There is hardly any other pickup system in the world that is said to have such a musicality, like the Grado Reference 2. It is now setting new benchmarks in the current version as Reference 2. That is one of the reasons why it is used by professionals at the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, the renowned master studio for MFSL records, as a sound-critical work tool. Hifitest

A True Reference Cartridge
Grado's Reference Series2 Reference phono cartridge use a five piece OTL cantilever technology achieving an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum2 and Sonata2 models. The coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire. It boasts Grado's true ellipsoid design diamond with a boron cantilever and is individually calibrated.

The Reference Series2 of wooden cartridges are hand-crafted at Grado Labs from Australian Jarrah wood. An intricate procedure of curing is done between production steps to achieve optimal sonic quality. This series generator/stylus module is not replaceable, allowing a redesigned one-piece magnetic circuit and a reduction of chassis resonances.

"The Reference's reproduction of the leading edge of low-frequency information, and it's overall portrayal of bass dynamics and pitch, were the best I've heard from any cartridge: solid powerful, authoritative," notes Michael Fremer at Stereophile.

Series 2 Upgrades
Grado's new Series 2 provides a step up from the previous series, but the price stays the same. Series 2 uses a newly redesigned wood chassis with increased and optimized distribution for improved audio stability and imaging. Newly engineered coils and new proprietary magnets improve signal transfer of low level information, which enhances the realism of your music.

Musical Perfection
The Reference Series2 utilizes manufacturing and assembly techniques that result in musical perfection. The Reference Series2 should be used with only the finest equipment. Recommended tracking force 1.5 to 1.9 grams. All wooden series cartridges are 1/2" mount.

All Reference Series2 cartridges offer a low mass generating system, and a diamond cut specially for Grado. The output for the Reference Series2 measures at 5 mV. The frequency information and its portrayal of bass dynamics are solid, powerful and authoritative. The midrange is rich, complex and highly believable. Its top-end seems to extend forever with speed and remarkable delicacy. Imaging is detailed and precise with a sound stage that wraps its arms around you and draws you into the music.

Reference Series2 Upgrades

Newly redesigned wood chassis with increased and optimized distribution
Newly engineered coils
New proprietary magnets
Overview
Features Grado's true ellipsoid design diamond with a boron cantilever
Five piece OTL cantilever technology achieves an additional 5% tip mass reduction over the Platinum2 and Sonata2 model
Coils are wound with ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire
Body hand-crafted at Grado Labs from Australian Jarrah wood
Recommended tracking force 1.5 to 1.9 grams
1/2" mount
Low mass generating system
Diamond cut specially for Grado
Non-replaceable generator/stylus module

20% Trade In - Just send your old Statement  Cartridge for a New One - or Higher Spec Wood Statement / Reference

All re-tipping on the Statement and Reference series will be done by Grado.