Published On: February 2, 2024

Goldring Ethos SE Cartridge Raises the Bar for Vinyl

Published On: February 2, 2024
Last Updated on: June 25, 2024
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Goldring Ethos SE Cartridge Raises the Bar for Vinyl

Meet the Goldring Ethos SE: a special edition cartridge that promises to take your vinyl listening experience to new heights.

Goldring Ethos SE Cartridge Raises the Bar for Vinyl

Vinyl enthusiasts have reason to be excited as Goldring, a prominent audio specialist, introduces its latest creation, the Goldring Ethos SE cartridge. This Special Edition cartridge takes its place as the pinnacle of Goldring's range of moving coil cartridges, promising to deliver an exceptional vinyl listening experience. 

The Goldring Ethos SE stands out for its use of pure silver coils, a departure from conventional copper windings. These Ag 9999 pure silver coil windings offer lower internal resistance and a reduced mass due to fewer windings. 

This innovation results in improved tracking and greater transient response, allowing the cartridge to smoothly navigate the record groove while maintaining contact. The outcome is a heightened transient response, reduced resonance across the audio spectrum, and a flatter overall frequency response.

Goldring employs Swedish iron in a low-mass cross-armature core, as opposed to the conventional square design. This choice enhances channel separation and creates a more lifelike stereo soundstage. The high-frequency details receive a notable boost, while distortion is minimized, which should ensure excellent tracking capabilities. This design choice contributes to the Ethos SE's mission of setting new standards for audio fidelity.

Goldring Ethos SE Cartridge features pure silver coil windings that offer lower internal resistance and a reduced mass.

To capture the highest frequencies in vinyl recordings, the Ethos SE relies on a vital line-contact diamond stylus. Featuring a narrow, low tip mass and a large contact area, this stylus enhances high-frequency response while reducing distortion and coloration. Additionally, the stylus is connected to the armature through a stiff yet lightweight alloy cantilever tube, further minimizing unwanted artifacts in the audio playback.

The Goldring Ethos SE also introduces new pole shoes that have undergone an exclusive process to enhance the permeability of the metal. This results in a lower reluctance magnetic circuit, which, in turn, produces a smoother and more extended frequency response. This improvement is particularly noticeable in the upper registers, where intricate musical details reside.

The Ethos SE boasts a meticulously crafted body shell made from 6082-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This material choice was deliberate, selected for its low density and high rigidity. The black anodized finish not only enhances durability but also adds to the cartridge's aesthetic appeal.

Goldring Ethos SE Cartridge in a package.

The GOL-1 generator, originally developed during vinyl's initial rise in popularity, remains a cornerstone of Goldring's commitment to excellence. Handmade by Goldring, this generator ensures a smooth and extended frequency response. For the Ethos SE version, the pole shoes have been subjected to a new process, further refining the cartridge's performance.

The Goldring Ethos SE Specifications:

  • Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz ± 2dB.
  • Frequency range: 12Hz – 32kHz.
  • Channel balance: Within 1dB @ 1kHz.
  • Channel separation: Better than 30dB @ 1kHz.
  • Sensitivity: 0.35mV ± 1dB, 1kHz @ 5cm/sec.
  • Static compliance: 28mm/N.
  • Trackability: 90µm (@ 315Hz).
  • Equivalent tip mass: 0.34mg.
  • Vertical tracking angle: 24 degrees.
  • Stylus profile: Vital line contact.
  • Stylus radius: 0.3 x 0.7mil.
  • Stylus type: Non-replaceable (re-tip service available).
  • Load resistance: 100Ω.
  • Load capacitance 100 – 500pF.
  • Internal inductance: 3.5mH
  • Internal resistance: 4.2Ω.
  • Cartridge mass 7.7g.
  • Cartridge mass (inc. fixings): 8.5g (without stylus cover).
  • Fixing centers: 0.5" (12.7mm).
  • Playing weight: 1.5 - 2.0g (1.75 g nom.)

The Goldring Ethos SE moving coil cartridge is now available for audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts worldwide. With a price point of $1,999 (£1,299 / €1,599), it positions itself as a premium option for those who prioritize clarity, resolution, and detail retrieval in their vinyl playback.

The Goldring Ethos SE cartridge represents a significant step forward in vinyl record playback technology. With its pure silver coils, low-mass armature, line-contact diamond stylus, and other innovative features, it promises to set new standards in detail retrieval, channel separation, and low coloration. 

Whether it's worth the premium price will ultimately depend on individual preferences and priorities, but for those seeking the ultimate vinyl listening experience, the Ethos SE is undoubtedly a cartridge worth considering.

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