{"product_id":"grado-prestige-red4-phono-cartridge-p-mount","title":"Grado Prestige Red4 Phono Cartridge P-Mount","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat You Need to Know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is a P-Mount (T4P) Cartridge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eP-Mount cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e — also called a \u003cstrong\u003eT4P\u003c\/strong\u003e (Technics 4-Pin) — is a plug-in cartridge format that attaches directly into a compatible tonearm slot without any separate mounting hardware or alignment procedure. Instead of two screws through a headshell, the P-Mount body has a rectangular plug that inserts straight into a T4P-compatible tonearm socket. The four electrical pins on the body make contact automatically when you slide the cartridge in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP-Mount tonearms were popularized by Technics in the 1980s and can be found on many linear-tracking and mid-market turntables from that era, as well as a number of more recent models. The format offers one key practical advantage: installation and cartridge swapping requires no tools, no alignment, and no protractor. If your turntable has a P-Mount tonearm, the Red4 P-Mount is designed specifically for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e The P-Mount Red4 is not compatible with standard half-inch mount tonearms. If you are unsure which mounting format your turntable uses, check your turntable’s manual or call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e and we can confirm before you order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Red4 — Grado Prestige Series\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado Labs has been making phono cartridges in Brooklyn, New York since 1953. The company is still family-owned, now in its third generation. Their Prestige Series is the foundation of the Grado cartridge lineup — plastic-bodied, high-output moving iron cartridges designed for broad system compatibility, easy installation, and long-term reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red4 is the mid-tier entry in the Prestige Series, sitting above the Green4 and below the Gold4. It uses a \u003cstrong\u003ebonded elliptical diamond stylus\u003c\/strong\u003e on an \u003cstrong\u003ealuminum cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e, the same moving iron flux-bridger generator as every Grado cartridge, and OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) copper in the internal signal path. The Red4 P-Mount provides the same core performance as the standard-mount Red4 in a T4P plug-in format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is a Moving Iron Cartridge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado uses a \u003cstrong\u003emoving iron (MI) design\u003c\/strong\u003e in all their cartridges, based on their patented \u003cstrong\u003eflux-bridger generator system\u003c\/strong\u003e. In this design, the coils are stationary and a tiny iron element attached to the cantilever moves within a magnetic field. This keeps the moving mass extremely low — similar to a moving coil design in that respect — while delivering the output level and easy phono stage compatibility of a moving magnet cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flux-bridger system uses four separate magnetic gaps, which increases efficiency and allows for fewer coil turns. Fewer turns means lower inductance and less sensitivity to tonearm cable capacitance — a practical advantage for system matching. The result is a cartridge that works with any standard MM phono input (47kΩ) and does not require a step-up transformer or specialized loading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBonded Elliptical Diamond — Better Groove Contact Than Spherical\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red4 P-Mount uses a \u003cstrong\u003ebonded elliptical diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e stylus on an \u003cstrong\u003ealuminum cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e. An elliptical diamond profile is longer and narrower in the direction of groove travel than a spherical (conical) stylus, allowing it to make better contact with the groove walls at higher frequencies. This translates to more accurate high-frequency tracking, lower distortion at the top end, and better retrieval of recorded detail compared to a basic spherical stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Bonded” means the diamond tip is fixed to the cantilever shank with an adhesive bond — reliable and appropriate for this level of the Prestige range. The stylus assembly is \u003cstrong\u003euser-replaceable\u003c\/strong\u003e: it pulls straight off the front of the cartridge body and snaps back on without tools. This means you can restore the cartridge to like-new condition by simply fitting a new Red4 stylus when the existing one wears out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUser-Replaceable Stylus — And Interchangeable Across the Prestige Range\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most practical features of all Grado Prestige Series cartridges is the \u003cstrong\u003euser-replaceable stylus system\u003c\/strong\u003e. The stylus assembly slides off the front of the cartridge body and snaps back on without tools — most users can do it in under a minute. You do not need a technician or a return to the factory to replace the stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, all Prestige Series styli are cross-compatible across the entire Prestige line. This means you can fit a higher-level stylus — say, a Gold4 or Silver4 stylus — onto the Red4 body for a cost-effective performance upgrade without replacing the entire cartridge. It also works in reverse: the Red4 stylus fits any other Prestige body. This interchangeability is a deliberate design choice that Grado has maintained throughout the Prestige Series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOCC Copper Internal Signal Path\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red4 uses \u003cstrong\u003eOCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) copper\u003c\/strong\u003e in its internal signal path. OCC copper is produced in a continuous casting process that eliminates grain boundaries along the length of the wire, resulting in a more uniform conductor with lower resistance variation. Grado uses OCC copper across the 2026 Prestige Series update as part of their coil composition improvements for better signal transmission and channel balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Tracking Force and Phono Stage Do I Need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Red4 P-Mount is a \u003cstrong\u003estandard MM-compatible cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e. Any phono stage with a MM input at 47kΩ input impedance will work. Recommended tracking force is \u003cstrong\u003e1.6–1.9g\u003c\/strong\u003e. Set the tracking force using the adjustment mechanism on your T4P tonearm — most P-Mount tonearms have a simple dial or