The Master and Reference models use a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum and Sonata models. The coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire. The Master model is mounted with Grado's specially designed nude elliptical diamond, and the Reference model uses Grado's true ellipsoid design diamond.  Replacement Stylii also available.

What People are saying about the Reference...

"The Reference is the finest fixed-coil cartridge I've ever heard, and one of the finest sounding cartridges I've ever heard especially in the midrange, regardless of price." Stereophile / Michael Fremer Vol.21, No.3

"I have to say the Well Tempered turntable I have with the Grado cartridge is fantastic. It's the best LP playback I've heard in my house so far, or in the studio." Bob Ludwig, The Master of Mastering Engineers / Gateway Mastering Studios

"It is a great bargain, and I would take it over any number of cartridges I have heard that sell up to five times its price." Absolute Sound / Adam Walinsky

"You forget your reviewing a cartridge and, before you know it, the records over. This is what The Reference does best, it disappears." Ultimate Audio / Dr. Larry Brotzen Vol.1, No.2

"The Reference is a superb phono cartridge. If you're looking for an outstanding high-output device, The Reference will take you to analog playback heaven." "Mine now sings and rocks and grooves and stomps and seduces and caresses and thrills. In fact, I can't think of any higher compliment to pay Grado's The Reference than to say nowadays I simply love listening to records." Fi magazine / Frank Doris Vol.3, No.3

"The Reference sets a benchmark for analog cartridge performance and is a real alternative to the analytical school of sound. If you think moving coil cartridges are the only way to go, think again. You owe it to yourself to listen to Grado's The Reference." Ultimate Audio / Myles B. Astor Vol.2, No. 4

"The Reference receives a duo of accolades from me. I want to use it on a regular basis and I'm going to continue to use it!" The Audiophile Voice / Karl Lozier Vol.6, No. 4

and about the Master...

"Female voices have at last found a cartridge that flatters. Soloists, duets, choirs; it doesn't matter; the Grado won't shatter."

"The current Grado may represent a new performance plateau. It's the best moving iron cartridge I've ever heard, and it's making a stir among those who know."

Positive Feedback / Charles Hollander Vol.8, No.1

"The sound on the Master seems to emerge from a velvety silence... I found the Master open, airy and great on the timbral transients. The air and soundstaging on the Master was almost shocking." Positive Feedback / Jeffrey Silverstein

Frequency Response	10-60
Principal	MI
Channel Separation at 1KHz	40
Imput Load	47K
Output at 1KHz 5CM/sec.	4.0mV
Recommended Tracking Force	1.5
Stylus Type	E
Inductance	45mH
Resistance	475
Compliance CUs	20
Stylus Replacement F=Factory	F
Mounting	S
Weight	6.5