There is WAY too much "talk" of the Grado hum.I have had 3 Grado's including 2 of the wooden body.Does it bother you to hear a faint hum when you cue up after the LP is done?If so,they arent for you.I have never heard a hum during music or even between tracks.ONLY when the stylus is above the record at the end.My table is a Rega P-25.Its motor is directly below the platter which is why the "notorious" hum happens.But one of the favorite cartridges to use with Planars is Grado.Fremer reviewed the P-25 with a Grado and had no complaints.The reviews for the Grado Platinum and Sonata were done on a P-3,no complaints again.If you want a warm yet detailed cartridge with very fine bass then get a Platinum.Audio Advisor will sell you one for around 15-20% off.Sound City maybe for less but make sure you ask for Joe.Ignore the Grado hum issue.Its not an issue... Most mail order have a great return policy.It will only cost you shipping to check the Grado out.They have above average life also.No cartridge under $500 is better than a Platinum,IMO You can even get one used with low hours for $150 or so.If it has under 500 hours on it you would get a great deal.
