Reference4 is part of the Grado Timbre Series, representing a refined balance of resolution, control, and musicality. Developed through decades of cartridge design, it brings a high level of performance to a wider range of systems while maintaining the tonal integrity that defines Grado cartridges.

Built on Grado’s moving iron design, Reference4 delivers a stable and highly responsive presentation with low moving mass and long-term consistency.

Offered in both stereo and mono configurations, Reference4 continues the tradition of Grado’s wood body cartridges.

Reference4 is part of the Grado Timbre Series, representing a refined balance of resolution, control, and musicality. Developed through decades of cartridge design, it brings a high level of performance to a wider range of systems while maintaining the tonal integrity that defines Grado cartridges.

Built on Grado’s moving iron design, Reference4 delivers a stable and highly responsive presentation with low moving mass and long-term consistency.

Offered in both stereo and mono configurations, Reference4 continues the tradition of Grado’s wood body cartridges.

Moving Iron Design

All Grado cartridges utilize a moving iron design built on Joseph Grado’s patented flux-bridger principle.

This approach allows the cartridge to generate a precise signal with extremely low moving mass, while keeping the coil structure fixed. The result is a presentation that combines speed, control, and harmonic integrity without the fragility often associated with traditional moving coil systems.

Diamond & Cantilever

Reference4 features a nude Shibata diamond mounted to a machined boron cantilever.

The Shibata profile is highly effective at retrieving detail from the groove, offering exceptional contact and resolution while maintaining a natural, unforced presentation. Paired with a machined boron cantilever—known for its low mass and responsive behavior—the system delivers clarity, speed, and stability across the frequency range.

Coil & Internal Structure

The internal signal path is built using ultra-high purity 6N OCC copper, selected for its conductivity and consistency.

Each cartridge undergoes cryogenic treatment and internal damping to reduce unwanted resonance and preserve signal integrity.

Housing

The Reference4 is housed in an American Osage wood body, selected for its ability to help control resonance and contribute to the cartridge’s tonal balance. The reshaped housing improves visibility of the cantilever during setup, allowing for more precise alignment while supporting compatibility across a wide range of tonearms.

Specs:

Body: American Osage Wood
Cantileaver: Machined Boron/Shibata Diamond
Output:
High 4.0mV @5 CMV (45)
Low 1.0mV @5 CMV (45)
Inductance:
High Output 55mH
Low Output 6mH
Resistance:
High Output 660 ohms
Low Output 70 ohms
Input Load: 10k-47k ohms
Cartridge Weight: 9.6 grams
Tracking Force: 1.6-1.9 grams
Compliance 20μm/mN
Channel Separation: Average 30db - 10-30k Hz
Controlled Frequency Response: 10-60 KHz
Non-Sensative to Capacitive Load
Builds: High Output, Low Output, Mono