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Grado Sonata1 Ref Vs. Audio Technica AT33EV

I've been using a Grado Sonata1 Reference cart for the past 1.5 years, and recently upgraded my speakers from monitors to floor standers. Now with the more pronounced bass, I'm noticing the Grado is a bit washy in the bass. The quantity if there, and it goes deep, but it's a bit soft. This is with a PS Audio GCPH and a Clearaudio Emotion TT. I'm considering making the switch to a more budget-friendly MC cart, particularly the AT33EV. Has anyone heard both the AT33EV and the Grado Sonata1 and can make a fair comparison?

Things I love about the Grado are: absolutely beautiful midrange, delicate treble, great harmonic detail, timbre, and lushness, soundstage. Really the only things I can think of that would need improving might be the bass "cleanliness", and perhaps a tad more extension in the treble. Maybe the AT33EV can't live up to all that?
jwglista
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,471 posts
 
Any adjustment one makes to the tonearm (raise/lower the rear end, etc.) means you have to adjust all the other parameters as well (vtf, move the cartridge forward or back in the headshell, check azimuth, etc.)
davide256's avatar
davide256
399 posts
 
The Grado elliptical shaped stylus isn't that VTA sensitive. Have you played with the loading to see if that helps? I've used it on "the AR" turntable and the Sota Sapphire with fine results, only time bass suffered was when my TT needed shop time.
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knownothing
1,584 posts
 
You may be exploring the limits of your TT in the bass department. Only way to know for sure is to try another cartridge (easy) or TT (less easy).
heyraz
177 posts
 
I have both the Sonata 1 Statement and the Sonata 1 reference and prefer the lower output model. Of course, you need a lot of gain to use it, but it's in a different league than it's high output brother.

It is however very, very sensitive with regard to it's setup and alignment. Different VTA's make a world of difference. Sizzle or Boom. Unfortunately, not all LP's are of the same thickness, so whatever cartridge you get, you'll have to set it up with an album representative of your collection. I used a 180g disc for my setup and alignment procedure.
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
Davide256: I have not played with the loading at all, and have just had it at 47k. It's something to try though.

Heyraz: I still don't quite know why, but when I bought my Sonata1, I went with the high output instead of the low output, even though I have the PS Audio GCPH which is capable of providing the necessary gain. I think it was because I read about the infamous "Grado Hum", and was worried that the low output version would require extra gain that would amplify this possible hum. I suppose that was a mistake on my part.

Knownothing: I think you might be right about the TT. And to explore this, I actually ordered a Dynavector 20x2L (low output), which is being delivered today. I chose to take this step first to find out which is at fault. If I'm still experiencing dissatisfaction with the bass, then I'll know it's time to start saving up for that VPI Classic.
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