{"product_id":"grado-timbre-opus4-phono-cartridge-high-output-1","title":"Grado Timbre Opus4 Phono Cartridge - High Output","description":"\u003c!-- SECTION 3D: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You Need to Know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is the Grado Opus4?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA phono cartridge is the small device at the end of your tonearm that holds the stylus — the tiny diamond tip that rides inside your record’s groove. As the stylus moves with the groove, the cartridge converts that motion into an electrical signal. That signal travels to your phono stage, then your amplifier, and then your speakers as music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Grado Opus4 is a \u003cstrong\u003emoving iron cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is different from the more common moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) types. In a moving iron design, both the magnets and coils stay fixed inside the body. A tiny piece of iron at the tip of the cantilever moves between them. Because iron is lighter than a magnet, the moving mass is lower — which helps the stylus track the groove more accurately without working as hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado calls their version of this design the \u003cstrong\u003eFlux-Bridge\u003c\/strong\u003e. It’s patented and has been refined over decades of production in Brooklyn, New York.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Entry Point Into Grado’s Wood-Body Line\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Opus4 is the entry point into Grado’s \u003cstrong\u003eTimbre Series\u003c\/strong\u003e — the company’s range of wood-body cartridges. Below the Opus4 is the Prestige Series, which uses plastic bodies and user-replaceable styli. Above it are the Platinum4, Sonata4, Master4, and Reference4, each stepping up in body material, cantilever refinement, and internal coil purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Opus4 is where you make the jump from plastic to wood. That’s not just aesthetic. A wood body helps damp the mechanical resonances that build up inside a cartridge during play. Those resonances can color the sound. By absorbing them naturally, the Opus4 keeps the signal cleaner than a plastic-bodied cartridge at a similar price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAmerican Maple Wood Body\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Opus4 body is machined from American Maple wood. Grado selected Maple for its density and resonance characteristics — it’s stiff enough to resist flex and vibration, while its natural grain structure helps damp the micro-vibrations generated during playback. The housing geometry has been updated in the Opus4 generation to improve cantilever visibility during setup, making alignment more accurate and accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e5N OCC Copper Signal Path with Cryogenic Treatment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the Opus4, the internal coil wire is made from \u003cstrong\u003e5N OCC copper\u003c\/strong\u003e — copper refined to 99.999% purity using the Ohno Continuous Casting process. This reduces the grain boundaries in the wire that can introduce subtle distortions. Each Opus4 undergoes \u003cstrong\u003ecryogenic treatment\u003c\/strong\u003e and internal damping, further stabilizing the materials and reducing unwanted resonance before the cartridge leaves Brooklyn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh Output — 4.0mV — Plug-and-Play With Any MM Phono Stage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Opus4 High Output produces \u003cstrong\u003e4.0mV\u003c\/strong\u003e at standard test conditions. This is within the normal range for a moving magnet cartridge, so it works directly with any phono stage that has a standard MM input — including the built-in phono stages found in many integrated amplifiers and receivers. No step-up transformer, no special gain settings. You just connect it and play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you already have a phono stage and you’re not sure whether it has a MM input, look for an input labeled “PHONO” on your amplifier or a dedicated phono stage. If it says “MM,” you’re all set. If you’re not sure, call us — we’re happy to check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMade in Brooklyn, by Hand\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado Labs has made phono cartridges in Brooklyn, New York since 1953. The company is still family-owned, now in its third generation. Every Timbre Series cartridge is hand-built at their Brooklyn facility. Grado also supports existing customers through their \u003cstrong\u003eWood Cartridge Upgrade Program\u003c\/strong\u003e, which allows owners of Grado wood body cartridges to move to a new model at a reduced cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- SECTION 3J: PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS --\u003e\u003c!-- SECTION 3E: PAIRS WELL WITH --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilding Your System? Here Are Some Great Companions.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhono Preamplifier.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Opus4 High Output works with any standard MM phono input, including built-in phono stages. If your amplifier doesn’t have one, we carry compact, affordable options. \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/phono-preamplifiers\/\"\u003eBrowse our Phono Preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTurntable.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Opus4 mounts on any standard ½” headshell and suits a wide range of tonearms. \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/turntables\/\"\u003eBrowse our Turntables\u003c\/a\u003e. Grado cartridges are known to work especially well on VPI and Clearaudio tables.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecord Cleaning.\u003c\/strong\u003e A clean record protects your stylus and lets the Opus4 do its best work. \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/record-cleaning-machines\/\"\u003eBrowse Record Cleaning Machines\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/record-cleaning-solutions\/\"\u003eRecord Cleaning Solutions\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStylus Force Gauge \u0026amp; Alignment Tools.