SKU: 70837156985

Grado Timbre Series The Reference 3 Cartridge

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Description

Grado Timbre Series The Reference 3 CartridgeGrado Timbre Series The Reference 3 Cartridge Body: Australian Jarrah Wood Cantileaver: Machined Boron Diamond Tip Output: High 4. 0mV @5 CMV (45) Low 1. 0mV @5 CMV (45) Inductance: High Output 55mH Low Output 6mH Resistance: High Output 660 ohms Low Output 70 ohms Input Load: 10k 47k ohms Cartridge Weight: 10 grams Tracking Force: 1. 6 1. 9 grams Compliance 20m mN Channel Separation: Average 30db 10 30k Hz Controlled Frequency Response: 10 60 KHz Non

Grado Timbre Series The Reference 3 Cartridge

  • Body: Australian Jarrah Wood
  • Cantileaver: Machined Boron / Diamond Tip
  • Output:
    High 4.0mV @5 CMV (45)
    Low  1.0mV @5 CMV (45) 
  • Inductance: 
    High Output 55mH
    Low Output  6mH
  • Resistance:
    High Output 660 ohms
    Low Output  70 ohms

  • Input Load: 10k-47k ohms
  • Cartridge Weight: 10 grams
  • Tracking Force: 1.6-1.9 grams
  • Compliance 20μm/mN
  • Channel Separation: Average 30db - 10-30k Hz
  • Controlled Frequency Response: 10-60 KHz
  • Non-Sensative to Capacitive Load
  • Builds: High Output, Low Output, Mono

‫Into the Woods‬

Achieving fantastic accuracy and control, the Reference3 does everything the Master3 can do - but does it better thanks to specialized intricate processes while being crafted.

Last Stop Before Lineage

Top of the Timbre

While similar to its younger sibling in a few aspects, the Reference3 has a much longer build time since it undergoes extremely unique processes only a few of our cartridges go through. This longer, more intricate practice produces a more colorful and deeper sound. When working in tandem with the special curing process and individual calibrations, we have the best cartridge in the Timbre Series.

Small Necessities.

The Materials

To make the Timbre Series work as a whole, we created a way for Jarrah, diamonds, and a twin magnet system to integrate with our Flux-Bridge™. We modified our four piece OTL cantilever technology to achieve a 5% tip mass reduction over the Prestige Series and use ultra-high purity long crystal (UHPLC) oxygen free copper wire in the coils. The Reference3 uses a specially Grado designed true ellipsoid diamond.

In the Details.

Extreme Precision

Grado has combined newly developed coil winding techniques with decades-old disciplines. A new two-step shielding process brings not only exact unison between the four coils but an unobstructed path for a cleaner signal. The music is allowed to travel undistorted through the coils, greatly reducing mechanical noise while improving tracking. There is an extreme clarity over the full frequency range, with absolutely no stridency or shrillness. Precisely hand tipped with a diamond, a great amount of care go into each cartridge we build.

The Sound of Wood.

Built from Jarrah

After the Reference3 cartridge is crafted, it is then placed inside a Australian Jarrah housing. Jarrah is necessary for the majority of Timbre Series with its ability to produce surgically precise clarity without losing any depth. Through a variation of thermal aging processes, the housing gains the ability to better dampen and control the resonant frequencies. 

With Love.

Hand-Built in Brooklyn

Each Reference3 is hand-built by our team in Brooklyn, as it has been for decades. After a specialized process that brings it to life, they are fine tuned for everything from entry-level turntables up to the highest-end stereo systems, the solid mass of the wood helps keep the Sonata3 steady and producing the Grado signature sound. We started building cartridges on a kitchen table in 1953, and every experience since then has led to the creation of the Reference3.

 

"The arrival of a cured mahogany cartridge identical to the one I already owned found me unprepared for the next vaulting leap in my listening education. Within a week of auditioning the 0.5 mv Statement Reference, I began to believe that both my new and vintage vinyl had received a rite of purification, cleansed and made better than new. It was also as though the tiny hairs in my inner ear had been degunked, and in a stroke my hearing was perfectly clear."

Lang Phipps, Audio Reviewer
Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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SKU: 70837156985

