Grado Stylus Upgrade


I currently am using a Grado Gold cartridge from the Prestige line. The cartridge was bought new about a year ago and has not seen heavy use. Basically, still like new. Although the Gold is not anywhere near the top of Grado's line of cartridges it is still decent with my system. I have read numerous forums and almost all Grado users recommend upgrading the standard Gold stylus to the 8MZ stylus for superior performance. That stylus goes for $150 which is more than half of what the Gold cartridge with standard stylus costs. I am not interested in a complete cartridge upgrade at this time but am curious if the 8MZ stylus upgrade is worth the expense? I guess that any users that have this cartridge and have done the stylus upgrade consider it a worthwhile upgrade.
  
jrpnde

Showing 10 responses by boxer12

Best-Groove / LP Gear or Needle Doctor. I've purchased from both of them in the past without any issues. 
Nice combination Jaf36. For the money, I don't know how you can better it. 
Thank you chakster & frogman for the advice on this stylus. I've got about 9 hours on the XTZ stylus right now & can tell you I'm really digging it. This does not sound like the same cartridge. Cleaner top to bottom with much better focus & a wider/deeper stage. Vocals are also beautiful. One question; What are you guys using to clean the stylus? I read somewhere on this forum that Grado doesn't recommend any fluid for cleaning... Just wondering. 
Just ordered the XTZ today. Should be a couple days before I receive it. Any recommendations on switching the stylus's out? I can't seem to find the nifty tool that came with the signature cartridge (for this purpose) when new.  
Chakster, Frogman,
Thanks for the advice/experience. Looks like XTZ is is. 
Springreen,
It will be few weeks out but will post my experience/opinion once it's broke in. Currently breaking in a new JICO stylus in an empire 4000 D/III cart. So far not liking it as well as the Grado 8MZ, but it is improving. 
Chakster,
In the 8MZ body, would the difference between the XTZ & the TLZ stylus insert be large, or in that body would it be about the same? 
My mistake the arm is a Victor UA-7045. Not sure where the 750 came from... 
The Grado 8MZ signature cartridge is sweet. I have one mounted on a Victor 750 tonearm & it's about the best (overall) I've had in my system.