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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
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,227 posts
 
LL, which one did you get? High output or low output? With either If I guess right the lower load will bring the bass forward which should give you the balance you are looking for especially with the low output version.

Mike
frogman
7,373 posts
 
I understand your impatience. We all want instant gratification. Streengreen is exactly right; be patient. In my experience, 10 hours is not nearly enough; even for Grados which are not nearly as finicky as some other cartridges. I think you will be confusing matters, and yourself, by trying all sorts of tweaks before letting the cartridge settle. What you describe as the “problem” is exactly in line with what I have experienced with some new cartridges. Don’t do anything yet, other that ballpark adjustments of VTA. Good luck.
last_lemming OP
632 posts
 
Mijo,

I got the low output 1mv. The Nagaoka was 2.5mv and it was more than plenty, almost too much, so I went with the low output Grado. Works great from a volume aspect.

Frogman,

I will wait. It seems the prudent advice. 
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,940 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.
itsjustme
681 posts
 
A resistor can be soldered in series with the hot lead either inside the RCA or inside the phono stage. If its a big deal go for it. Otherwise if guys are saying Grado can be slow to loosen up then wait and see.
Yes, but if he wants to adjust his existing 47k --> 10k he needs to put it in parallel, not series.  Since 10k II 47k = ~ 8.2k, use something like 15k.  I have no idea if that's the right load. I use 47k on mine and its certainly not too bright.  ask John.


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