Just ordered the XTZ today. Should be a couple days before I receive it. Any recommendations on switching the stylus's out? I can't seem to find the nifty tool that came with the signature cartridge (for this purpose) when new.
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.
- ...
- 37 posts total
Great! Yep, you must be careful when you will try to pull out the old stylus assembly from the Grado. But i hope you will get the manual with new stylus and you can check the direction. They are sitting tightly, but if you will apply force in the righ direction you can pull it out manually, slowly (without that nifty tool). |
Thank you chakster & frogman for the advice on this stylus. I've got about 9 hours on the XTZ stylus right now & can tell you I'm really digging it. This does not sound like the same cartridge. Cleaner top to bottom with much better focus & a wider/deeper stage. Vocals are also beautiful. One question; What are you guys using to clean the stylus? I read somewhere on this forum that Grado doesn't recommend any fluid for cleaning... Just wondering. |
I use Onzow Zerodust after normal stylus cleaning brush. Not sure why this device is expensive now, i think i paid $25 including delivery. I always use ultrasonic Cardas LP for "clening" and sometime for burn-in process. |
- 37 posts total