Introduction
This manual provides instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Grado Prestige Green3 Phono Cartridge. The Green3 is a hand-assembled moving iron cartridge designed to deliver high-fidelity analog sound with warmth and clarity.
Key features include:
- Exceptional Analog Sound Quality: Delivers rich, warm, and detailed audio.
- Elliptical Diamond Stylus: Precision-ground stylus for accurate groove tracking and reduced distortion.
- Hand-Assembled in Brooklyn, NY: Each cartridge is carefully assembled using decades of analog innovation.
- Compatible with Most Turntables: Standard 1/2" mount for wide tonearm compatibility.
- Engineered for Performance & Value: Features select coils for improved frequency response and channel balance.
Product Overview
An angled view of the Grado Prestige Green3 phono cartridge, showcasing its black housing with the silver 'GRADO' logo and the elliptical diamond stylus at the front. The gold-plated connection pins are visible on the left side.
Setup and Installation
Unpacking
Carefully remove the Grado Prestige Green3 cartridge from its packaging. Ensure all components, including the mounting screws, are present.
Mounting the Cartridge
- Power Off: Ensure your turntable and amplifier are powered off and unplugged before beginning installation.
- Remove Old Cartridge (if applicable): If replacing an existing cartridge, carefully disconnect the four color-coded wires from the old cartridge and remove it from the tonearm headshell.
- Attach Wires: Connect the four color-coded wires from your tonearm to the corresponding pins on the Grado Green3 cartridge. Standard color coding is typically:
- Red: Right Channel Hot (+)
- Green: Right Channel Ground (-)
- White: Left Channel Hot (+)
- Blue: Left Channel Ground (-)
- Secure to Headshell: Using the provided mounting screws, attach the Grado Green3 cartridge to your turntable's headshell. The Green3 uses a standard 1/2" mount. Do not overtighten the screws initially.
- Alignment: Proper cartridge alignment is crucial for optimal sound and stylus longevity. Refer to your turntable's manual for specific alignment instructions (e.g., overhang, azimuth, vertical tracking angle). A protractor tool is often used for this step.
- Tracking Force: Set the tracking force according to the manufacturer's recommendation for the Grado Green3. This information is typically found in the cartridge's packaging or on the Grado website. Use a reliable tracking force gauge for accuracy.
- Anti-Skate: Adjust the anti-skate setting on your tonearm to match the tracking force.
Operation
Once installed and properly aligned, the Grado Prestige Green3 cartridge operates like any standard phono cartridge.
- Select Input: Ensure your amplifier or receiver is set to the "Phono" input.
- Place Record: Carefully place a vinyl record on your turntable platter.
- Lower Tonearm: Use the tonearm lift mechanism to gently lower the stylus onto the record's lead-in groove. Avoid dropping the tonearm directly onto the record.
- Playback: Enjoy the audio playback.
- End of Playback: At the end of the record, use the tonearm lift to raise the stylus and return the tonearm to its rest.
Maintenance
Stylus Cleaning
Regular stylus cleaning is essential for optimal sound quality and to prolong the life of your records and stylus. Use a soft stylus brush, brushing gently from back to front (never side-to-side or front-to-back) to remove dust and debris.
Cartridge Body Cleaning
Wipe the cartridge body with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners near the stylus or cantilever.
Stylus Replacement
The elliptical diamond stylus has a finite lifespan. Over time, wear will degrade sound quality and potentially damage records. Consult Grado's recommendations for stylus replacement intervals. The Prestige series styli are user-replaceable.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Sound or Low Volume | Incorrect input selection; Loose connections; Amplifier/turntable not powered on. | Ensure "Phono" input is selected; Check all wiring connections; Verify power to all components. |
| Distorted Sound / Skipping | Improper tracking force; Incorrect alignment; Dirty stylus; Damaged stylus; Damaged record. | Adjust tracking force; Re-align cartridge; Clean stylus; Inspect stylus for damage (replace if necessary); Clean record. |
| Humming or Buzzing Noise | Grounding issue; Proximity to electrical interference; Loose connections. | Ensure turntable is properly grounded to the amplifier; Move components away from power supplies or other electronics; Check all wiring connections. |
| Channel Imbalance | Loose wire connection; Damaged stylus/cantilever; Uneven tracking force/anti-skate. | Check wire connections to the cartridge and tonearm; Inspect stylus for damage; Re-check tracking force and anti-skate settings. |
Specifications
- Model Name: Prestige Series Green3
- Brand: GRADO
- Type: Moving Iron Phono Cartridge
- Stylus: Elliptical Diamond
- Mounting: Standard 1/2"
- Included Components: Mounting Screws
- Material: Metal, Plastic
- Color: Green
- Item Weight: 0.634 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.26 x 1.26 inches
- Special Feature: Grado’s OTL technology, Hand-selected cartridges from Black3 production runs, Three-piece OTL cantilever with Grado specific diamond, Patented Flux-Bridger design
- Compatible Devices: Turntable
- Signal Format: Analog
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please contact GRADO directly or refer to the official GRADO website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Manufacturer: GRADO
Seller (on Amazon): 4OurEars - The Official Grado Store
