Grado reference platnum or Grado statement platnum

Yogiboy,

Thanks for the info!

VPI Turntables look pretty HOT! However, they are a bit out of my price range. The Denon DP-62 does a pretty fair job with my cobbled together system:

Preamp: Audio Refinement Pre-II pro
Power Amp: 2 each McIntosh MC-60
CD player: Magnavox CDB-610
Open reel: Teac X-10R
Tuner: Magnum Dynalab MD-90
TT Preamp: Nad
Speakers: ESS amt-1a

Before I get the new Grado Cartridge I plan to buy a VPI HW-16.5 record cleaner.

Thanks again!

the low output version requires a fairly specialized phono preamp. MM inputs don't have enough gain, but many mc inputs - e.g., using transformers - won't work or won't provide adequate 47K loading. You'd probably be better off with the high output version.

This is the first time everybody has recommended the same thing. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Grado high output Platnum.

Don't apologize for your DP62. And don't assume that a mid-level VPI turntable is any better. Properly serviced and in a good plinth, your DP62 is a superb tt. I agree with all the others; it appears you would be best off with the high output version, given your present phono stage. I like the vintage "feel" of your chosen components.

By the way (from the Grado website), "All Grado cartridges now use a derivation of the moving iron principle which feature patented OPTIMIZED TRANSMISSION LINE cantilever technology, PIVOTED FIXED AXIAL STYLUS-GENERATOR MODULE, and Grado's FLUX-BRIDGER GENERATOR SYSTEM." So they are not MM; they are MI. This means nothing except that MI cartridges have lower moving mass than either MM or MC, which is a good thing and why Grado's sound so good, IMO.

I had an XTZ Grado.
For the imaging, I loved it.
In every single possible other way, my high output Benz Ace I bought used...for the same amount of money, blows it away...bad.
For me, it really was like re-discovering my vinyl collection.