2. analog
  3. 159648-46

Tweaking the new Grado Timbre Sonata 3

I have about 10 hours on my new Grado Sonata 3.

relevant system:

VPI Prime > Sonata 3> ARC PH3se (phono pre) > Herron 1A (preamp) > ARC Classic 60 (amp) > Thiel CS 2.4’s (speakers)

My old cart was a Nagaoka MP 500.  While good, the Grado is better overall. But the highs are a bit more extended than the Nagaoka, which seems to be a bit excessive, but just a bit, almost, but not quite sibilant.  
Alignment was done with my trusty AS Smartractor, though difficult to use on the Grado due to the long wood body overhang on the Grado. 

Raising and lowering VTA has little effect. 
My question, before I get too worried about this prior to complete break in, is will the highs “soften” up once broke in. Is that typical with Grados? Or, is it I gots what I got. 
last_lemming

Showing 1 response by mofimadness

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,723 posts
 
I had Grados for many years...cartridges, headphones....they all need lots of time before they dance. Be patient

+1...I was a Grado dealer for many years and have owned a ton of their stuff.  I probably have at least a dozen different Grado cartridges in the corral right now.

IMHO, the regular Grado carts need about 40-50 hours and the wood body carts need about 80-100 of break/burn-in.  YMMV.
More to discover