Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Grado Prestige Series Black Phono Cartridge by DHAllis@hotmail.com

OK, I got this thing to solve a problem. I have an recent vintage receiver without a mono/stereo switch. It has a phono pre-amp, just no mono/stereo switch. And I have lots of pre 1960 mono records that sound better in mono (scratches are reduced). I play them on a DUAL 1226 turntable. I've got a couple of other cartridges made in late 70/early 80s (Shure, Empire, Audio Technica, Osawa). I wasn't expecting the world here folks, just to be able to put a record on and walk over to my chair and read a book and listen to an old old old record in excellent shape (NBC Symphony Orch conducted by Tosconini (sp?)). Before I could sit down I did a "Whaaaa's that?" The HMMMMMMMMMing started out of my speakers as soon as the motor starts on the turntable. Turns out this thing will pick up the motor from my Dual turntable. None of my other cartridges do that. NONE. Took it back and got this response: Oh the GRADOS are known for that. I've seen very little about that here or in AudoReview.com. So if you have a DUAL, DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON A GRADO CARTRIDGE!

REVIEW: Grado Prestige Series Black Phono Cartridge Review by DHAllis@hotmail.com at Audio Asylum