sliding scale for this purpose. If your tonearm does not allow for tracking force adjustment, confirm the fixed tracking force with your turntable’s manual and check it is within the Red4’s 1.6–1.9g range before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHand-Built in Brooklyn, New York\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Red4 P-Mount is assembled by hand at Grado’s facility in Brooklyn, New York. Grado Labs has been making cartridges there since 1953. This is not mass-produced audio — each cartridge passes through individual assembly and inspection before it ships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the Experts Say\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-blockquote\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eecoustics.com — 2026 Grado Cartridge Lineup Coverage, April 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eecoustics confirmed the Red4’s full specification set and described the Prestige Series overall as the “accessible, user-friendly foundation” of Grado’s cartridge lineup. They noted the Red4 uses a bonded elliptical diamond on an aluminum cantilever, with the stylus assembly user-replaceable and Prestige Series styli interchangeable across models — calling it a high output moving iron cartridge designed for compatibility with a wide range of phono stages.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-blockquote\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrado Labs — Official Red4 Product Description, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrado describes the Red4 as delivering “a balanced and controlled presentation, with clear detail and a smooth, natural top end. The midrange carries presence and body, while low frequencies remain defined and composed.” They highlight the cartridge as offering “broad system compatibility” and note that the die-injection molded housing “supports consistent construction and dependable performance.” The Red4 is explicitly offered in both standard mount and P-mount configurations.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-blockquote\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Absolute Sound — Grado 2026 Lineup Announcement, April 9, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Absolute Sound confirmed the 2026 Prestige Series improvements, noting that Grado has built the range around “elliptical diamond stylus profiles, aluminum cantilevers, and OCC copper coil composition” to provide “strong tracking integrity, a full and balanced sound, and a presentation that remains true to the original recording.” The Prestige Series is described as “both an introduction to Grado cartridges and a long-term reference for dependable analog playback.”\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePairing the Red4 P-Mount\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eT4P-Compatible Turntable.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Red4 P-Mount is designed for turntables with a T4P (P-Mount) tonearm. Common compatible models include various Technics, Sony, Hitachi, Kenwood, and other 1980s-era turntables, as well as some more recent models. Confirm your turntable’s tonearm type before ordering. Not sure? Call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Preamplifier.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Red4 P-Mount is a standard MM cartridge at 4.0mV and 47kΩ. If your amplifier or receiver does not have a built-in PHONO input, you will need a separate phono preamplifier. \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/phono-preamplifiers\/\"\u003eBrowse our Phono Preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStylus Upgrade Path.\u003c\/strong\u003e Because all Prestige Series styli are interchangeable, you can fit a higher-level stylus on the Red4 body for improved performance without replacing the full cartridge. Ask us which stylus upgrades are available and compatible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed4 Replacement Stylus.\u003c\/strong\u003e When your stylus wears out, a replacement Red4 stylus snaps straight on without tools. \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/phono-cartridges\/\"\u003eBrowse phono accessories\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecord Cleaning.\u003c\/strong\u003e A clean record protects your stylus and extends its life. \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/record-cleaning-machines\/\"\u003eBrowse Record Cleaning Machines\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeatures \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eP-Mount (T4P) Format — No Tools, No Alignment Required\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe P-Mount body plugs directly into a compatible T4P tonearm socket. Four electrical pins make contact automatically on insertion. No mounting screws, no headshell, no alignment protractor. Installation or cartridge replacement takes seconds. Compatible with any T4P (P-Mount) tonearm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBonded Elliptical Diamond on Aluminum Cantilever\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elliptical profile makes better groove contact than a spherical stylus, tracking more accurately at high frequencies and extracting more musical detail at the same tracking force. The aluminum cantilever transmits stylus movement to the generator with good rigidity and controlled mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUser-Replaceable Stylus — Cross-Compatible Across Prestige Series\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stylus assembly pulls off and snaps on without tools. Replace a worn stylus in under a minute without returning the cartridge to a dealer or factory. All Prestige Series styli are interchangeable, enabling stylus replacement and upgrade without replacing the cartridge body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrado Moving Iron Flux-Bridger Generator\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStationary coils, moving iron element. Low moving mass, high efficiency, insensitive to tonearm cable capacitance. Compatible with any standard MM phono input at 47kΩ. No step-up transformer or special loading required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOCC Copper Internal Signal Path\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOhno Continuous Casting copper with continuous grain structure for improved signal transmission, lower resistance variation, and better channel balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDie-Injection Molded Housing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistent, precisely formed housing for uniform acoustic behavior and reliable performance over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting format: P-Mount (T4P plug-in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Moving iron (high output), flux-bridger generator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus: Bonded elliptical diamond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCantilever: Aluminum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput