Grado Labs Red4 Moving Iron cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus, 4 mV output and balanced, natural sound. Available in ½-inch Standard Mount and P-Mount/T4P. Read more.
The Grado Labs Red4 is a high-quality Moving Iron cartridge from the Prestige Series, developed for music enthusiasts looking for natural, balanced and controlled vinyl playback. The Red4 combines a 4 mV high-output generator with a bonded elliptical diamond stylus, aluminium cantilever and an internal signal path made from ultra-high-purity 5N OCC copper.
Grado offers the Red4 in two mounting configurations: the Red4 Standard Mount with universal ½-inch mounting and the Red4 P-Mount/T4P. Their core audio technology and sonic character are essentially the same, but the mechanical connection to the tonearm is different.
If your existing cartridge is attached underneath the headshell with two screws, you will normally require the Standard Mount. If the cartridge slides directly into a narrow socket at the end of the tonearm, your turntable will normally use P-Mount/T4P.
Important for P-Mount users: Grado specifies a recommended tracking force of 1.6 to 1.9 grams for the Red4. With older P-Mount/T4P turntables, check that the tonearm can provide the required tracking force before ordering.
The Grado Red4 features a bonded elliptical diamond stylus mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The elliptical profile provides accurate contact with the record groove and helps retrieve subtle musical detail, spatial information and high-frequency content more precisely than a basic conical profile.
The aluminium cantilever provides a useful combination of low mass, rigidity and control, contributing to reliable tracking and a stable presentation across a wide variety of recordings.
The Red4 is designed for a balanced and controlled presentation. The midrange offers presence and body, high frequencies remain smooth and natural, and bass frequencies are reproduced with definition and composure.
Average channel separation of 25 dB also contributes to a stable stereo image and clearly defined positioning of vocals and instruments.
Grado cartridges use the company's Moving Iron principle based on Joseph Grado's patented Flux-Bridger concept. The coil structure remains stationary while an extremely lightweight moving iron element translates stylus movement into an electrical signal.
This design combines low moving mass with relatively high output. With its 4 mV output, the Red4 is compatible with a wide range of conventional phono inputs and phono preamplifiers designed for high-output cartridges.
Grado uses ultra-high-purity 5N OCC copper in the internal signal path. Each cartridge also undergoes cryogenic treatment and internal damping to reduce unwanted resonance and preserve signal integrity, helping maintain a coherent, balanced and dynamically responsive presentation.
The Red4 stylus assembly is user replaceable, so a worn stylus does not require replacement of the complete cartridge. Prestige Series styli are also interchangeable, providing additional flexibility and potential upgrade options within the range.
Grado Labs is a family-owned American audio company based in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 1953 by Joseph Grado and his brother John, the company has a long history in the development of high-quality phono cartridges and headphones. Among vinyl enthusiasts, Grado is particularly known for its musical Moving Iron cartridge designs.
| Type | High-output Moving Iron (MI) |
| Output | 4 mV @ 5 CMV, 45° |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 55,000 Hz |
| Channel separation | Average 25 dB, 10 – 30,000 Hz |
| Stylus | Bonded elliptical diamond |
| Cantilever | Aluminium |
| Input load | 10 kΩ – 47 kΩ |
| Inductance | 50 mH |
| DC resistance | 660 Ω |
| Compliance | 20 µm/mN |
| Weight | 6 g |
| Recommended tracking force | 1.6 – 1.9 g |
| Standard Mount | Universal ½-inch screw mounting |
| P-Mount | P-Mount / T4P connection |
| Internal conductor | 5N OCC copper |
| Replaceable stylus | Yes |
In addition to the Grado Labs Red4, explore our complete range of high-quality turntable cartridges for the best sound quality, including carefully selected MM, Moving Iron and MC cartridges for a wide range of turntables and tonearms.
Find the order you'd like to withdraw
Enter your email address and order number.
Check your mailbox
If your details match an order, you'll receive an email with a link to view and manage it.
