Goldring Ethos Moving Coil Cartridge

The Goldring Ethos Moving Coil Cartridge is a high-end model that combines meticulous engineering with innovative features to deliver exceptional sound reproduction. Featuring a vital-shank, line-contact diamond stylus, the Ethos ensures precise tracking and detailed audio performance, making it an ideal choice for discerning listeners.

Key Features

• Vital Line-Contact Diamond Stylus: Polyhedral profile with a 6 µm radius for enhanced high-frequency detail and reduced distortion.
• Hand-Built GOL-1 Moving-Coil Generator: Cross-shaped, soft-iron armature paired with a low resonance aircraft-grade aluminum chassis for superior performance.
• Alloy Cantilever: Stiff and lightweight, optimized for stability and accurate groove tracing.
• Cross-Shaped Armature: Improves channel separation and minimizes cross-talk, delivering a realistic soundstage.
• Optimized Suspension: Bespoke butyl rubber damper and tensioned tie-wire ensure ultra-stable performance during complex passages.
• Neodymium Magnet: Lightweight and powerful, providing a uniform magnetic field for a flat and extended frequency response.
• Aluminum Body Shell: Precision-milled, aircraft-grade aluminum reduces unwanted resonances and maintains low effective mass.

Design and Build

The Ethos cartridge features a robust aluminum body shell, precision-milled from aircraft-grade aluminum for low density and high rigidity. This construction minimizes vibrations, ensuring stable performance. The vital-shank, line-contact diamond stylus is mounted on a stiff and lightweight alloy cantilever, optimized for stability and ride height. The hand-built GOL-1 moving-coil generator, featuring a cross-shaped, soft-iron armature, is integrated with the aluminum chassis, ensuring precision tuning and exceptional performance.

Performance

Designed to trace the smallest groove details with complete fidelity, the Ethos delivers smooth, extended highs with low distortion. The vital line-contact diamond stylus, combined with the low-mass alloy cantilever, provides excellent trackability and transient response, allowing for accurate reproduction of ultrasonic frequencies. The cross-shaped armature enhances channel separation and produces a highly detailed and dynamic soundstage. Optimized suspension and the neodymium magnet setup ensure a flat and extended frequency response, providing a detailed and immersive listening experience.

Versatility and Compatibility

The Goldring Ethos is compatible with a wide range of budget to midrange turntables, thanks to its standard mounting specifications and straightforward installation process. Designed to work seamlessly with standard moving coil phono inputs of integrated amplifiers, the Ethos offers high output and flexibility for various audio setups. Whether upgrading an existing cartridge or enhancing a legacy system, the Ethos provides a versatile solution for achieving exceptional 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

• Stylus Profile: Vital line-contact
• Cantilever: Aluminum alloy
• Stylus Type: Replaceable
• Frequency Range: 10 Hz – 32 kHz
• Frequency Response: ±2 dB (35 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Channel Balance: <1 dB at 1 kHz
• Channel Separation: >30 dB at 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 0.5 mV ±1 dB @ 1 kHz @ 5 cm/sec (RMS)
• Static Compliance: 25 mm/N
• Dynamic Compliance: 15 mm/N
• Vertical Tracking Angle: 20°
• Stylus Radius: 35 x 8 µm (0.3 mil)
• Stylus Type: Non-Replaceable (re-tip service available, see website)
• Load Resistance: 100 Ω
• Load Capacitance: 100 – 1000 pF
• Internal Inductance: 7.5 µH
• Internal Resistance: 4 Ω
• Cartridge Mass: 7.7 g
• Total Mass (incl. Fixings): 8.5 g (without stylus cover)
• Fixing Centres: 12.7 mm (0.5 in)
• Playing Weight: 1.5 – 2.0 g (1.7 g recommended)
• Replacement Stylus: 1012GX - D12GX