The Reference Series2 of wooden cartridges are hand-crafted at Grado Labs from a Australian Jarrah wood. 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 Series2 utilizes manufacturing and assembly techniques that result is musical perfection. The Reference Series2 should be used with only the finest equipment. Recommended tracking force 1.5 to 1.9 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
All Reference Series2 cartridges offer a low mass generating system, and a diamond cut specially for Grado. In addition the Reference2 and Master2 are installed with a boron cantilever. The output for the Reference Series2 measures at 5 mV. The frequency information and its portrayal of bass dynamics are solid, powerful and authoritative. The midrange is rich, complex and highly believable. Its top-end seems to extend forever with speed and remarkable delicacy. Imaging is detailed and precise with a sound stage that wraps its arms around you and draws you into the music.
The Master2 and Reference2 models use a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum2 and Sonata2 models. The coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire. The Master2 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.
*All wooden series cartridges are 1/2" mount. 78 RPM styli are not available with these series. All re-tipping on the Statement and Reference series will be done by Grado.
