Grado Reference The Reference

For sale is an excellent condition, Grado Reference "The Reference" MI cartridge. Top of the line in the reference series at $1200.

It is the high output 4.8mv version.

I had it checked out by Brooks Berdan Ltd a couple weeks ago via microscope. Tech said it had virtually no wear and looked new. He also remarked how clean the diamond looked, to which I responded that I clean the stylus with LAST Stylus cleaner after each play. He said "No wonder!"

I would say there is approximately 300hrs on it. Grado said the "The Reference" will last 3000hrs.

As you can see by the pics, it is in great condition and the cantilever is perfectly straight. There is black damping paint on the top half of the cantilever and a tiny red dot near the stylus. These are applied by Grado to control resonances, and are still intact.

I hate to sell this but I have two of these, the other which is being retipped by Soundsmith, so I am letting this one go. Comes with original box, info sheet, screws, and stylus guard.

Cartridge will be insured for shipping.

Buyer pays PayPal fee 3.4%.