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For over a century, Goldring has been a beacon of innovation, quality, and reliability in the world of audio technology.
Founded in 1906 by Heinrich and Julius Scharf, Goldring has grown from its humble beginnings in Berlin to become a household name in the British hi-fi industry. Throughout its storied history, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio engineering, creating products that have shaped the way we experience music. Today, we celebrate Goldring's rich heritage and groundbreaking innovations by shining a spotlight on two of their latest offerings: the E3 and E4 cartridges.
The Beginnings: A Legacy is Born
| A story of two brothers
Goldring's story began in Berlin in 1906 when two Czech-born brothers, Heinrich and Julius Scharf, started manufacturing components for the nascent gramophone industry under the name Gebrüder Scharf. Initially, the brothers focused on producing gramophone needles, clockwork motors, and governor springs. However, their passion for innovation soon led them to develop more sophisticated products, including the "sound boxes," the all-acoustic ancestors of today's modern magnetic pickups.
The 1920s saw significant advancements in Goldring's product lineup. In 1926, the company launched the iconic Juwel Electro sound box, which featured a mica diaphragm and bore the Gold Ring trademark, signifying superior quality. This sound box was specifically designed to extract the best possible sound from the latest electrically recorded gramophone records, a testament to Goldring's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
The 1930s: Pioneering Electric Pickups
As the gramophone industry evolved, so did Goldring. In the 1930s, the Scharf brothers patented technology for the emerging electric gramophone pickup industry. This period marked a significant shift in the company's focus, as it moved from traditional acoustic sound boxes to electric pickups. In 1933, the company relocated to England, where Heinrich's son Erwin, later joined by his brother Freddie, re-formed the company as Scharf Bros.
From their factory in Woodford, Essex, the company continued to innovate, producing both traditional and electric pickups.
World War II brought new challenges, but Goldring remained resilient. During the war, part of the Woodford factory was repurposed to support the war effort. Despite the difficulties, the Scharf brothers continued their research and development, perfecting the model 100 magnetic pickup cartridge and the versatile Headmaster tone arm. These innovations laid the groundwork for future successes.
Post-War Era: A Golden Age of Innovation
The post-war period saw Goldring enter a golden age of innovation. In 1953, the company was officially renamed "Goldring Manufacturing (GB) Ltd" and relocated to Leytonstone in East London. Here, nearly 100 employees worked diligently to produce revolutionary magnetic pickups, including the No. 500, which featured a 'turnover' 33/45 rpm double sapphire stylus. This cartridge was smaller and lighter than previous designs, earning acclaim from the BBC and establishing Goldring as a global leader in hi-fi technology.
The 1960s brought new challenges as stereo LPs gained popularity. Goldring responded by modifying their model 600 cartridge to work in stereo, resulting in the model 700. However, it was the G800 cartridge, launched in 1967, that truly revolutionized the industry. The G800's "variable reluctance" design enabled low moving mass, permitting a playing weight of less than 2g, making it compatible with the lightweight pickup arms of the time. This innovation solidified Goldring's reputation as a pioneer in the hi-fi industry.
The 1970s: The Rise of Moving Magnet Technology
As the hi-fi industry continued to evolve, so did Goldring. The 1970s saw the introduction of the 900 series, designed and manufactured in a new, larger facility in Bury St Edmunds. This period marked the beginning of Goldring's foray into moving magnet (MM) technology.
Advances in magnetic materials allowed the company to create tiny, powerful magnets that could be fitted directly onto the cantilever, resulting in some of the first moving magnet cartridges. The success of the 900 series propelled Goldring to new heights, and the company was eventually passed on to Gerry Sharp, the grandson of founder Heinrich Scharf, marking the beginning of a new era in private ownership.
The 1980s saw further advancements with the development of the company's first moving coil (MC) cartridge, the Electro II. This cartridge utilized super-strong magnets like samarium-cobalt and later neodymium, which allowed for a lower moving mass and low output impedance. The MC technology was further refined with the introduction of the Eroica and Excel cartridges, while the MM cartridge development continued with the launch of the original 1000 series in 1985.