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4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 17 reviews
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Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Not as complicated to put together as it seems, and quite sturdy
Size: Width 14", Adjustable Desk Mount, Style: Triple
When I first unpacked this stand, I was initially overwhelmed by the number of parts that were included in the package. I didn’t realize there were extra parts included to offer you two choices for how to mount the stand to your workstation. Once I got that sorted out, I relaxed a bit more and was able to assemble the unit single-handedly and mount two 22” monitors and a laptop to give myself more room on my desk. It was a bit challenging to move the arms to just the right angles and height, but I did get it after a few tries. I used the re-positionable clamp instead of the desk- through grommet mount. It feels very sturdy, and I feel as long as I periodically check the tension and tightness of the bolts, it will hold up everything just fine. I am not thrilled with the cable management clamps that attach to the round center pole, so I’ll probably end up looking for different clamps or even just velcro fasteners to loop around the post. The clamps that snap onto the arms themselves are fine and hold the Displayport and power cords in place well. I thought about dinging this unit a star for the weird center post clamps and also because the black coating on part of the round post is flaking off, but really, I can work with those things/cover up the cosmetic issues. I was super-impressed by the way the hardware was included in labeled, individual plastic compartments. The instructions were pretty good, too, although I would have liked the print to be a little larger - once you hit your forties, you reach for readers or have to get up close and squint to see small print… Overall, I’m pleased with this unit.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025
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Verified Purchase
Julie
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Game changer
Size: Width 14", Adjustable Desk Mount, Style: Dual, Size: Width 14", Adjustable Desk Mount, Style: Dual
**update 2026** Okay I've just upgraded this mount so let me update my review. I am keeping 5 stars because for an entry level budget mount it did its job. Here's why I changed: if your desk is not solid wood, the base of the mount is too narrow and will start to sink in. Also, after a few years one of the arm started to sag. I upgraded for a mount double this price so not outrageous but the base is wider and the arms are sturdier. I am still happy I purchased that one because for my budget it did the job so these years and it's better than not having it. Still recommend if your budget is low and you need to save desk space, it's a great starter. If you can wait and save twice this, I suggest you do and skip to the better ones though. **original review 2020** Been using this mount for about 3 months, time to review: It is an absolute game changer! Cheap, easy to assemble and install, feels sturdy. At first my wife was skeptical because she thought it would be a gimmick but it frees up so much space, it brings both monitors to the same eye-level height, the mouse cable never gets stuck under the laptop anymore, and it holds the cables in place so that when she has to run with the laptop they don't fall behind the desk anymore (see picture). All these little details improved her productivity. And just visually it looks much better I think. Laptop: 15" Monitor: 24"
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Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2020
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Verified Purchase
R. Friesel Jr.
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 3
Works fine overall, but... "you get what you pay for"
Size: Width 16.5", Fully Adjustable Desk Mount, Style: Single
Filed under: "you get what you pay for"? I like the price point and FOR THE MOST PART this arm is getting the job done in my home office space *but* a few points... (1) The little "claw" to hold the laptop in place has these little "locks" that are on the under side which... that's OK but they can be hard to see and it just seems like an extra part that can break -- vs. a ratcheting clamp. (2) The tension on every movable part was ALL out of whack when I first installed it. I set the laptop onto the cradle and it basically collapsed -- flipping down as far as it would go. I had to adjust the tension to be significantly higher in order to hold steady -- but NOW it's hard to "fine-tune" because the tension on that joint is so stiff. On the other hand, the main "elbow" joint is easy to adjust *and* holds steady all day, but within seconds of taking my laptop off of the arm, it springs up -- sometimes rather violently. (3) The overall build quality seems a little weak. The main screw to hold the laptop stand in place had a little cap to make it easier to twist it by hand -- but this snapped off during the initial installation. Not a deal-breaker because once it was in place, I didn't expect to move it again BUT it was still disappointing. (4) Not a deal-breaker for me BUT... there's practically no included cable management. Just... be aware of that. Otherwise... instructions were pretty clear vis-à-vis how to install and -- like I said -- it seems to be getting the job done w/r/t/ getting the laptop up off the desk and MOSTLY aligned with my other monitors.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2025
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Verified Purchase
Beau P.
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Superb quality. Couldn't be happier.
Size: Width 14", Adjustable Desk Mount, Style: Dual
I have been looking for a separate monitor and laptop stand for a while now and recently came across this set up from WALI. For under $50, I was a little nervous about the quality before it arrived. I had no reason to be concerned. It is a SOLID set up. Everything is high-quality metal construction and secure when assembled. Set up took some doing but only because I am not the most, um, detailed direction follower...Make sure you tighten the tray and post screws TIGHTLY initially to prevent any kind of movement after you've assembled it (don't ask me how I know). I have a 15'' Asus laptop and the lip on the tray holds it fine as long as I don't tip it too far forward. But it's an unusually thick laptop body so I imagine most won't have an issue. Again, it's not a problem for me at all, just limits slightly the angle I can tilt the tray. If you are ok with the configuration shown in the primary product image (i.e., monitor above tray) then it will be no problem as is. My desk isn't that deep so I had wanted them to be side-by-side. I was able to set it up that way out of the box. But my monitor was just a hair too big and it cast a shadow on the laptop monitor in the side by side configuration. Support was kind enough to send me a second base post and screws so I could use the grommet and clamp bases at the same time (as is you can only use one or the other). This of course only works if you already have a hole in the desk (or are willing to put one in yourself). Many thanks to WALI's support crew for accommodating me. I use a standing desk. If movement while you type is something you're fussy about (I'm not) note there will be some shake, especially in the standing position. But for most, it should be absolutely no problem. Overall a fantastic deal. Highly recommend it!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2018
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Verified Purchase
Matthew
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
A Powerhouse USB Hub That Handles Everything I Throw at It
Color: Gray
I’ve been using this 17‑Port 96W Powered USB 3.2 Hub for a few weeks now, and it has completely streamlined my workspace. With 10 USB‑A 3.2 ports, 2 USB‑C 3.2 ports, 3 QC 24W fast‑charging ports, and an SD/TF card reader, this hub truly replaces multiple adapters and dongles. The 10Gbps transfer speeds are legit — large files from my SSDs move quickly and consistently without random disconnects. The 96W power supply is a huge plus. Even with multiple external drives, peripherals, and a webcam connected, everything stays stable. No flickering, no dropouts, no “device not recognized” issues. The individual power switches are surprisingly useful too — I can turn off specific drives without unplugging anything. The build quality feels solid and premium. It doesn’t slide around, and it stays cool even under heavy load. The SD/TF card reader is fast and convenient for photo/video work. The QC fast‑charging ports are also great for topping up my phone or accessories, though they’re charging‑only (no data), which is clearly stated. If you’re someone who uses multiple devices — external HDDs, flash drives, cameras, microphones, card readers, etc. — this hub is a game changer. It’s perfect for PC setups, content creators, IT workstations, and anyone who needs serious connectivity. Overall, this is one of the most capable, stable, and well‑designed USB hubs I’ve used. Absolutely worth it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026

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