Stylus Replacement F=Factory: F
Mounting: S
Weight: 6.5