Goldring 1042 Moving Magnet Cartridge
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The Goldring 1042 Moving Magnet Cartridge is engineered for listeners who seek high sonic performance and the convenience of a user-replaceable stylus. Utilizing Moving Iron technology, the 1042 delivers the detailed sound typically found in more expensive moving coil designs while maintaining the high output and flexibility of moving magnet types. Its Gyger S stylus profile ensures precise tracking and enhanced high-frequency detail, making it an excellent upgrade for budget to midrange turntables.
Key Features
- Moving Iron Technology™: Combines the detail of moving coil cartridges with the high output of moving magnet designs.
- Gyger S Stylus: Features a super-elliptical stylus with a 7.6 x 18 micron radius for improved high-frequency detail and reduced sibilance.
- Low Mass Pocan® Body: Constructed from ultra-rigid, glass-reinforced polyester for minimal moving mass and enhanced sound fidelity.
- High Efficiency Magnetic Circuit: Laminated mu-metal pole pieces and formerless coils for a highly efficient magnetic circuit and extended frequency response.
- Expert Adjustment: Pre-set azimuth ensures optimal channel balance and minimal cross-talk without the need for user adjustments.
Design and Build
The Goldring 1042 boasts 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. An integral mu-metal protects 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 S super-elliptical stylus, the 1042 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. 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 1042 is compatible with most budget to midrange turntables, thanks to its standard fixing centers and easy installation process. Designed to work with standard moving magnet phono inputs of integrated amplifiers, the 1042 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 1042 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 Range | 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 | 7.6 micron (0.3 x 0.7 mil) |
| Stylus Type | Replaceable, Goldring GL2100 stylus |
| 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 | 1042 - D42 |
What does the 1042 offer over the 1022GX?
What does the 1042 offer over the 1022GX?
A nude Gyger S stylus, which Goldring says gives lower distortion at high frequencies than the 1022GX, when alignment is absolutely perfect. The trade-off is setup: Goldring says the 1022GX is much easier to align. The 1042 has the lowest tip mass in the 1000 series, 0.35mg, and a frequency range to 51kHz.
Why does the 1042's stylus look tilted forward?
Why does the 1042's stylus look tilted forward?
By design. The Gyger S diamond is cut with a 24-degree back cut so its playing edge mimics the cutting head that made the record, so the cantilever needs no foot angle. Goldring says that is why the diamond looks canted forward "at an alarming angle", and that it is meant to look like this.
How much phono gain does the 1042 need?
How much phono gain does the 1042 need?
Goldring says 40dB is ideal. With the 1042's 5mV output and an amplifier needing around 300mV for full output, the minimum is about 35dB; 40dB gives 500mV. Load it at 47k ohms with 125 to 225pF in total.
How do I mount the 1042?
How do I mount the 1042?
With M2.5 x 8mm screws and M2.5 nuts, since the body has no threaded inserts. Goldring sets the azimuth at the factory and recommends tonearms of 5 to 25g effective mass, with a tracking force of 1.5 to 2g, 1.75g nominal. Take care with alignment: Goldring says that is where the 1042 gives its best.
Is the 1042 the same as the G1042, or a replacement for the G1040?
Is the 1042 the same as the G1042, or a replacement for the G1040?
Goldring says styli sold as 1042 and G1042 are the same stylus labeled differently, both with the Gyger S diamond, and names the 1042 as the current equivalent of the G1040. Its replacement stylus is the D42, which also fits the other 1000-series bodies.
