Grado Master4 Timbre Series Phono Cartridge

A Family-Built Cartridge, Refined for a New Generation

The Grado Master4 is a moving-iron cartridge from Grado's Timbre Series. It is built on Joseph Grado's flux-bridger design, with low moving mass and a fixed coil. A nude elliptical diamond tip sits on a machined boron cantilever. Grado chose it for speed and stability. The body is hand-finished American Osage wood, chosen to keep the body from ringing.

Frequency response spans 10Hz to 60kHz, and channel separation averages 30dB from 10Hz to 30kHz. At 9.6 grams it suits a tonearm built for a middling cartridge weight. The Master4 comes in High Output and Low Output stereo versions, plus a Mono version built as a special order. All three share the same stylus, cantilever, and body.

Choosing the Right Output for Your Phono Stage

The High Output version puts out 4.0mV. Internal resistance is 660 ohms and inductance is 55mH. It is built for phono stages designed around a moving-magnet input. The Low Output version puts out 1.0mV, with 70 ohms of internal resistance and 6mH of inductance, and suits a lower-gain moving-coil-style input instead.

The Mono version is built as a special order in either output, for anyone who spins old mono pressings and wants a cartridge built for them. Every version takes the same load, between 10k and 47k ohms, and tracks at 1.6 to 1.9 grams. Compliance measures 20µm/mN right across the line.

Who Is This Cartridge Best For?

• Vinyl listeners upgrading from an entry or mid-level cartridge. A boron cantilever and nude diamond stylus mark this as a genuinely high-performance design.
• Anyone whose phono stage has a moving-magnet input. The High Output version is built to match that gain structure directly.
• Anyone whose phono stage favors lower-output, moving-coil-style cartridges. The Low Output version fits that setup instead.
• Collectors of vintage mono records. The special-order Mono version is built specifically for that format.
• You are matching this to a phono stage, not a receiver — the High Output version wants a moving-magnet input and the Low Output version a moving-coil one, so check which you have before choosing. Ordering the wrong one is the easiest mistake to make here. Our phono preamplifiers list the gain each version needs.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

A qualified installer or dealer mounts the Master4 to your tonearm's headshell, then sets tracking force within its 1.6 to 1.9 gram range. Careful alignment brings out its full detail.

Match your phono stage's input type to the version you choose: moving-magnet gain for High Output, or a lower-gain input for Low Output. Set load impedance between 10k and 47k ohms either way.

From the phono stage, connect to your preamp or integrated amplifier's line-level input as usual.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Grado Master4:

• Turntables with a tonearm capable of resolving this cartridge's detail
• Phono preamplifiers with an input matched to your chosen output level
• Preamplifiers to complete a full analog front end
• Audio racks to give your turntable a stable, vibration-free home

Frequently Asked Questions

Which output should I choose?

Check your phono stage. High Output (4.0mV) suits a moving-magnet input, while Low Output (1.0mV) suits a lower-gain, moving-coil-style input.

What is the Mono version for?

It's built for playing mono records, common with vintage pressings. It's available as a special order in either High or Low Output.

What tracking force does it need?

Grado recommends a tracking force between 1.6 and 1.9 grams, the same range across all three versions.

Should I have it professionally installed?

We recommend it. Precise mounting and alignment matter with a cartridge built to this level of detail.

What's the warranty?

Grado covers the Master4 for one year against manufacturing defects, not including normal stylus wear.

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about phono cartridges, matching output to your phono stage, or setting up your turntable? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.