Goldring 1006 Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Goldring 1006 is the entry-level model in Goldring's acclaimed 1000 series of moving magnet cartridges — a hand-built range that sits above the more affordable E series and represents the company's premium MM offering. Positioned at the foot of a hierarchy that runs through the 1012GX, 1022GX, and flagship 1042, the 1006 shares the same core engineering architecture as its stablemates while offering an accessible entry point into the range's distinctive sound character.

Elliptical Stylus

The 1006 is fitted with a bonded elliptical stylus on a lightweight shank. The elliptical profile enables more accurate tracing of high-frequency record grooves than a conventional spherical stylus, with the lightweight shank giving the assembly a lower tip mass than metal-bonded designs — a factor that contributes to improved transient response and reduced groove wear. The equivalent tip mass is rated at 0.45mg. The stylus carrier is user-replaceable, accepting Goldring's D06 replacement stylus without disturbing the cartridge alignment on the headshell.

Low-Mass Pocan Body

The cartridge body is formed from a single piece of Pocan — a glass-reinforced polyester chosen for its high strength-to-mass ratio and structural rigidity. The design holds fixed internal parts securely in place and allows the body to be bolted tightly to the headshell for maximum coupling efficiency. An integral mu-metal enclosure surrounds the generator assembly, providing effective rejection of hum-inducing stray magnetic fields from nearby motors and transformers. The overall cartridge mass is kept below 6.5g, a figure that, combined with moderate compliance, keeps the natural arm-cartridge resonance within safe limits and makes the 1006 compatible with a wide range of tonearms.

Magnetic Circuit

The generator employs finely etched mu-metal laminated pole pieces wound with two formerless coils of 4,000 turns each. This construction reduces moving mass while creating an efficient magnetic circuit that delivers output above the average for moving magnet designs — rated at 6.5mV at 1kHz. The topology also minimises high-frequency loss inherent in conventional designs, contributing to the smooth and extended frequency response. The magnet itself is an ultra-low-mass Alnico V type, made to close tolerances. A gold-plated nickel tie-bar is welded to the magnet assembly, providing an earth path for vinyl-induced static charge and acting as a stabiliser for the cantilever in unwanted vibrational modes. The whole assembly is mounted in a butyl rubber polymer suspension with optimised damping characteristics.

Factory Azimuth Setting

Correct stylus azimuth — the angle at which the vertical centre-line of the stylus meets the record surface — is critical for accurate stereo imaging and channel balance. The 1006 is factory-set for correct azimuth, removing a variable that is not user-adjustable on most turntables and ensuring the cartridge performs correctly from installation.

Compatibility

Standard half-inch (12.7mm) mounting fits the majority of tonearms. Load resistance of 47kΩ is compatible with all standard MM phono inputs, with a recommended load capacitance of 150–200pF. Tracking force is adjustable between 1.5g and 2.0g, with a nominal setting of 1.7g. The 1006 is suited as an upgrade cartridge for a wide range of turntables including models from Rega, Pro-Ject, and similar manufacturers.