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Grado Stylus Upgrade

I currently am using a Grado Gold cartridge from the Prestige line. The cartridge was bought new about a year ago and has not seen heavy use. Basically, still like new. Although the Gold is not anywhere near the top of Grado's line of cartridges it is still decent with my system. I have read numerous forums and almost all Grado users recommend upgrading the standard Gold stylus to the 8MZ stylus for superior performance. That stylus goes for $150 which is more than half of what the Gold cartridge with standard stylus costs. I am not interested in a complete cartridge upgrade at this time but am curious if the 8MZ stylus upgrade is worth the expense? I guess that any users that have this cartridge and have done the stylus upgrade consider it a worthwhile upgrade.
  
jrpnde
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
Chakster,
In the 8MZ body, would the difference between the XTZ & the TLZ stylus insert be large, or in that body would it be about the same? 
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,460 posts
 
I would guess you wouldn't hear much of a difference.....when it's done, let me know.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@boxer12 Let me quote our member Frogman to answer your question, see below:

The Grado XTZ was intended to be a more refined sounding version of the TLZ. I owned both (as well as the 8MZ) years ago. Both are fine cartridges, but while the XTZwas indeed a bit more refined sounding, it was also more polite sounding. The TLZ was noticeably more alive and dynamic sounding while sounding a bit brighter and very slightly unrefined by comparison. In my system at that time the TLZ was a better choice. Output for both was 1.5 mv vs 5 mv for the 8 series. If memory serves, the only difference between the TLZ and XTZ was a better dampened cantilever for the XTZwhich, contrary to the "rigidity at all costs" school of thought, was comprised of different sections of tube of different diameters to create the taper of the tube. Again, if memory serves, the XTZ's cantilever was made up of three different sections vs the TLZ's two. Both had excellent sound staging, fine generous bass, and very natural timbre (especially the XTZ).

frogman
7,427 posts
 
Hah!   Saw this post a couple of days ago with the intention of responding when I had some time, but I see that chakster did it for me ;-).    Chakster is correct, the XTZ really was a terrific cartridge.  I would only add that taking into account that it is impossible to accurately quantify the level of “improvement” from one component to another as it relates to cost, I would say that if one values smoothness and refinement and one’s sound system already satisfies in the dynamics department, then the improvement gained by going to the XTZ stylus from the TLZ stylus is about as much as going to the TLZ from the 8MZ.  Personally, after having experienced the improvements in smoothness and tonal refinement of the XTX, I could not go back to the TLZ.  Good luck.
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
Chakster, Frogman,
Thanks for the advice/experience. Looks like XTZ is is. 
Springreen,
It will be few weeks out but will post my experience/opinion once it's broke in. Currently breaking in a new JICO stylus in an empire 4000 D/III cart. So far not liking it as well as the Grado 8MZ, but it is improving. 
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