Grado Sonata4

Sonata4

Description

Sonata4 is part of the Grado Timbre Series, representing a refined balance of resolution, control, and musicality. Developed through decades of cartridge design, it delivers a highly engaging presentation while maintaining the tonal integrity that defines Grado cartridges.

Built on Grado’s moving iron design, Sonata4 provides a stable and responsive signal with low moving mass and long-term consistency.

Offered in both stereo and mono configurations, Sonata4 continues the evolution of Grado’s wood body cartridges.

Specifications

• Body: Mediterranean Olive Wood
• Cantilever:Special Aluminum/Elliptical Diamond
• 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: 9.4 grams
• Tracking Force: 1.6-1.9 grams
• Compliance: 20µm/mN
• Channel Seperation: Average 30db-10-30k Hz
• Controlled Frequency Response: 10-60 kHz
• Non-Sensative to Capacitive Load
• Builds: High Output, Low Output, Mono

Performance

Sonata4 is available in both high and low output configurations, allowing for compatibility across a wide range of phono stages.

Its presentation is defined by clarity, balance, and musical flow. Detail is resolved with precision while maintaining a smooth and natural top end. The midrange carries presence and texture, and low frequencies are delivered with control and definition.

Recordings are presented with coherence and stability, maintaining separation and imaging while preserving the character of the music.

Moving Iron Design

All Grado cartridges utilize a moving iron design built on Joseph Grado’s patented flux-bridger principle.

This approach allows the cartridge to generate a precise signal with extremely low moving mass, while keeping the coil structure fixed. The result is a presentation that combines speed, control, and harmonic integrity without the fragility often associated with traditional moving coil systems.

Diamond & Cantilever

Sonata4 features a nude elliptical diamond mounted to a custom aluminum cantilever.

The nude elliptical profile offers effective groove contact and detail retrieval, while the custom aluminum cantilever is tuned to provide a balanced and responsive presentation. This combination supports clarity, control, and a natural overall character.

Coil & Internal Structure

The internal signal path is built using ultra-high purity 6N OCC copper, selected for its conductivity and consistency.

Each cartridge undergoes cryogenic treatment and internal damping to reduce unwanted resonance and preserve signal integrity.

Housing

The Sonata4 is housed in a Mediterranean Olive wood body, selected for its ability to help control resonance and contribute to the cartridge’s tonal balance. The reshaped housing improves visibility of the cantilever during setup, allowing for more precise alignment while supporting compatibility across a wide range of tonearms.

Wood Cartridge Upgrade Program

Grado wood body cartridges are supported through our Wood Cartridge Upgrade Program.

This program allows you to move from your current Grado wood cartridge to another model, with a pricing accommodation provided through the program. The program applies exclusively to Grado wood body cartridges, and pricing is based on the model being purchased.

For details and current pricing, please contact us and state the model you are interested in purchasing.