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Grado ZF3

The Grado ZF3 is an entry-level MM cartridge with an elliptical stylus profile and a 3 mV output level, so it pairs easily with any standard MM phono input. Its rated tracking force runs from 1.0 to 1.5 grams. The ZF3 stylus is user replaceable, and the Phono Culture database lists two compatible replacement styli for this model.

Home Brand

Stylus: ZF3
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Elliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.4 × 0.7 mil (≈10 × 17 µm) ]
Class: Entry-Level

Output Voltage: 3 mV
Frequency Response: 10–55 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 28 dB
Channel Balance: ≤ 2 dB
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ || 400–500 pF
Tracking Force: 1.0–1.5 g
Compliance Value: dynamic ~18 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (@100 Hz approx)

Additional Info

The Grado ZF3 is a warm, forgiving MM with a natural, easygoing character rather than clinical precision. Vocals come through with good body and realism, dynamics keep rock and vocal material engaging, and the relaxed top end smooths over rough pressings and older vinyl. Imaging holds solid without razor sharpness, which favors casual long sessions over critical analysis. The elliptical stylus is replaceable when the time comes.

Replacement styluses for Grado ZF3

Grado	Gold3	Elliptical
Grado	8MZ	Elliptical

Sound × Setup

Detail

58%

IGD Control

52%

Noise Suppression

60%

Dynamics—Attack

65%

Soundstage/Imaging

62%

Bass Density

61%

Vocals/Midrange

68%

Forgiving Character

75%

Tonearm mass light 57%

medium 43%·heavy 0%

Capacitance from 200 pF 60%

up to 100 pF 10%·100-200 pF 30%

Phono gain 39–42 dB 50%

35–38 dB 0%·43–46 dB 50%

Grado ZF3 (ММ, 3 мВ, комплаянс ~18×10⁻⁶ см/дин) хорошо ляжет в лёгкий тонарм — резонансная частота 9.8 Гц при массе 8 г и 8.7 Гц при 12 г остаются в оптимальной зоне. Масса тонарма не указана, оценка по типичному значению 6.5 г (уверенность средняя). Фонокорректор: нагрузка 47 кОм, ёмкость тяготеет к высокой (400–500 пФ), усиление — 39–42 дБ.

Collectors

add 01/06/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026