Grado Labs Cartridge Lineup Evolution
GRADO LABS CARTRIDGE LINEUP EVOLUTION REVISES LINEAGE, TIMBRE, AND PRESTIGE SERIES
Grado Labs has announced an update to its phono cartridge range, covering the Lineage, Timbre, and Prestige Series.
The revised lineup focuses on incremental refinements to key components, including the stylus assembly, coil composition, and cartridge housing. These updates are intended to improve tracking performance, consistency, and overall balance, while also simplifying setup.
GRADO LABS CARTRIDGE LINEUP REFINED CORE DESIGN
Across the range, Grado has reworked several core elements. Stylus assemblies now feature updated diamond profiles and cantilever pairings, with some models adopting nude Shibata diamonds in place of previous elliptical designs. Coil systems have been revised using OCC copper of varying purity levels, aiming to improve signal transmission and channel balance. Wood մարմ housing geometries have also been adjusted to enhance stability and ease of installation.
GRADO LINEAGE SERIES
The Lineage Series remains the company’s flagship offering. Models in this range use nude Shibata diamonds combined with cantilevers made from materials such as sapphire or boron. These cartridges continue to employ Grado’s moving iron design, based on its flux-bridger system, and are housed in Brazilian Ebony wood bodies. The Lineage Series is available in low-output configurations, with both stereo and mono variants.
GRADO TIMBRE SERIES
The Timbre Series sits in the middle of the range and retains elliptical stylus profiles paired with a mix of cantilever materials. Wood մարմ housings vary across models, including American Osage, Mediterranean Olive, and American Maple. All models use OCC copper coils and the same moving iron design approach as the higher-end series. The range is positioned as a balanced system where each component contributes to overall performance.
GRADO PRESTIGE SERIES
The Prestige Series remains the entry point to the range, with a design that has evolved over several decades. These cartridges use elliptical styli, aluminium cantilevers, and OCC copper coils. A key feature of the series is the user-replaceable stylus system, allowing maintenance without replacing the full cartridge. The focus here remains on ease of use, reliability, and consistent playback.
TRADE-IN PROGRAM AND LONG-TERM SUPPORT
Grado also continues to offer a trade-in programme for its wood-bodied cartridges. Customers can return existing units, regardless of condition, and receive a discount on a new model. The scheme allows movement within the range, supporting both upgrades and system changes over time.
GRADO LABS CARTRIDGE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The updated Grado cartridge lineup will be available across all three series. Pricing starts at $3,500 USD for Lineage models, $300 USD for Timbre models, and $140 USD for Prestige models.
HiFi PiG says: Some good updates for the Grado cartridges across all three ranges.
