SKU: 70837156985

Grado Timbre Series The Reference 3 Cartridge

Sale price$897.75 Regular price$997.50
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Description

Grado Timbre Series The Reference 3 CartridgeGrado Timbre Series The Reference 3 Cartridge Body: Australian Jarrah Wood Cantileaver: Machined Boron Diamond Tip Output: High 4. 0mV @5 CMV (45) Low 1. 0mV @5 CMV (45) Inductance: High Output 55mH Low Output 6mH Resistance: High Output 660 ohms Low Output 70 ohms Input Load: 10k 47k ohms Cartridge Weight: 10 grams Tracking Force: 1. 6 1. 9 grams Compliance 20m mN Channel Separation: Average 30db 10 30k Hz Controlled Frequency Response: 10 60 KHz Non

Grado Timbre Series The Reference 3 Cartridge

  • Body: Australian Jarrah Wood
  • Cantileaver: Machined Boron / Diamond Tip
  • Output:
    High 4.0mV @5 CMV (45)
    Low  1.0mV @5 CMV (45) 
  • Inductance: 
    High Output 55mH
    Low Output  6mH
  • Resistance:
    High Output 660 ohms
    Low Output  70 ohms

  • Input Load: 10k-47k ohms
  • Cartridge Weight: 10 grams
  • Tracking Force: 1.6-1.9 grams
  • Compliance 20μm/mN
  • Channel Separation: Average 30db - 10-30k Hz
  • Controlled Frequency Response: 10-60 KHz
  • Non-Sensative to Capacitive Load
  • Builds: High Output, Low Output, Mono

‫Into the Woods‬

Achieving fantastic accuracy and control, the Reference3 does everything the Master3 can do - but does it better thanks to specialized intricate processes while being crafted.

Last Stop Before Lineage

Top of the Timbre

While similar to its younger sibling in a few aspects, the Reference3 has a much longer build time since it undergoes extremely unique processes only a few of our cartridges go through. This longer, more intricate practice produces a more colorful and deeper sound. When working in tandem with the special curing process and individual calibrations, we have the best cartridge in the Timbre Series.

Small Necessities.

The Materials

To make the Timbre Series work as a whole, we created a way for Jarrah, diamonds, and a twin magnet system to integrate with our Flux-Bridge™. We modified our four piece OTL cantilever technology to achieve a 5% tip mass reduction over the Prestige Series and use ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils. The Reference3 uses a specially Grado designed true ellipsoid diamond.

In the Details.

Extreme Precision

Grado has combined newly developed coil winding techniques with decades-old disciplines. A new two-step shielding process brings not only exact unison between the four coils but an unobstructed path for a cleaner signal. The music is allowed to travel undistorted through the coils, greatly reducing mechanical noise while improving tracking. There is an extreme clarity over the full frequency range, with absolutely no stridency or shrillness. Precisely hand tipped with a diamond, a great amount of care go into each cartridge we build.

The Sound of Wood.

Built from Jarrah

After the Reference3 cartridge is crafted, it is then placed inside a Australian Jarrah housing. Jarrah is necessary for the majority of Timbre Series with its ability to produce surgically precise clarity without losing any depth. Through a variation of thermal aging processes, the housing gains the ability to better dampen and control the resonant frequencies. 

With Love.

Hand-Built in Brooklyn

Each Reference3 is hand-built by our team in Brooklyn, as it has been for decades. After a specialized process that brings it to life, they are fine tuned for everything from entry-level turntables up to the highest-end stereo systems, the solid mass of the wood helps keep the Sonata3 steady and producing the Grado signature sound. We started building cartridges on a kitchen table in 1953, and every experience since then has led to the creation of the Reference3.

 

"The arrival of a cured mahogany cartridge identical to the one I already owned found me unprepared for the next vaulting leap in my listening education. Within a week of auditioning the 0.5 mv Statement Reference, I began to believe that both my new and vintage vinyl had received a rite of purification, cleansed and made better than new. It was also as though the tiny hairs in my inner ear had been degunked, and in a stroke my hearing was perfectly clear."

Lang Phipps, Audio Reviewer
Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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SKU: 70837156985

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Based on 12 reviews
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DrDavid S DeMasi
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Just perfect. Well made, No Issues Just one perfect sleep zzzzzzzzzzz😴
Color: White, Size: Queen (Pack of 2)
I had down pillows, and foam pillows, and other synthetic pillows etc and some were ok and others were not. I cannot get a great nights sleep if I am constantly having to adjust my pillow during the night. I ordered these pillows as I sleep on my side mostly but sometimes on my back. When they arrived I followed the directions (as they are in a vacuum pack) and only takes a few minutes for them to acclimate. Then put pillow cases on them and off to bed. I had the BEST sleep I have had in YEARS !!!!! The pillows are great. They keep your head comfortable and cool (No Sweating) and super comfortable. The only issue is after a perfect nights sleep, I find I really do not want to get out of bed in the morning..One great thing, is I am retired so I really do not have to get up out of bed until I want to 😴😳. The pillows are well made and feel like expensive down filled pillows but softer. I am VERY satisfied with the pillows. I just wish I would have found these pillows years ago. But now I have them and the perfect sleep that they provide. Dr Dave
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Maritza
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Great sleep
Color: White, Size: Queen (Pack of 2), Color: White, Size: Queen (Pack of 2)
Finally found a pillow that is comfortable. Tested about 5 until I found the right one. This is perfect for back and side sleepers. Firm, but soft. Just enough filling and great quality. Will hold up for many years.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
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nastyfishy
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 4
Good overall
Color: White, Size: Standard (Pack of 2)
Bought these for our guest bedroom. They are quite overstuffed, so if you like full pillows this will be your thing. As such they are dense and firm. The height is a bit much if you are small framed, but are comfortable overall and stay cool enough to be nice in the summer.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2026
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Marissa
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Finally Found Pillows Everyone Loves
Color: White, Size: King (Pack of 4)
I LOVE these pillows. I bought the king-size set and ended up liking them so much that I want them on every bed in the house. They’re soft but still supportive, and they actually work for different sleeping positions, back, side, and stomach sleepers. They don’t go flat, but they’re also not overly stiff, which is such a hard balance to find. I throw them in the washing machine which makes them super easy to wash! The size is true to King! They feel cool and hotel-quality, and the down-alternative fill is great if you don’t want real feathers. I wake up without neck pain, and they keep their shape night after night. If you’re picky about pillows (like I am), these are absolutely worth it. Comfortable, affordable, and a great value for a set of four.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Emanuel
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Feel perfect, not too soft and not too hard.
Color: White, Size: Queen (Pack of 4)
Incredibly perfect pillows. They feel not firm nor too soft but just right.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026

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