Goldring 1042 MM £295
Before we get stuck into putting our four contenders into some kind of order, we’d like to go over a few practical issues that have a major impact on the performance of a cartridge.
Unlike some parts of a hi-fi system, these aren’t products that can simply be connected, then work optimally. Cartridges need to be installed properly, which can be a bit fiddly.
We’re not talking only about handling the small nuts and bolts required to attach them, or connecting the rather fragile colour-coded tonearm leads either. Cartridges need to be aligned properly – using an appropriate gauge – otherwise you’ll end up with increased distortion and, perhaps even worse, more wear on your precious records.
Feel the force
Make sure, also, that the tracking force is correct. The cartridge manufacturer will suggest a range of values that are suitable for its product. Expect to get slight changes in sound as you go from the lowest value upwards.
There will be a suggested tracking weight, and this is a good starting point, but you may find that with your system a slightly different value may sound better. If in doubt go slightly heavier rather than lighter to minimise the chances of mistracking.
Don’t forget the bias-force setting either. This tends to be put at the same value as the tracking weight, but once again, a bit of experimentation may yield a better sound.
Quality all round
We had fun doing this test, as there’s not a poor option here. The Clearaudio is a well-built cartridge, and we’ve enjoyed it on many occasions in the past. Here though, it fails to excite, turning in a rather safe performance. On the plus side, it’s the cheapest contender in our quartet and it still turns in a decent performance. But we’d save up a bit more and spend our money elsewhere.
Despite their higher prices, both the Ortofon and Audio Technica are well worth taking seriously. They’re both obviously more capable than the Clearaudio, both delivering a fine balance of insight and drama for their price. For us, the extra detail and precision of the Audio Technica edge it.
Wonderfully balanced
This leaves us with the Goldring 1042. It may not have quite the precision of the Audio Technica but counters with a wonderfully balanced performance that’s hard to fault. It’s the priciest cartridge here, but listen to one in full flow and it’s clear the price premium is justified.