Grado Prestige Red4 - Black

Description

Moving-Iron Architecture and Low Moving Mass

The Grado Prestige Red4 uses Joseph Grado's Flux-Bridger moving-iron principle, keeping the coil structure fixed while reducing the effective moving mass of the generating system. This approach delivers precise groove tracing and swift transient response without the fragility associated with moving-coil designs. The result is a stable, coherent signal that preserves the subtle detail of vinyl recordings.

5N OCC Copper Coils With Cryogenic Treatment

The Red4's internal signal path is built with ultra-high-purity 5N OCC copper wire to maintain strict channel-to-channel balance between the left and right coils. The cartridge body undergoes cryogenic treatment and targeted internal damping to reduce unwanted mechanical resonances. This construction supports an average channel separation of 25 dB across the 10-30,000 Hz range for stable stereo imaging.

Bonded Elliptical Stylus on Aluminum Cantilever

Mounted on an aluminum cantilever, the bonded elliptical diamond stylus follows the intricate contours of the record groove with accuracy. This combination delivers detailed retrieval while limiting long-term record wear. The stylus assembly is user-replaceable — and the same replacement stylus fits the entire Prestige series — for easy long-term maintenance.

High Output and Broad System Compatibility

With a 4 mV output at 5 cm/s and a 10-to-47 kOhm working load, the Red4 pairs directly with the built-in MM phono stages found on integrated amplifiers and with standalone MM phono preamplifiers. Its die-injection-molded body weighs 6 grams and fits standard 1/2" tonearm headshells. Rated frequency response runs from 10 to 55,000 Hz, with recommended tracking force between 1.6 and 1.9 grams.

Common Questions

What is the recommended tracking force?

Grado specifies a tracking force between 1.6 and 1.9 grams for the Prestige Red4. Setting the force accurately with a stylus gauge delivers a neutral frequency balance and stable tracking through complex passages.

Can I replace the stylus myself?

Yes — the Prestige series stylus assembly detaches easily and swaps in without removing the cartridge from the tonearm. Replacement styli are interchangeable across the Prestige models (Black, Green, Red, Blue, Gold).

Does this cartridge need a dedicated MC phono preamplifier?

No — despite the moving-iron generator, the Red4 delivers 4 mV, which is compatible with any moving-magnet (MM) phono input or preamplifier. No dedicated MC stage is required.

How does the Red4 differ from the Green4 and Gold4?

All three cartridges share the same Flux-Bridger architecture, aluminum cantilever, bonded elliptical diamond, and die-injection-molded body. The difference is selection: the Green4 uses the standard-grade stylus, the Red4 uses a stylus graded for tighter channel symmetry, and the Gold4 gets the finest selection — stylus and mechanical components picked from the top of Prestige production. Measured specs (4 mV output, 10-47 kOhm load, 1.6-1.9 g tracking force, 10-55,000 Hz response) are identical across the three models.

What's in the Box

Grado Prestige Red4 phono cartridge (standard 1/2" mount)

Removable stylus guard

Mounting hardware

Documentation