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Grado Sonata1 Ref Vs. Audio Technica AT33EV

I've been using a Grado Sonata1 Reference cart for the past 1.5 years, and recently upgraded my speakers from monitors to floor standers. Now with the more pronounced bass, I'm noticing the Grado is a bit washy in the bass. The quantity if there, and it goes deep, but it's a bit soft. This is with a PS Audio GCPH and a Clearaudio Emotion TT. I'm considering making the switch to a more budget-friendly MC cart, particularly the AT33EV. Has anyone heard both the AT33EV and the Grado Sonata1 and can make a fair comparison?

Things I love about the Grado are: absolutely beautiful midrange, delicate treble, great harmonic detail, timbre, and lushness, soundstage. Really the only things I can think of that would need improving might be the bass "cleanliness", and perhaps a tad more extension in the treble. Maybe the AT33EV can't live up to all that?
jwglista

Showing 1 response by heyraz

heyraz
177 posts
 
I have both the Sonata 1 Statement and the Sonata 1 reference and prefer the lower output model. Of course, you need a lot of gain to use it, but it's in a different league than it's high output brother.

It is however very, very sensitive with regard to it's setup and alignment. Different VTA's make a world of difference. Sizzle or Boom. Unfortunately, not all LP's are of the same thickness, so whatever cartridge you get, you'll have to set it up with an album representative of your collection. I used a 180g disc for my setup and alignment procedure.
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