Goldring 1012GX Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Goldring 1012GX Moving Magnet Cartridge is crafted for listeners who seek high sonic performance and the convenience of a user-replaceable stylus. Utilizing Moving Iron technology, the 1012GX delivers detailed sound reproduction comparable to more expensive moving coil designs while maintaining the high output and flexibility of moving magnet types. Its Gyger II stylus profile ensures precise tracking and enhanced high-frequency detail, making it an excellent upgrade for budget to midrange turntables.

Key Features

• Gyger II Stylus: Features a fine-line elliptical diamond stylus with a 6 µm radius for accurate tracing of high-frequency record grooves.
• Low Mass Pocan® Body: Constructed from ultra-rigid, glass-reinforced polyester to minimize moving mass and reduce unwanted vibrations.
• High Efficiency Magnetic Circuit: Finely etched mu-metal pole pieces and formerless coils provide a highly efficient magnetic circuit with extended frequency response.
• Reduced Moving Mass: Utilizes a micro-miniature Alnico V magnet and lightweight iron/nickel cantilever for improved transient response.
• Expert Adjustment Facility: Pre-set azimuth ensures optimal channel balance and minimal cross-talk without the need for user adjustments.

Design and Build

The Goldring 1012GX features a robust Pocan® body made from ultra-rigid, glass-reinforced polyester. This construction ensures that all fixed components remain securely in place, reducing unwanted vibrations that can affect sound quality. The integrated M2.5 threaded mounting holes allow for easy and secure attachment to most tonearms without the need for additional hardware. An integral mu-metal can shields the generator parts from stray magnetic fields, ensuring a clean signal path. The lightweight Pocan® body keeps the overall mass below 6.5 grams, making it compatible with a wide range of tonearms.

Performance

Equipped with a Gyger II elliptical stylus, the 1012GX offers superior high-frequency detail retrieval and reduced sibilance compared to traditional elliptical or spherical stylus profiles. The unique stylus shape allows for accurate tracing of fine groove modulations, resulting in an exceptionally detailed and smooth sound. Advanced diamond tip polishing ensures excellent tracking ability and reduces record wear. The high-efficiency magnetic circuit, featuring finely etched mu-metal pole pieces and formerless coils, ensures a higher than average output and a smooth, extended frequency response. The reduced moving mass of the iron/nickel cantilever assembly allows for faithful tracking of the record groove, minimizing distortion and mis-tracking during loud passages.

Versatility and Compatibility

The Goldring 1012GX is compatible with most budget to midrange turntables, thanks to its standard fixing centers and straightforward installation process. Designed to work with standard moving magnet phono inputs of integrated amplifiers, the 1012GX offers high output and flexibility for various audio setups. Whether upgrading an obsolete cartridge or enhancing an existing Goldring E Series cartridge by replacing the stylus, the 1012GX provides a versatile and convenient solution for improving your vinyl playback. Its expert-adjusted azimuth ensures a proper stereo soundstage without the need for additional adjustments.

The Listening Room Experience

At The Listening Room, we take pride in offering more than just high-fidelity audio equipment. We provide expert advice, personalized service, and a commitment to helping you find the perfect sound system for your space. From delivery to custom setup, our goal is to ensure that every piece of equipment you purchase performs at its absolute best in your environment. Trust us to be your partners in the pursuit of exceptional sound.

Specifications

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB
• Channel Balance: Within 2 dB at 1 kHz
• Channel Separation: Greater than 25 dB at 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 6.5 mV ±1.5 dB at 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°
• Stylus Radius: Gyger II
• Stylus Type: Replaceable
• Load Resistance: 47 kΩ
• Load Capacitance: 150 – 200 pF
• Internal Inductance: 570 mH
• Internal Resistance: 660 Ω
• Cartridge Mass: 6.3 g
• Cartridge Mass (inc. Fixings): 7.6 g
• Fixing Centre: 12.7 mm (0.5 in)
• Playing Weight: 1.5 – 2.0 g (1.7 g recommended)
• Replacement Stylus: 1012GX - D12GX