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Grado holds a well-earned reputation for phono cartridge quality among turntable aficionados, and with good reason. However, Grado is also considered to be a high-cost brand, but this doesn't take the inexpensive Prestige Black cartridge into consideration.

The Prestige Black uses a moving-iron principle with fixed magnets and coil, as well as an iron element mounted on the end of the cantilever. As the cantilever and iron element move, the motion creates changes in the magnetic field that in turn induces voltage changes in the coil. This is similar to a moving-magnet design, but the Prestige Black's lighter weight promotes high audio quality with less interference. Playback shows the cartridge to provide a relatively flat response, audibly low distortion, and low noise.

The Prestige Black uses an elliptical diamond stylus attached to a three-piece OTL (optimized transmission line) cantilever arm. The cartridge is designed for medium-quality systems that will accept its high sensitivity rating of 5 millivolts and recommended tracking force of 1.5 grams. It has a wide frequency response, extending to 50,000Hz, and the cartridge weighs in at 5.5 grams.

The stylus is replaceable, and although this can be tricky, Grado includes a special tool to do the job. The shell is built with standard two-hole mounts. The Prestige Black is well suited as a low-cost replacement for a worn cartridge. Its relatively low tracking force will protect your record collection (whereas a worn stylus will destroy it), and the Prestige Black's good performance will deliver the best results from your records' grooves.

Warranty
1 year