Goldring

Goldring G1012GX Moving Magnet Cartridge

$799.99

Goldring 1012GX

This hand-built cartridge uses the acclaimed Gyger II nude diamond stylus. A fine-line elliptical type with a 6 µm small radius it gives smooth, extended highs, low distortion and reproduces a highly detailed and dynamic sound. Advanced diamond tip polishing ensures excellent tracking ability and reduces record wear. Because it fills the record groove more completely due to its larger major radius, the Gyger II represents a major upgrade over normal elliptical stylus types.

Low Mass Pocan® Body

The 1000 series uses a strong one piece body which holds the fixed parts securely in place. Made from a special type of ultra-rigid, glass reinforced polyester called Pocan, the body can be tightly bolted to the head shell for maximum efficiency and optimum sound quality. The user replaceable stylus carrier slots tightly into the body with a locating pin preventing unwanted vibrations which would otherwise colour the sound. An integral mu-metal can keeps the generator parts shielded from hum-inducing stray magnetic fields. Because Pocan has a high strength-to-mass ratio, the overall mass of the G1000 series cartridges is kept below 6.5 g. Low mass and moderate compliance keep the natural arm/cartridge resonance within safe limits for easy matching to a wide range of tonearms.

High Efficiency Magnetic Circuit

Finely etched mu-metal is laminated to form the pole pieces around which are fitted two formerless coils of four thousand turns each. This unique design reduces mass and also makes for a very efficient magnetic circuit producing a higher than average output. This construction also reduces the loss at high frequencies inherent in conventional designs, making for a smooth and extended frequency response.

Reduced Moving Mass

The 1000 series uses a unique ultra-low-mass, micro-miniature Alnico V magnet made to a tolerance that can be achieved by no other manufacturer worldwide. Welded to the magnet is a gold plated nickel tie-bar which provides an earth path for vinyl static charge build up and stabilses the cantilever in unwanted vibrational modes. The whole ultra-low-mass assembly is then mounted in a special butyl rubber polymer with optimised damping characteristics.

Expert Adjustment

The correct setting of stylus azimuth (or horizontal tracking angle) is essential for the maintenance of a proper stereo sound stage. Azimuth is the term used to describe the angle that the vertical centre-line of the stylus makes with the record surface and this must be exactly perpendicular to the record groove. This is not usually a user adjustable parameter on most budget decks and so it is vital that the cartridge leaves the factory with the azimuth precisely set. Badly adjusted azimuth can cause uneven channel balance and increased crosstalk between channels which would severely degrade the stereo image.

Specifications

Colour: Black
Stylus Type: Replaceable
Stylus Radius: Gyger II
Replacement Stylus: D12GX
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz +/- 3 dB
Channel Balance: Within 2 dB @ 1 kHz
Channel Separation: Better Than 25 dB @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 6.5 mV ±1.5 dB, 1 kHz @ 5 cm/sec
Static Compliance: 24 mm/N (lat); 16 mm/N (vert)
Equivalent Tip Mass: 0.45 mg
Vertical Tracking Angle: 24°
Load Resistance: 47 Ω
Load Capacitance: 150 – 200 pF
Internal Inductance: 570 mH
Internal Resistance: 660 Ω
Cartridge Mass: 6.3 g
Cartridges Mass Including Fixings: 7.6 g
Fixing Centres: 12.7 mm /0.5 Inch
Playing Weight: 1.5 g – 2.0 g (1.7 g Recommended)

Customer Reviews

Boogie, rhythm and value.

Different stylus tip to the D42 (1042), but doesn't fall far behind it in listening enjoyment.
Much of the D42's character is still on board. Nicely musical.

Review By: Ppopp

The best I’ve had

Very well made and sounds clear not as much base as my other ones i have had. Took a while to get it set up just right worth the money in my opinion

Review By: Earlboy2

The Gold Standard?

Goldring 1012x on Harman Kardon T55C turntable with Microrace tonearm.
Installation on head shell is simple, with the right care and tools. It requires precise alignment. weight, height, anti-skating. Use of protractor and digital balance for tracking pressure, highly recommended. All this to take advantage of the Stylus' capacity for precision tracking.

On Jazz : Kind of Blue, Miles Davis: While detail is excellent, there seems to be a bias towards the upper end of the frequency spectrum. Which may require lessening of Treble in your system. Sound stage is vivid. If well aligned, this cart brings detailed sounds of every instrument, clearly. Again, higher treble, crystal clear.

On, Classical: Bach's Mass in B Minor, Archiv DGG. Sound staging is palpable. Voices clean, clear, and sharp. Background instruments and strings meld smoothly with the voices. Bass blends well. Trumpets are high, without distortion. Soprano voices are not distorted even in the highest notes. Excellent!

On Electronic sound: Kitaro Silk Road. This is where the excellent tracking excells. Every note of every instrument comes to life. Sound staging so good you feel surrounded by the sound, Every note carries smoothly and blends, almost like being present. Again, the treble needs to be adjusted to allow a smooth blend of Bass and treble, without overpowering it.

Classic Rock: Donald Fagen, The Night Fly: I.G.Y. I used this record to calibrate my equipment. The Golding 1012gx is, so far, the most accurate, offering the best sound staging of this song I've heard in my system. ( as good if not better than Clear audio concept. and Clear audio Virtuoso on my Marantz TTs1) Again, the tendency towards the upper end of the spectrum requires modulating the treble. However, once this is done, the result is magnificent!

70's Rock: Dire Straits Brothers in Arms.. Clearly. this recording has been lauded as 'audiophile' quality in many circles. The Goldring 1012gx brings out every nuance of the recording. Sound staging optimal. The strong bass of the recording is blended well with the propensity of high treble, giving the sound a crystal edge, and a bouncy bass. The voice of Mark Knopfler is so vivid, it feels like he's in the room with you!

I would give this cart five stars if I didn't have to modulate the treble. Which is not a huge deal if you have a system that allows for frequency control. I prefer vintage equipment Pioneer SA-5800 amp, with Pioneer RG dynamic processor, RG2, and Pioneer graphic equalizer RG 300. Most modern systems give you even more control to make this cart the Gold standard!

Cheers

Review By: Art Zine