The Digital Age: Adapting to Change
The advent of CD technology in the 1980s posed new challenges for the hi-fi industry, as many consumers began to move away from records and turntables. Goldring, however, remained steadfast in its commitment to vinyl and continued to innovate. By downsizing and outsourcing much of its component manufacturing, the company was able to focus on technical development and remain at the forefront of cartridge design. The high-performance Elite MC cartridge was developed for a more discerning specialist market, and the 1000 series MM cartridges were further improved.
The early 2000s saw Goldring take a second venture into turntable design with the launch of the GR1 turntable in 2003, followed by the award-winning GR2 in 2005. Cartridge development also continued with the introduction of the 2000 series, which implemented a moving iron design with low moving mass and advanced stylus profiles. In 2009, Goldring launched its flagship Legacy MC cartridge, which combined innovative design with modern materials and manufacturing techniques to produce a class-leading product.
The Resurgence of Vinyl: A New Generation
The early 2010s witnessed a resurgence in vinyl popularity, with a new generation of consumers turning their attention to turntables and cartridges. Goldring responded to this trend by developing the E series, a set of high-quality entry-level MM cartridges that were well received by vinyl enthusiasts. This new series embodied the company's philosophy of accurate replication of the original record production, maintaining the creative nuances, musicality, and rhythm that the artist intended.
The E series marked a new chapter in Goldring's history, combining the brand's century-long expertise with cutting-edge technology to create cartridges that catered to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers to the world of vinyl. Among the standout models in this series are the E3 and E4 cartridges, both of which have garnered critical acclaim for their exceptional performance and value.
Spotlight on the Goldring E3 and E4 Cartridges
Goldring has long been synonymous with precision and performance, and the moving magnet E3 and E4 cartridges are no exception.
Goldring E3: Precision and Performance
The Goldring E3 cartridge is a testament to Goldring's commitment to excellence. Designed for budget to medium-priced turntables, the E3 features an aluminium cantilever and a bonded super-elliptical stylus.
This combination allows the cartridge to deliver high-frequency detail with precision, reducing sibilance and providing a more accurate sound reproduction.
One of the key innovations in the E3 is Goldring's Magnetic Duplex Technology™, a dual magnet generator assembly that mirrors the geometry of the original cutting head. This design allows the E3 to more accurately reproduce the stereo information in the record groove, resulting in better channel separation and a more immersive sound stage.
For those looking to upgrade their current setup, the E3 offers a significant improvement in detail retrieval and overall sound quality, making it a worthwhile investment for any vinyl enthusiast.
Goldring E4: The Pinnacle of E Series Engineering
For those seeking the ultimate in moving magnet performance, the Goldring E4 is the answer. As the flagship model of the E series, the E4 is designed to be compatible with all medium-to-high-mass tonearms found on most budget to midrange turntables.
Its construction shares the same high-quality core as the other E series cartridges, but with enhancements that elevate its performance to new heights.
The E4 features a nude super-elliptical stylus, cut and polished from a single piece of diamond. This design reduces effective tip mass, improves rigidity, and dramatically enhances high-frequency detail retrieval. The result is lower distortion, improved transient response, and a flat frequency response that delivers superior fidelity compared to other cartridges in its price range.
In addition to its advanced stylus, the E4 also boasts a hollow aluminium cantilever that traces medium-to-high frequencies with greater accuracy. This, combined with Goldring's Magnetic Duplex Technology™, ensures that the E4 offers an unmatched listening experience, with a more accurate soundstage and reduced crosstalk.
Conclusion:
| A Century of Innovation Continues
Goldring's journey from its humble beginnings in Berlin to becoming a cornerstone of the British hi-fi industry is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. Over the past century, Goldring has consistently pushed the boundaries of audio technology, creating products that have shaped the way we experience music.
Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to the world of vinyl, the E3 and E4 cartridges offer the perfect blend of performance and value, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite records with the clarity and detail that Goldring is known for. As Goldring continues to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of audio technology, one thing remains certain: the legacy of excellence that began over a century ago will continue to inspire and delight music lovers for generations to come.
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