Analog Gurus - What cartridge after Grado Ref 1???

A post-script to my last post. I'm sure there are many folks who justifiably maintain very positive opinions about Grado carties. Having said that, it has been my personal experience and that of others as well that many Grados carties have hum problems. Don't know what your experience has been, but I'll put that out there for you to think about and other to chime in on.

That hum problem might just be with older Rega's. Since I changed the motor in my Rega I haven't noticed any hum.

Grado is the poor man's Koetsu, it's best for jazz and female vocals; not as good for Rock.

Try a nice used Lyra helikon.VandenHul Frog also.

I started with a Grado Prestige Gold, then jumped to a Koetsu Black, tried a Reference Sonata and a Benz Ruby when the Black required a retip but eventually tried a Statement Statement and haven't looked back. No hum from any of the Grados I have tried and I find that Grados maintain the PRaT and warmth of the Koetsus without the sometimes glassy etchings of MCs.

Your setup is similar to my own: Gorbe to full Orbe these days with a SME V. I am constantly charmed my the music I hear. The higher you go in the line, the more detail retrieved, particularly among the Statement series. These approximate a MC sound without what some consider drawbacks. After having listened to various multi-thousand dollar carts in various astounding setups, I don't think I would ever buy anything other than a Grado or Koetsu, given my preferences.

You have what I call the "Grado Problem." That company makes lovely, musical cartridges that make it very difficult to find something significantly netter at a sane price point. I didn't even try. I love my Reference Sonata/PH-1 combo.

I would say if you're happy with your music, stop. Your exit point has been reached.