Grado Gold Cart??

hochpt21

Time for a new cart. When I got the Pro-ject, the Sumiko BP #2 cart was approx 5 or 6 years with fairly heavy usage. It still sounds fine, but I think its time for a new one.

The sound on the Sumiko seems detailed, but maybe a little forward or analytical overall. I have a Grado Black on my old Sony TT, and seem to prefer the overal tonal qualities of the Grado to the Sumiko. Much greater detail out of the Sumiko, but a little warmer and smoother from the Grado.

I am thinking of getting a Grado Gold to replace the Sumiko. Reviews seem to be generally positive with some negatives being poor tracking and slight hum during silent passages.

I listen to mostly jazz, blues and classic rock and most reviews point to the Gold excelling at these types of music.

Any thoughts on how the Grado might work with my TT? Or any other thoughts in general on the Grado?

Thanks all,
Paul

hochpt21

Any thoughts from the TT experts out there :loneranger:

doctor r

You havea pretty good description of the differences between the Grado and Blue Point presentation. The main concern with the Grado is the loud hum that can occur on specific turntables. Do a google search "Grado hum database" and look at some of the compiled lists to see if your turntable could have this issue. If it's not listed I would check out the arm to cartridge resonance match on the Vinyl Engine website. Find the Grado Gold in the cartridge database and touch the compliance number. It will give you a chart to match your tone arm's effective mass. If youdo not know the arm's effective mass you can find it in the tonearm database on the same site. If there is no hum issue, the tonearm and cartridge numbers match up for minimal resonance issues then go for it. :cheesygrin:

Rick

hochpt21

Pro-ject 2.9 not listed in the Grado Hum Database

Cartridge mass is 5.5g.

Tonearm mass is 11g.

They intersect at 9 Hz.

Not sure what this all means.

I would hate to drop $220 and find out the cart is not compliant with my tonearm.

SCompRacer

hochpt21 wrote: »

Pro-ject 2.9 not listed in the Grado Hum Database

Cartridge mass is 5.5g.

Tonearm mass is 11g.

They intersect at 9 Hz.

Not sure what this all means.

I would hate to drop $220 and find out the cart is not compliant with my tonearm.

It's all about the resonant frequency, we must be in compliance Paul!:cheesygrin:

Some info should you want to gander at it...Math! Argh!:eek: Or grab a test record (I like the HiFi News test record) and use the resonance tests tracks to see when your Grado dances.

http://www.theanalogdept.com/cartridge___arm_matching.htm

http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/tonearmcartridge.html

There was a time Project's came with Grado's and even rebadged Grados (like the one pictured below), so I would think that means you be OK with your choice. The kewl thing is we can all have the vinyl sound we desire. You might not like it here....:twisted:

Fongolio

I have a Pro-ject 6.9 and a Grado Gold cartridge and although I'm not using on the table right now, I have in the past and say the two are a very good match with no detectable hum. I found the combination warm yet detailed and not overly analytical. The arm should work quite well with the Grado.

hochpt21

Rick, thanks for helping me come up with the resonance frequency.

Rich, great info. Both articles seem to say 9 hz is in the desired range.

Fongolio, good to hear that your combo worked well. That seems like the sound I'm looking for.

chumlie

Gonna try it out on virgin vinyl ?

hochpt21

I'll have to save my Strange Days for it.

doctor r

The desired range is 8 hertz to 11 hertz. The theory is that record warps will have a frequency below 7 hertz and some actual music is there at 20 hertz. To err on the side of caution below 15 hertz is preferred. This entire computation is to avoid your tonearm/cartridge starting their own oscillation, that could be audible, due to normal outside influences (warps and/or music).

hochpt21

Just put the order in with my local hifi guy! I like to give him business when I can. He is going to install and set it up for me as I am not too experienced with that.

Looking forward to it!

hochpt21

Cart is in!

Going to get all setup on Monday. Good thing I work all weekend or it would be killing me :eek:

hochpt21

Returned home with the Grado Gold mounted on the TT a few hours ago. I've listened to Doors, Strange Days and Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, Alone and Acoustic.

I don't know if its the difference between a new cart vs. a worn one, or the difference between the Sumiko vs. Grado. With the Grado, the music seems much more alive and involving. Like its jumping right out of the speakers.

It was my first listen to this pressing of the Doors, but I have listened to the Buddy Guy a lot and know it quite well. It is a very intimate and lots of quite moments. There is no hum or buzz, at least so far. Seems to be tracking well.

I'll know more after extended listening, but so far, this is exactly the sound I was looking for and expecting. Very pleased.

Fongolio

Great to hear you're enjoying the Grado. It will open up even more as the stylus breaks in. I found about 100 to 125 hours to get the full effect. A very good mid grade cartridge in my opinion. Great bang for the buck. Enjoy!

hochpt21

Good to know, Fongolio.

One thing I have noticed so far is that while maintaining a good level of detail, it is also very forgiving. I was listening to Sgt. Peppers LHC today and there is a fair amount of light scratches. With the BP #2 this translated into a lot of surface noise. With the Grado it was significantly reduced...even at a loud volume.

Not saying its the cart for everyone. But I really like it after about 10 hours and it fits my personal needs very well.

SCompRacer

Good to hear you like the Grado Paul. The main thing is you like it. Rob plays vinyl the majority of the time so that BP cart does have some miles on it. Someday I'll get a USB scope to look at them things.