FWIW - some additional info I finally recalled having. Excerpts from a Jan 2017 personal email exchange w/Rich Grado about differences between Grado Gold vs 8MZ stylus.
Me: I’ve read conflicting info on line about whether the 8MZ V is superior to the Gold or just a relabel of the Gold stylus. Would appreciate any clarifying info you can provide.
RG: The Gold and 8MZ are not the same stylus, they use different generators. The 8MZ is meant for a JG Signature cartridge, but of course will work in any [ ]. Diamond shapes are the same. Preference is in the ear of the listener.
On the strength of that reply, I tend to agree with Yogiboy to go "up line" stylus-wise or cartridge-wise if seeking a significant improvement over the stock Gold cartridge.
Me: I’ve read conflicting info on line about whether the 8MZ V is superior to the Gold or just a relabel of the Gold stylus. Would appreciate any clarifying info you can provide.
RG: The Gold and 8MZ are not the same stylus, they use different generators. The 8MZ is meant for a JG Signature cartridge, but of course will work in any [ ]. Diamond shapes are the same. Preference is in the ear of the listener.
On the strength of that reply, I tend to agree with Yogiboy to go "up line" stylus-wise or cartridge-wise if seeking a significant improvement over the stock Gold cartridge.