Hi,
I have some info on the Grace F10 MC series cartridges.
The Grace F-10 Cartridge series consisted of 3 variants - the F-10C, F-10P and the F-10L. All 3 shared line-contact styli of 0.2 x 0.8, known by the Grace proprietry name of "Advanced Luminal Trace". There was no spherical stylus in the F-10 series.
The differences between the 3 variants was primarily the material used for the cantilever, the output, the recommended tracking force, the compliance, the frequency range, and the price.
I have been able to confirm the following information from an original Grace marketing brochure:
F-10C specifications:
Frequency characteristics: 20~30,000Hz±2dB
Output voltage: 0.5mV(5cm/sec, 1,000Hz, 45°)
Impedance: 15Ω±10%(1,000Hz)
Channel balance: within 0.5dB(1,000Hz)
Crosstalk: below -25dB(1,000Hz)
Stylus tip: 0.2×0.8mil Advanced Luminal Trace
Stylus pressure: 1.8gr (±0.3gr)
Compliance: 20×10-6cm/dyne
Cantilever: Superhard aluminum alloy-made tapered pipeline
Weight: 8.6gr
Price: ￥26,000
F-10L specifications:
Frequency characteristics: 20~30,000Hz±2dB
40~20,000Hz±1dB
Output voltage: 0.75mV(5cm/sec, 1,000Hz, 45°)
Impedance: 23Ω±10%(1,000Hz)
Channel balance: within 0.5dB(1,000Hz)
Crosstalk: below -25dB(1,000Hz)
Stylus tip: 0.2×0.8mil Advanced Luminal Trace
Stylus pressure: 1.8gr (±0.5gr)
Compliance: 20×10-6cm/dyne
Cantilever: Boron composite
Weight: 8.6gr
￥44,000
F-10P specifications:
Frequency characteristics: 20~25,000Hz±2dB
40~20,000Hz±1dB
Output voltage: 0.75mV(5cm/sec, 1,000Hz, 45°)
Impedance: 23Ω±10%(1,000Hz)
Channel balance: within 0.5dB(1,000Hz)
Crosstalk: below -25dB(1,000Hz)
Stylus tip: 0.2×0.8mil Advanced Luminal Trace
Stylus pressure: 2.5gr (±0.5gr)
Compliance: 13×10-6cm/dyne
Cantilever: Tapered OX titanium
Weight: 9.3gr
Price: ￥46,000
The marketing brochure describes the F-10 series and the 3 variants in the following terms:
"The Grace F-10P and F-10L are the successors to Japan's first MC style stereo cartridge - the Grace F-45 which went on sale over 20 years ago".
F-10C:
"super lightweight, super-rigid, tapered Aluminium alloy cantilever; highly magnetized samarium magnet"; The F-10C vividly crystalizes the sound image floating before your eyes".
F-10L:
"tapered light, high strength Boron cantilever; highly magnetized samarium magnet; For those who want to penetrate to the core of the original sound and seek reality we recommend the F-10L".
F-10P:
"tapered light, high strength Titanium cantilever; highly magnetized samarium magnet; We recommend the F-10P for those who wish to deeply immerse themselves in music".
I own both the F-10P and the F-10L and while I enjoy both, I much prefer the F-10P.
I hope this is useful.
Kind regards
John
