xperience with Grados The Statement 2 (vs. Audio Technica Art)


Hello to this superb forum. My name is Sebastian and I’m writing from Germany. I have a question regarding Grados Statement 2 cartridge. Unfortunately the information I can get in german forums is zero so I’m asking you for some advice.

At the moment I hear very happy with a Nottingham Analogue Astra (similar to Dais) turntable with 10” anna arm, Goldnote PH10 Phono stage and an Audionet Sam G2 Amp. Speakers are Q-Acoustics Concept 500). My current cartridge is the Audio Technica Art 9.

The sound is very nice, honest, linear, detailed, the stage is precise and quite deep.

some friends that have more experience than me told me: you won’t get it any better, even if you spend more money.

But there is one thing I wish for: that is a bit more colour, richness, the leading voice could have a little more vibrance and fealing.
I don’t need more detail but on the other hand I don’t want to loose detail or stage.

And that is where the Grado jumps in. From the few reviews I could find on the web, this could be my solution.

So...does anyone know or own this cartridge and give me some hints and details? Any information is highly appreciated!

Best regards

Sebastian
sdzsdz
Dear @sdzsdz : Exist several room/system factors that have influence in what we listen to and when we are talking of a cartridge one of those critical factors is the tonearm where is mounted the cartridge and the arm board too.

You can't talk of cartridge sound characteristics in your system with out take in count the tonearm that has its own signature that modulates what you are listen through the speakers.

I don't have and know almost nothing of your arm but somewhere I read that could be an unipivot design: is it that way? because this is an important kind of sound parameter/factor on the sound you are perceiving.

Inside its price range the ART9 is very good performer but certainly is not the only link inyour room/system chain.
Before you can think in a cartridge change do it you a favor and make an overall check up evaluation at each single link in the room/system chain.

""" 
Grado jumps in. From the few reviews I could find on the web, this could be my solution    """


Why, when probably the reviews were using diferent room/systems that the one you own?

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

I own a Grado Reference 2 and found it a significant upgrade from my older Reference v1. Detail and snap was significantly improved with no added harshness. Soundstage is excellent and precise. I am using the old Grado PH1 phono preamp and the gain is a bit low (The Grado is only about 0.4mV, I think. I do not know any of your other equipment, so I can't comment.

"But there is one thing I wish for: that is a bit more colour, richness, the leading voice could have a little more vibrance and fealing.
I don’t need more detail but on the other hand I don’t want to loose detail or stage."

Have you ever considered a tubed phono stage? It may provide the things you’re seeking.I have used the ART9, very nice cart.
These 2 units are have been on around and are proven performers. They can be found for a reasonable price used, also.
http://www.herronaudio.com/vtph2specs.htmlhttps://www.manley.com/hifi/mch
The sound is very nice, honest, linear, detailed, the stage is precise and quite deep.

some friends that have more experience than me told me: you won’t get it any better, even if you spend more money.

Actually you can and even for less money, but it's a personal preferences. Last night we have compared various LOMC cartridges with a friend. During the late night session the FR-7fz and Grado Signature XTZ were chosen. The Grado XTZ was the best Grado cartridge made by Joseph Grado himself, it's MI cartridge and even against the very expensive FR-7fz on FR-64fx tonearm i still love the Grado sound, it's warmer and full bodied. So i assume MI has it's own flavor compared to LOMC.   


But there is one thing I wish for: that is a bit more colour, richness, the leading voice could have a little more vibrance and fealing.
I don’t need more detail but on the other hand I don’t want to loose detail or stage.

It is very personal and also depends on your phono stage, in my opinion the Gold Note PH-10 does not reproduce the bass correctly, it's clearly a lack of bass in my system with this phono stage compared to two other phono stages i have. I think you can look for the Grado XTZ, styli are still available. I can't say anything about Grados Statement 2 as i never tried it. But in my opinion anyone must check at least two types of cartridges (MI/MM versus LOMC).