Goldring E3 Moving Magnet Cartridge
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Goldring E3 Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Goldring E3 Moving Magnet Cartridge is designed to accurately reproduce the original recording, preserving the creative nuances, musicality, and rhythm intended by the artist. The E3 offers enhanced performance and is easy to install making high-quality audio accessible to a wide range of listeners.
Key Features
- Magnetic Duplex Technology™: Dual magnet generator assembly replicates the geometry of the original cutting head for precise stereo reproduction.
- Aluminum Cantilever: Provides improved rigidity and performance over carbon-fiber options.
- Expert Adjustment: Pre-set stylus angle ensures optimal channel balance without the need for horizontal tracking adjustments.
- Super-Elliptical Stylus Profile: Bonded super-elliptical stylus with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil radius for better high-frequency detail retrieval and reduced sibilance.
Design and Build
The E3 cartridge features an aluminum cantilever and a bonded super-elliptical stylus. The aluminum cantilever offers increased stiffness and lower mass compared to carbon-fiber alternatives, resulting in improved tracking accuracy. The super-elliptical stylus has a smaller front-to-back radius than standard elliptical or spherical types, allowing it to extract more detail from the record groove and reduce sibilance, especially in high-level vocal recordings.
Performance
Incorporating Goldring's Magnetic Duplex Technology™, the E3 uses a dual magnet generator assembly that mirrors the geometry of the original cutting head. This design enhances the accurate reproduction of stereo information from the record groove, providing better channel separation and a more engaging soundstage. The expert adjustment during production ensures that the stylus angle is optimized, resulting in consistent and reliable performance throughout the life of the cartridge.
Versatility and Compatibility
The E3 is compatible with most budget to medium-priced turntables, thanks to its standard fixing centers and easy installation process. The cartridge's design eliminates the need for horizontal tracking adjustments, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced audiophiles. Its super-elliptical stylus profile ensures superior performance, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking to extract even more information and detail from their vinyl records.
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.
Goldring E1 to E4 Cartridge Comparison
 Goldring E1 |
 Goldring E2 |
 Goldring E3 |
 Goldring E4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cantilever | Carbon | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Stylus Profile | Spherical | Spherical | Super-elliptical | Nude Elliptical |
| Stylus Radius | 0.6 mil | 0.6 mil | 0.3 x 0.7 mil | 0.3 x 0.7 mil |
| Channel Separation | >20 dB | >20 dB | >20 dB | >20 dB |
| Sensitivity | 3.5 mV | 3.5 mV | 3.5 mV | 3.5 mV |
| Frequency Range | 12 Hz to 20 kHz | 12 Hz to 20 kHz | 12 Hz to 25 kHz | 12 Hz to 32 kHz |
| Stylus Replaceable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Entry-level listening | Improved stereo imaging | Greater detail and balance | Top performance in this series |
| Buy Now | Goldring E1 | Goldring E2 | Goldring E3 | Goldring E4 |
Specifications
| Color | Purple |
| Cantilever | Aluminum |
| Stylus Profile | Super-elliptical |
| Stylus Radius | 0.3 x 0.7 mil |
| Equivalent Tip Mass | 0.7 mg |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±3 dB |
| Frequency Range | 12 Hz to 25 kHz |
| Channel Balance | Within 1.5 dB at 1 kHz |
| Channel Separation | 20 dB min at 1 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 3.5 mV ±3 dB at 5 cm/s lateral |
| Static Compliance | 20 mm/N |
| Trackability | 70 µm |
| Vertical Tracking Angle | 24° |
| Load Resistance | 47 kΩ |
| Load Capacitance | 100 to 200 pF (150 pF nominal) |
| Internal Inductance | 400 mH |
| Internal Resistance | 470 Ω |
| Cartridge Mass | 6.8 g |
| Cartridge Mass (inc. Fixings) | 7.8 g |
| Fixing Centers | 12.7 mm (0.5 in) |
| Playing Weight | 1.75 to 2.25 g (2 g nominal) |
| Cartridge Height | 17 mm |
| Recommended Tonearm Effective Mass | 10 to 30 g |
| Replacement Stylus | Goldring E3 Replacement Stylus |
Can I upgrade my Goldring E3 to an E4 later by changing the stylus?
Can I upgrade my Goldring E3 to an E4 later by changing the stylus?
Yes. Every Goldring E-series cartridge shares the same body, so the styli are interchangeable, and Goldring designed the E4 both as a complete cartridge and as a stylus upgrade for an existing E-series body. Fitting an E4 stylus to an E3 gives you the E4's nude diamond and hollow aluminum cantilever without remounting or realigning the cartridge.
What does the E3 add over the Goldring E1 and E2?
What does the E3 add over the Goldring E1 and E2?
The stylus. The E1 pairs a carbon-fiber reinforced cantilever with a spherical stylus. The E2 keeps the spherical stylus and moves to an aluminum cantilever. The E3 keeps that aluminum cantilever and fits a bonded super-elliptical stylus, which Goldring says retrieves more high-frequency detail and reduces sibilance, especially on loud vocal recordings.
Will the Goldring E3 fit my turntable?
Will the Goldring E3 fit my turntable?
Most likely. The E3 mounts on any tonearm with standard half-inch (12.7mm) fixing centers, using M2.5 x 8mm screws, and Goldring recommends a tonearm effective mass of 10 to 30g; Goldring designs the E-series to fit most entry-level and midrange turntables. Its stylus angle is pre-set at the factory, so no horizontal tracking adjustment is needed, although your tonearm maker may still call for a protractor to set the alignment.
How long does the E3 stylus last?
How long does the E3 stylus last?
Goldring says an elliptical diamond stylus can last up to 1,000 hours if properly cared for, against up to 500 hours for a spherical one. When it is worn, the stylus assembly pulls straight out of the front of the body and a new one pushes in until it sits flush with the cartridge; Goldring warns never to force it and to use only a genuine Goldring stylus.
Does the E3 have enough output for my phono stage?
Does the E3 have enough output for my phono stage?
It is a moving magnet cartridge with 3.5mV of output, so it connects to any standard MM or phono input. Goldring specifies a 47k ohm load and 100 to 200pF of capacitance (150pF nominal), with a tracking force of 2g.
