Goldring Eroica HX Moving Coil Cartridge

The Goldring Eroica HX is a high-output moving coil cartridge that sits second in Goldring's five-strong MC range, above the Eroica LX and below the Elite. Its defining characteristic is a 2.5mV output sensitivity — high enough to drive a standard moving magnet phono input directly, removing the need for a dedicated MC phono stage or step-up transformer. For turntable owners looking to move from moving magnet to moving coil without replacing their existing phono stage, the Eroica HX offers the most straightforward upgrade path in Goldring's lineup.

Generator Design

At the heart of the Eroica HX is a pure-iron cross-armature generator wound with ultra-fine enamelled-copper wire. The cross-armature topology positions the coils at right angles to one another, which reduces magnetic crosstalk between channels. Goldring specifies channel separation at better than 25dB at 1kHz, with channel balance within 1dB. The internal resistance is 35 ohms with an internal inductance of just 0.13mH, and the recommended electrical load is 47k ohms with 100–500pF capacitance — the same as most moving magnet cartridges.

Stylus and Tracking

The Eroica HX is fitted with a Gyger II diamond stylus, a multi-radii line-contact profile with a 5-micron tip radius. Goldring states the stylus can trace frequencies as high as 50kHz without distortion, giving a usable frequency range of 10Hz–50kHz. The frequency response within the audible band is specified as 20Hz–20kHz ±3dB. Equivalent tip mass is 0.4mg, and trackability is rated at 85μm at 315Hz. The recommended tracking force is 1.75g nominal, with an acceptable range of 1.5–2.0g. The stylus is not user-replaceable; Goldring offers a retip service.

Construction

The cartridge body is moulded from Pocan, a lightweight glass-reinforced thermoplastic composite. Goldring selected this material for its anti-coloration properties — its internal damping characteristics help prevent the body from adding resonant energy to the signal. Total cartridge mass is 5.2g (6.6g with fixings), and the vertical tracking angle is 22 degrees. Mounting uses standard half-inch (12.7mm) fixing centres, compatible with all standard headshells and tonearms.

Range Context

Within Goldring's moving coil range, the Eroica HX sits alongside its lower-output sibling, the Eroica LX. Both share the same body, Gyger II stylus, and cross-armature generator design, but the LX produces a lower output of 0.5mV, requiring a dedicated MC phono stage. The next step up, the Elite, moves to a more refined generator and body design at a higher price point. Above that, the Ethos and Ethos SE represent Goldring's flagship MC offerings.