Goldring 1012GX Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Goldring 1012GX is a hand-built moving magnet cartridge with a user-replaceable stylus carrying the Gyger II nude diamond. The Gyger II is a fine-line elliptical with a 6 µm small radius, and its larger major radius fills more of the record groove than a normal elliptical tip. Goldring credits it with smooth, extended highs, low distortion and a highly detailed, dynamic sound.

Key Features

• Gyger II Stylus: Fine-line elliptical nude diamond with a 6 µm (0.2 mil) small radius. Its larger major radius fills more of the groove than a normal elliptical, and advanced tip polishing improves tracking and reduces record wear.
• Low Mass Pocan® Body: A strong one-piece body of ultra-rigid, glass-reinforced polyester that holds the fixed parts securely and keeps the cartridge below 6.5 g.
• High Efficiency Magnetic Circuit: Laminated, finely etched mu-metal pole pieces with two formerless coils, each coil wound with four thousand turns, for higher than average output and reduced high-frequency loss.
• Reduced Moving Mass: An ultra-low-mass micro-miniature Alnico V magnet with a gold-plated nickel tie-bar, mounted in butyl rubber with optimized damping.
• Expert Adjustment: Azimuth is set precisely at the factory for even channel balance and low crosstalk.

Design and Build

The 1012GX uses a strong one-piece body made from Pocan, an ultra-rigid, glass-reinforced polyester, so the cartridge can be bolted tightly to the headshell. The user-replaceable stylus carrier slots into the body with a locating pin that stops unwanted vibrations from coloring the sound, and an integral mu-metal can shields the generator parts from hum-inducing stray magnetic fields. Pocan's high strength-to-mass ratio keeps the cartridge below 6.5 g.

Performance

The Gyger II fills the record groove more completely than a normal elliptical stylus, which is what makes it a major step up from standard elliptical types. Two formerless coils of four thousand turns each sit around laminated mu-metal pole pieces; that construction cuts mass, gives a higher than average output, and reduces the high-frequency loss of conventional designs for a smooth, extended frequency response. A gold-plated nickel tie-bar welded to the Alnico V magnet provides an earth path for static on the record and steadies the cantilever against unwanted vibration.

Versatility and Compatibility

Low mass and moderate compliance keep the tonearm and cartridge resonance within safe limits, so the 1012GX matches a wide range of tonearms. Goldring recommends a tonearm effective mass of 5 to 25 g. It mounts on standard 12.7 mm fixing centers and works into a standard 47 kΩ moving magnet phono input. Because azimuth is set at the factory, it holds a proper stereo image on turntables where azimuth cannot be adjusted, and when the stylus wears, a replacement slots straight into the body.

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