Reference Statement V2

About the Reference Statement V2

The Grado Reference Statement V2 is a hand-crafted phono cartridge made in Brooklyn, New York, featuring an Australian Jarrah wood enclosure designed to optimize mass distribution for one of the world's most stable tracking cartridges. It uses four reconfigured coils and a precision-machined ultra-low mass generating system, which is lighter than any moving coil cartridge. The cantilever is made of boron with a diamond cut stylus specially made for Grado. The cartridge has a fixed coil design with a moving iron principle, providing a low output of 1.0 mV that requires a phono stage with at least 56 dB gain and a high resistive loading of 10k to 47k ohms. It delivers a rich, complex midrange, solid and authoritative bass dynamics, and a top-end that extends with remarkable delicacy and speed. Imaging is detailed and precise with a wide soundstage that immerses the listener. The cartridge is recommended for use with high-quality equipment and a tracking force between 1.5 and 1.9 grams. It is praised for its low surface noise, natural sound, and wide dynamic range, competing favorably with cartridges at higher price points.