Grado Timbre Reference4 Phono Cartridge

Grado Reference4

The Grado Reference4 is a phono cartridge from the Timbre Series, designed to deliver resolution, control, and musicality in a single body. Thanks to decades of experience in Grado phono cartridge design, the Reference4 brings high-level performance to a wide range of audio systems. Moreover, it preserves the tonal integrity that has always distinguished the brand.

The Reference4 is based on a moving iron design built around Joseph Grado’s patented flux-bridger principle. As a result, it generates a precise signal with an extremely low moving mass, while the coil structure remains fixed. Therefore, it combines speed, control, and harmonic integrity without the fragility typically associated with traditional moving coil systems.

From a construction standpoint, the Reference4 features a nude Shibata diamond mounted on a machined boron cantilever. The Shibata profile retrieves information from the record groove with exceptional precision, while the boron cantilever ensures low mass and outstanding responsiveness. The body is crafted from American Osage wood, selected to control resonances and contribute to tonal balance. The internal wiring, furthermore, uses ultra-high purity 6N OCC copper with cryogenic treatment.

Finally, the Reference4 is available in both High-Output and Low-Output versions, making it compatible with a wide variety of phono stages.

Specifications

Series: Timbre Series
Body: American Osage wood
Cantilever: Machined boron with Shibata diamond
Internal wiring: Ultra-high purity 6N OCC copper (cryogenic treatment)

Output:
High Output: 4.0 mV @ 5 cm/s (45°)
Low Output: 1.0 mV @ 5 cm/s (45°)

Inductance:
High Output: 55 mH
Low Output: 6 mH

Resistance:
High Output: 660 Ω
Low Output: 70 Ω

Input load: 10 kΩ – 47 kΩ
Cartridge weight: 9.6 g
Tracking force: 1.6 – 1.9 g
Compliance: 20 μm/mN
Channel separation: Average 30 dB (10 Hz – 30 kHz)
Controlled frequency response: 10 Hz – 60 kHz
Capacitive load sensitivity: Not sensitive
Available versions: High Output, Low Output