Grado
Grado Gold4 – High-Output MI Phono Cartridge
$260.00 USDFeatures
Moving iron design built on Joseph Grado’s patented flux-bridger principle, giving very low moving mass with a fixed coil structure
Bonded elliptical diamond on an aluminum cantilever for solid groove contact and reliable tracking
User-replaceable stylus assembly that is interchangeable with all Prestige Series styli
Internal signal path of ultra-high-purity 5N OCC copper
Cryogenic treatment and internal damping to reduce unwanted resonance
Die-injection molded housing for consistent construction
High output that works with a wide range of phono stages
Available in standard mount and P-mount versions
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Gold4 represents the highest level of performance within the Grado Prestige Series. Built on decades of cartridge design and refinement, it delivers a balanced and highly musical presentation while maintaining the consistency and reliability that define Grado cartridges.
Utilizing Grado's moving-iron design, Gold4 provides a stable and responsive signal with low moving mass and long-term performance. The die-injection molded housing supports consistent construction while allowing the internal components to perform with precision.
Offered in both standard mount and P-mount configurations, Gold4 is designed for a wide range of systems.
Performance
Gold4 is a high-output moving iron cartridge designed for compatibility with a wide range of phono stages.
Its presentation is defined by clarity, control, and refinement. Detail is resolved with precision while maintaining a smooth and composed top end. The midrange carries natural presence and texture, while low frequencies are delivered with definition and authority.
Complex recordings are handled with stability and separation, maintaining a coherent and balanced presentation that allows the character of the music to come through naturally.
Diamond, Cantilever & Stylus
Gold features a bonded elliptical diamond mounted to an aluminum cantilever.
The elliptical profile provides effective groove contact and reliable tracking, while the aluminum cantilever contributes to a stable and controlled presentation. Together, they deliver clarity. balance consistency across a wide range of recordings.
Moving Iron Design
All Grado cartridges utilize a moving-iron design built on Joseph Gradd'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.
The design also ensures long-term consistency, maintaining performance over time without degradation of the internal signal path.
Coil & Internal Structure
The internal signal path is built using ultra-high-purity 5N OCC copper, selected for its conductivity and consistency.
Each cartridge undergoes cryogenic treatment and internal damping to reduce unwanted resonance and preserve signal integrity. The result is a presentation that remains coherent, balanced, and dynamically responsive.
The stylus assembly is user-replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance and long-term ownership. All Prestige Series styli are interchangeable, providing flexibility across models while maintaining consistent performance.
Gold4 features a bonded, elliptical diamond mounted to an aluminum cantilever. The elliptical profile provides effective groove contact and reliable tracking, while the aluminum cantilever contributes to a stable and controlled presentation. Together, they deliver clarity, balance, and consistency across a wide range of recordings. The stylus assembly is user-replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance and long-term ownership. All Prestige Series styli are interchangeable, providing flexibility across the models while maintaining consistent performance.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cartridge Specifications | |
| Output | 4 mV @ 5 cm/sec (45°) |
| Frequency Response | 10 – 55,000 Hz |
| Channel Separation | Average 25 dB, 10 – 30,000 Hz |
| Stylus | Diamond, Elliptical |
| Input Load | 10k – 47k ohms |
| Inductance | 50 mH |
| DC Resistance | 660 ohms |
| Cartridge Weight | 6 grams |
| Tracking Force | 1.6 – 1.9 grams |
| Compliance | 20 µm/mN |
| Mounting | P-mount or 1/2" Screw Mount |