in my studied, experienced and sometimes sober opinion.....the Sonata REF2 is a fine cartridge...my Grado experience ( all positive btw ) only dates to 1978 so roberjerman has me aced out....
the Black is certainly more neutral and nuanced but in my system at the time did not have the midrange magic of the Grado...
for reference: Grado or Ortofon on Rega OEM 300 w Basis Silver cable on 1400 into Croft RS phono out to Audioquest sky into MX-110z .....blah....Apogee Stage, which are pretty revealing in the midrange....
have fun !!!!!
the Black is certainly more neutral and nuanced but in my system at the time did not have the midrange magic of the Grado...
for reference: Grado or Ortofon on Rega OEM 300 w Basis Silver cable on 1400 into Croft RS phono out to Audioquest sky into MX-110z .....blah....Apogee Stage, which are pretty revealing in the midrange....
have fun !!!!!