Grado Statement Platinum

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mgalusha

Grado Statement Platinum
« on: 6 Jun 2003, 04:08 am »
Finally decided to do something about the cartridge that was supplied with the MMF-5, a Goldring 1012GX.

I picked up a Grado Statement Platinum from musicdirect and got it installed this evening. Even though it's not broken in yet the clarity and upper frequency extension in comparison to the Goldring is excellent. The bass is pretty soft right now but I'm sure it will improve over the next few weeks as the suspension breaks in. It's noticeably better now than it was a few hours ago. The Goldring has always had a channel imbalance, not so with the Grado. Images are nicely centered and don't wander.

Also, if you happen to own an MMF-5, consider replacing the cable from the arm to the plugs. I thought I would re terminate this cable with some bullet plugs while I was working on it but after clipping a plug and stripping the wire I knew I had to replace it. The factory supplied cable is poorly shielded and packed with some type of powder. Not sure what the powder was, possibly some dry lubricant used in manufacturing, I really don't know. It was the poor quality braid that made replacement desirable from my point of view.

I had some miniature coax on hand that seemed appropriate (32GA, 1mm OD with a nice shield) and decided to give that a try. Turns out that changing the cable on this TT is easier than it appears. Once the arm is out there are two small set screws holding the cable mounting plug in the bottom of the arm. Just loosen them up and the assembly can be pulled out easily. A few minutes with a small soldering iron and a hot glue gun (strain relief) and you're done. I terminated the other end with Eichman bullet plugs.

I'm fairly sure the cable change is responsible for part of the new sound but in any case, the upgrade was well worth it IMO.

Tonto Yoder

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Grado Statement Platinum
« Reply #1 on: 6 Jun 2003, 10:55 am »
I scanned a review of the Grado Sonata cart for another member:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/brighter/internet
The Sonata is close in the family to the Platinum if you're interested.

mgalusha

Grado Statement Platinum
« Reply #2 on: 7 Jun 2003, 02:32 am »
Thanks for the link. I considered the Sonata but I had a hard time paying as much for the cartridge as I did for the 'table. :) Of course that may change once I have a better table. Listening to Chris Brady's Teres really makes me want a better deck but the MMF-5 will do for now.

Mike

Brad V

Grado Statement Platinum
« Reply #3 on: 9 Jun 2003, 06:42 pm »
I'm sold on the Statement Series. I have the Grado Statement Sonata on my VPI Aries. Hearing a singer thru this cartridge is unlike any cartridge I have heard. If I ever upgrade cartridges, I will be going to either the Grado Statement Reference or the Grado Statement.

Have a great day,

Brad

jcoat007

Grado Statement Platinum
« Reply #4 on: 9 Jun 2003, 10:01 pm »
I have the Statement Sonata also.  Great cartridge and on female vocals it's INCREDIBLE!!!