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Tweaking the new Grado Timbre Sonata 3

I have about 10 hours on my new Grado Sonata 3.

relevant system:

VPI Prime > Sonata 3> ARC PH3se (phono pre) > Herron 1A (preamp) > ARC Classic 60 (amp) > Thiel CS 2.4’s (speakers)

My old cart was a Nagaoka MP 500.  While good, the Grado is better overall. But the highs are a bit more extended than the Nagaoka, which seems to be a bit excessive, but just a bit, almost, but not quite sibilant.  
Alignment was done with my trusty AS Smartractor, though difficult to use on the Grado due to the long wood body overhang on the Grado. 

Raising and lowering VTA has little effect. 
My question, before I get too worried about this prior to complete break in, is will the highs “soften” up once broke in. Is that typical with Grados? Or, is it I gots what I got. 
last_lemming
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
What they recommend is what they recommend, not necessarily what you prefer. Your question:
before I get too worried about this prior to complete break in, is will the highs “soften” up once broke in. 
Is what I answered. If you want a softer top end more loading (using a resistor with a value lower than 47kOhms) will certainly accomplish that. The only way you will ever know is to try. Go and listen. You will see.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I had Grados for many years...cartridges, headphones....they all need lots of time before they dance.   Be patient
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Sonata 3 Timbre Series
Recommended Load Range: 10k - 47k ohms

But the highs are a bit more extended... , which seems to be a bit excessive, but just a bit, almost, but not quite sibilant.

Use 10k Ohm instead of 47k Ohm if you think there are too much highs


last_lemming OP
638 posts
 
Not sure how I can adjust this. The unit is fixed at 47k. There are no toggles on the unit to adjust.
It does come with some resistors to attach to the rca connector and ground, then you have to solder them in. But that appears to be for MC carts. That’s why I bought the DB set of rca plug in resistors so I would have to fool with that. 
Grado says the cart is not sensitive to capacitance loading. 
Not sure that’s relevant though. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Its not. Capacitance varies with interconnects. All this means is it will tend to not be sensitive to or fussy with interconnects.  

A resistor can be soldered in series with the hot lead either inside the RCA or inside the phono stage. If its a big deal go for it. Otherwise if guys are saying Grado can be slow to loosen up then wait and see.
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