GRADO'S PRESTIGE SERIES OF PHONO CARTRIDGESThe Prestige series of cartridges are designed for high output and excellent stability under severe use. A considerable tip mass reduction results in a frequency response to 50 kHz and beyond and tracking forces from 1-2 grams. Acclaimed by experts as virtually the finest pickups in the world at their price.
By Hifi Choice:
In action the Prestige Gold is an impressive performer
Grado cartridges are a variant on the moving magnet theme called moving iron. However, as they produce the same sort of voltage and work into the same 47kohm load as MMs they should be treated in the same way. The one thing that marks this brand out is that it makes quite high-end models using this technique - no-one else makes a moving magnet in the £500 plus region.The Prestige Gold is the top of the brand's entry level range. It has a plastic body with a removable stylus (achieved using the supplied tool) and comes complete with a pair of aluminium mounting bolts and a basic instruction sheet with no mention of stylus alignment.In action the Prestige Gold is an impressive performer. Its only limitation seems to be at the top of the treble which could be more extended - though MMs rarely are. The midrange is excellent and the needle extracts great presence and vitality from vinyl without becoming aggressive or coarse, as can happen. It images well, placinginstruments and voices with decent precision, and it follows complex lines with apparent ease (Beefheart for instance).Bass is deep and heavy with good chug factor, notes maintaining a distinct beginning and end on Massive Attack's Inertia Creeps, with timing a strong point on all manner of material. It's also surprisingly open for a moving magnet cartridge, producing a rich balance with plenty of air. Remarkable at any price, let alone £110!