\u003c\/strong\u003e Proper cartridge setup rewards you with better sound and longer stylus life. \u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/turntables\/turntable-accessories\/\"\u003eBrowse Turntable Accessories\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- SECTION 3F: FEATURES \u0026 SPECIFICATIONS — BENEFIT-DRIVEN --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeatures \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMoving Iron \/ Flux-Bridge Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado’s Flux-Bridge keeps both magnets and coils fixed in the body. Only a tiny iron element at the cantilever tip moves. Low moving mass means the stylus tracks the groove quickly and accurately, with less mechanical stress on the record and the stylus itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAmerican Maple Wood Body\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaple wood damps the mechanical resonances that build up inside a cartridge during play, keeping the signal cleaner than a plastic body at a similar price. The updated housing geometry in the Opus4 generation also improves cantilever visibility for easier, more precise alignment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBonded Elliptical Diamond on Aluminum Cantilever\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn elliptical stylus makes better contact with the groove walls than a basic spherical tip, tracking more accurately and extracting more detail at the same downforce. The aluminum cantilever is matched to the compliance and mass requirements of the Flux-Bridge generator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e5N OCC Copper Coils with Cryogenic Treatment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltra-high purity 5N OCC copper in the signal path reduces grain-boundary distortions. Cryogenic treatment of the finished cartridge stabilizes internal materials and reduces unwanted resonance, preserving signal integrity from groove to output pin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHigh Output — 4.0mV — Works With Any MM Input\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 4.0mV, the Opus4 High Output plugs directly into any standard MM phono input — no special gain settings, no step-up transformer. It loads at the standard 10k–47k ohm range. It is also non-sensitive to capacitive loading, so cable capacitance matching is not a concern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Moving iron (Grado Flux-Bridge)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeries: Timbre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody: American Maple wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCantilever: Aluminum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus: Bonded elliptical diamond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput: 4.0mV @ 5 CMV (45 degrees) — high output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 10 Hz–60 kHz (controlled)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel separation: Average 30 dB (10–30 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput load: 10k–47k ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInductance: 55mH (high output)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC resistance: 660 ohms (high output)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCartridge weight: 8.3g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking force: 1.6–1.9g (recommended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompliance: 20 μm\/mN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting: Standard ½”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal wire: 5N OCC copper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTreatment: Cryogenic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNon-sensitive to capacitive loading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in USA (Brooklyn, NY)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- SECTION 3G: FAQ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-faq gsbp-ab3b28d\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the Opus4 High Output work with my phono stage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your phono stage or amplifier has a standard MM input, yes — the Opus4 High Output is plug-and-play. It produces 4.0mV and loads at 10k–47k ohms, which is the standard MM range. It also works with MC-capable phono stages set to MM loading. If you’re not sure about your setup, call us at \u003ca href=\"tel:+18009420220\"\u003e800-942-0220\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat’s the difference between the High Output and Low Output versions?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe High Output (4.0mV) works with any standard MM phono input — no special requirements. The Low Output (1.0mV) needs a phono stage that can provide MC-level gain (~58–60 dB) while loading at standard MM impedance (10k–47k ohms). Both versions use the same body, cantilever, and diamond — only the coil winding differs. For most people, the High Output is the easier, more versatile choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this a moving magnet cartridge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot exactly. It’s a moving iron cartridge, which is its own category. Grado calls their design the Flux-Bridge. Like a moving magnet, it produces high output and loads at standard MM impedance. Unlike a moving magnet, it keeps both the magnets and coils fixed — only a tiny iron element at the cantilever moves. This reduces moving mass and can improve tracking accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere is the Opus4 made?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy hand, in Brooklyn, New York. Grado Labs has been making cartridges there since 1953. The company is still family-owned, now in its third generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat turntables and tonearms does it work with?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Opus4 mounts on any standard ½” headshell and suits a wide range of tonearms. At 8.3g and 20 μm\/mN compliance, it pairs well with low to medium-mass tonearms. Grado cartridges are widely noted to work especially well on VPI and Clearaudio turntables. Have a specific tonearm you’re wondering about? Call us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the Grado Wood Cartridge Upgrade Program?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado offers a program that lets owners of Grado wood body cartridges move to a new or higher model at a reduced cost. If you’re already a Grado wood cartridge owner and want to upgrade, ask us about your eligibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- SECTION 3H: WHAT'S IN THE BOX --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrado Timbre Opus4 phono cartridge — high output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus guard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting hardware (screws and nuts)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- SECTION 3K: WHY BUY FROM AUDIO ADVISOR --\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 — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.\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 to answer your questions 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\u003c!-- SECTION 3L: LEARNING CENTER LINK --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew to phono cartridges or moving iron designs? Visit our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/learningcenter.audioadvisor.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eAudio Advisor Learning Center\u003c\/a\u003e for guides on cartridge types, phono stage setup, and how to get the most from your vinyl system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grado Labs","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":46088367636653,"sku":"NEW-GROPUS4-HI","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Demo","offer_id":46088367669421,"sku":"DEMO-GROPUS4-HI","price":249.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/3708\/1773\/files\/GROPUS4_01_angle_2026__32660.1776437715.1280.1280_ee5f56d5-c552-4413-8f88-c528e60049e8.jpg?v=1781113158","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvisor.com\/products\/grado-timbre-opus4-phono-cartridge-high-output-1","provider":"Audio Advisor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}