voltage: 4.0mV @ 5 CMV (45 degrees)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 10 Hz–55 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel separation: Average 25 dB (10–30 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput load: 10k–47kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInductance: 50mH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC resistance: 660Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompliance: 20 μm\/mN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking force: 1.6–1.9g recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCartridge weight: 6g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus: User-replaceable; cross-compatible with all Grado Prestige Series styli\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal signal path: OCC copper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousing: Die-injection molded plastic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in USA (Brooklyn, NY)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMSRP: Verify with Audio Advisor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-faq gsbp-ab3b28d\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I know if my turntable uses P-Mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck your tonearm. A P-Mount tonearm has a rectangular slot at the headshell end into which the cartridge plugs directly — there are no separate screws or a removable headshell. If your tonearm has a detachable headshell with two visible screws, you need the standard half-inch mount Red4 instead. Your turntable’s manual will also specify the tonearm type. Not sure? Call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e and we can confirm from your model number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the P-Mount version sound the same as the standard Red4?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — the cartridge internals, stylus, cantilever, and generator are the same. The only difference is the mounting format. Both use a bonded elliptical diamond, aluminum cantilever, and Grado’s flux-bridger MI generator at 4.0mV output. The acoustic performance should be essentially identical, provided the tracking force is set correctly on the P-Mount tonearm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I adjust tracking force on a P-Mount tonearm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt depends on the tonearm. Many P-Mount tonearms include a tracking force adjustment dial or setting, while some older models have a fixed tracking force. Check your turntable’s manual to determine whether tracking force is adjustable and what range it supports. The Red4 P-Mount requires 1.6–1.9g — if your tonearm has a fixed tracking force outside this range, the Red4 P-Mount may not be suitable. Call us if you’re not sure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use a half-inch mount headshell adapter with this cartridge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eP-Mount to half-inch adapters do exist, but their use introduces additional mechanical complexity and may affect performance. The Red4 P-Mount is designed and optimized for use in a true T4P tonearm socket. If you need a half-inch mount cartridge, the standard Red4 is the right choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen should I replace the stylus?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost styli last approximately 500–1,000 hours under normal conditions. Signs of wear include harsh or distorted high frequencies, reduced stereo separation, or any mistracking on clean records. When it’s time, a replacement Red4 stylus snaps on without tools in under a minute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I upgrade to a better stylus on this body?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — all Grado Prestige Series styli are cross-compatible. You can fit a higher-level Prestige stylus onto the Red4 P-Mount body for a performance upgrade without purchasing a new cartridge body. Ask us which stylus options are compatible and currently available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat phono stage do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny standard MM phono input at 47kΩ will work. The Red4 P-Mount outputs 4.0mV — well within the range of any MM-capable phono stage. If your amplifier or receiver has a PHONO input labeled “MM” or simply “PHONO,” the Red4 P-Mount will be compatible. If you need a separate phono preamplifier, we can recommend options at your budget.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere is it made?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy hand, in Brooklyn, New York. Grado Labs has assembled phono cartridges at their Brooklyn facility since 1953.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrado Prestige Red4 P-Mount phono cartridge ×1 (stylus installed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus guard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Audio Advisor?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ec-titlebox-text\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f3b5.svg\" alt=\"music note emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003e40+ Years of Expertise\u003c\/strong\u003e — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f504.svg\" alt=\"repeat emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003e60-Day Money-Back Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e — Try it risk-free for 60 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4de.svg\" alt=\"phone emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003eReal Experts, Real Help\u003c\/strong\u003e — Our team is here at \u003ca href=\"tel:8009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f69a.svg\" alt=\"truck emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"emoji\" role=\"img\" draggable=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/17.0.2\/svg\/1f4b3.svg\" alt=\"credit card emoji\" width=\"20\"\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Payment Options\u003c\/strong\u003e — Financing available so you can start listening now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot sure if your turntable is P-Mount compatible, or looking for guidance on cartridge setup and phono stage matching? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAudio Advisor Learning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides on turntable cartridges, mounting formats, and getting the most from your vinyl setup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grado Labs","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":45980516745389,"sku":"NEW-GRRED4P","price":190.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Demo","offer_id":45980516778157,"sku":"DEMO-GRRED4P","price":190.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/GRRED4P_01_angle_2026__61469.1777049006.1280.1280_354f0f82-8d86-4ffd-9220-bf46f5f8e7d7.jpg?v=1778167698","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/grado-prestige-red4-phono-cartridge-p-mount","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}