Grado Timbre Reference4 Phono Cartridge - Low Output

Grado Timbre Reference4 Moving Iron Phono Cartridge

What You Need to Know

The Summit of Grado’s Timbre Series

The Grado Timbre Reference4 Moving Iron Phono Cartridge is the flagship of the Timbre line—and the first Timbre cartridge ever to wear a nude Shibata stylus. Hand-built in Brooklyn with a hand-carved American osage body and machined boron cantilever, the Reference4 delivers resolution, dimensionality, and tonal beauty that challenge cartridges at twice the price.

If you want Grado’s celebrated wood-body sound at its most complete, this is it.

Nude Shibata Stylus: The Biggest Upgrade in the Line

New for the 4 Series, the Reference4’s nude Shibata diamond contacts far more of the groove wall than an elliptical profile. It retrieves detail an elliptical simply can’t reach—especially on inner grooves—while reducing distortion and record wear.

You’ll hear more air around instruments, more natural vocal texture, and composed, articulate playback to the very last track.

Machined Boron Cantilever

Boron’s extreme stiffness-to-weight ratio lets the Shibata respond instantly to the groove. Paired with Grado’s ultra-low-mass moving iron element, the Reference4 delivers startling transient speed with a completely natural, unforced character.

Hand-Carved American Osage Body

Dense American osage tonewood damps and tunes resonance naturally, giving the Reference4 its big, warm, three-dimensional soundstage. The reshaped 4 Series housing improves cantilever visibility for precise alignment.

Flux-Bridger Generator with 6N Copper

Joseph Grado’s patented flux-bridger design pairs fixed coils—wound with ultra-high-purity 6N OCC copper—with cryogenic component treatment and internal damping for exceptional transparency and a silent background.

Three Versions: High Output, Low Output, and Mono

The Reference4 comes in three versions: High Output (4.0mV), Low Output (1.0mV), and Mono. High Output works with any standard MM phono input; Low Output rewards higher-gain phono stages with even lower moving mass and finer detail; and the Mono version is purpose-built for dedicated mono record collections.

Building Your System

The Reference4 belongs on a serious turntable with a quality medium-mass tonearm and a transparent phono stage that will let its resolution shine.

When the stylus eventually wears, Grado’s Wood Cartridge Upgrade Program lets you trade in any Grado wood cartridge toward a new one—so your investment is protected for the long run.

Features & Specifications

Nude Shibata Diamond Stylus
Extended groove contact retrieves exceptional detail with lower distortion.

Machined Boron Cantilever
Extreme stiffness and low mass for instant transient response.

Hand-Carved American Osage Body
Dense tonewood for a big, warm, three-dimensional soundstage.

Flux-Bridger Generator with 6N OCC Copper Coils
Moving coil speed and transparency without the fragility.

Three Available Versions
High Output (4.0mV), Low Output (1.0mV), or Mono for mono record collections.

Hand-Built in Brooklyn, USA
Assembled and tested at Grado’s family-owned factory, est. 1953.

Specifications

•          Type: Moving Iron (MI)

•          Stylus: Nude Shibata Diamond

•          Cantilever: Machined Boron

•          Body: Hand-Carved American Osage

•          Output: 4.0mV (High Output) or 1.0mV (Low Output)

•          Versions: High Output, Low Output, Mono

•          Load Impedance: 10k–47k ohms

•          Mounting: Standard ½-inch

•          Tracking Force: 1.6–1.9 grams

•          Weight: 9.6 grams

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special phono preamp?
The high-output version (4.0mV) works with any standard MM phono input. The low-output version (1.0mV) needs a phono stage with added gain—but unlike moving coils, it still loads at standard 10k–47k ohms.

How does the Reference4 compare to the Master4?
The two share the same body, cantilever, and generator—the Reference4’s nude Shibata stylus is the difference, retrieving audibly more detail with lower distortion and better inner-groove tracking.

How does it compare to the Lineage Statement4?
The Statement4 moves up to Grado’s flagship Lineage platform: a Brazilian ebony body and 7N OCC copper coils, hand-assembled to the tightest tolerances Grado produces.

Who is the Reference4 designed for?
It’s ideal for serious vinyl enthusiasts who want flagship-level wood-body performance without crossing into flagship pricing.

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