Grado Timbre Opus3 Phono Cartridge

Grado's Most Affordable Wooden Body Cartridge

Bringing extreme levels of clarity over the full frequency range, the Opus3 phono cartridge from Grado Labs is the easiest way to enter the Grado family of wooden-body cartridges.

The Opus3 was built specifically to bring Grado's entry-level and the mid-range phono cartridges closer together, creating an even tighter ecosystem of cartridges. Grado engineers worked on the Opus3 knowing they wanted to have a cost-effective wooden cartridge while at the same time taking advantage of the techniques and processes used in the higher-end models. If taking a step up in your turntable setup is on your to-do list, start here with the Opus 3.

First of its Kind

When it comes to the Opus3, there are a few 'firsts' to talk about. This is Grado's first cartridge built with a maple wood housing, as well as the first to use what Grado learned with its high-end cartridges and apply that knowledge to an entry-level price. The housing is a new shape, but it still keeps the wood working in tandem with the cartridge inside. This is also the first cartridge built specifically with the Timbre Series in mind.

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 also an unobstructed path for a cleaner signal. The music is allowed to travel undistorted through the coils, greatly reducing mechanical noise. There is an extreme clarity over the full frequency range, with absolutely no stridency or shrillness. Precisely hand tipped with a diamond, each cartridge is the end product of a great amount of care.

The Sound of Wood – Built from Maple

The Opus3 is nestled inside a maple housing, which a cartridge has never done before. After years of working with maple from Grado's Heritage and Statement Series headphones, Grado decided it was time to bring it to a phono cartridge. Maple produces a vibrant and luscious sound, while staying consistent and clear. Through a variation of thermal aging processes, the housing gains the ability to better dampen and control the resonant frequencies.

Hand Assembled in Brooklyn, USA

Each Opus3 is hand assembled in Brooklyn, USA. Fine-tuned for everything from entry-level turntables up to the highest-end stereo systems, the solid mass of the wood helps keep the Opus3 steady and producing the Grado signature sound. Grado started building cartridges on a kitchen table in 1953, and every experience since then has led to the creation of the Opus3.

Choose high output, low output, or mono models.

Product Features

Body: Maple Wood
Cantilever: Aluminum / Elliptical Diamond
Choose high output, low output, or mono models
Non-sensitive to capacitive load

Product Specs

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: 8 grams
Tracking Force: 1.6-1.9 grams
Compliance: 20μm/mN
Channel Separation: Average 30db - 10-30k Hz
Controlled Frequency Response: 10-60 kHz
Builds: High Output, Low Output, Mono

Product Warranty

1 Year

Parts & Labor

Grado Warranty Information

"Unexpectedly chunky and punchy sounding, yet also quick, clear, and warmly engaging, the Grado Opus3 is a compelling alternative to similarly-priced cartridges from both musical and technical standpoints. It's the phono cartridge equivalent of Daniel Craig playing James Bond while dressed in Mister Rogers' cardigan sweater. If that rings some kind of bell, you may have found your next phono cartridge."

- Ed Kobesky, Positive Feedback, March 30, 2022

2021 The Absolute Sound Budget Products of the Year Award Winner

"When the Opus3 settles in the groove and a rush of music pours forth, there’s an overriding sense that everything is right with the analog world. From a company known for exceptional performance and value, the Grado Opus3 resets the bar. Pure and simple, a celebration of LP playback."

- Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound, March 15, 2021

Audio Advisor occasionally has fantastic deals on clearance items that are in excellent condition and we happen to have just one or two of.

Demo: Photo samples, gear we auditioned, items returned for wrong color/wrong size, etc.

Open Box: Contents briefly examined or inspected for promotional or internal purposes

Factory Refreshed: Original-condition items repackaged by the manufacturer

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