For what its worth, I noticed my new Grado Gold does not have the impact of a lowly Black I compared it to. I think the "better" pricer grados can have less impact than the cheaper carts with larger stylus tip and simpler cantilever. I believe Neil Levinson, audio reviewer for Fanfare magazine many years ago preferred wider stylus tips such as the simpler elliptical and conical styli shapes.
Also, larger stylus footprint tracks older, wider-groove LPs better than fine-line types. In my opinion, Grados are very stable over time, they do not have a rubber suspension that degrades, although suspension may still soften after use-- so you may just prefer the cheaper Grados in your system.
Also, larger stylus footprint tracks older, wider-groove LPs better than fine-line types. In my opinion, Grados are very stable over time, they do not have a rubber suspension that degrades, although suspension may still soften after use-- so you may just prefer the cheaper Grados in your system.