I own the IQ2 and it holds its own against a Grado Sonata
It is hard to compare them directly because I had them on 2 different TTs but my general impression is that the IQ2 is a bit more neutral with more bite (when it is present in the music) and probably more open as well while the Grado has a more full and layered midrange. Both are very good with about equal detail and extension. BTW the IQ is on a TT1/Arm1 and the Grado was on a LP12/rega 300.
It is hard to compare them directly because I had them on 2 different TTs but my general impression is that the IQ2 is a bit more neutral with more bite (when it is present in the music) and probably more open as well while the Grado has a more full and layered midrange. Both are very good with about equal detail and extension. BTW the IQ is on a TT1/Arm1 and the Grado was on a LP12/rega 300.