Goldring E1 vs Grado Black2 - Reviews & Shoot-Out
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Dearest Friends and Buddies, thank you for waiting a bit for this, as there has been a hiccup - an event which has proven to be highly significant affecting significantly how we see these two carts, and influencing our choosing and buying probability of either one :-D
I report everything as is, no weasel-wording as usual. They deserve their conclusions. One is a proud winner. Apologies to the other one.
Testing is done on my SL1200Mk5, Rega Planar 3 and MoFi StudioDeck, and both cartridges are adjusted as close as their tonearms can allow to 92deg of SRA. Both cartridges are aligned to the Lofgren curve. Both are given a run-in period of 100-120hours. Both are given the best conditions, and equal conditions, to shine.
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
*Background :-)
Dearest Friends and Buddies,
I am Ian and I reside in sunny Singapore. I love our Vinyl Community and Vinyl Music. Vinyl analogue playback is utterly blissful, and I want for fellow friends and buddies to engage in vinyl music for many, many years in their life, each vinyl buddy through their school life, through the hustle and bustle of daily work, accompany them through precious hours at home with their family members or in their hostel with their friends. Vinyl music is blissful, free of time smear, phase shift, pre-ring and post-ring that plagues digital playback. Vinyl buddies and friends can all attest to that. It is not warm in the “bassy warm” sense, it is not soothing in the sense that “everything gets smoothed out”. It is because it is analogue, very detailed, calm, invigorating, enthralling, dynamic, refreshing. In a word, blissful. Utterly :-D
I want for all to get the very equipment that will get us there. These equipment, I firmly believe, are present, and existent, even at affordable price points!..and I started off in Dec 2015 hunting out for them, selling off my own Rega RP6 (which my wife and I loved) to fund the first batch of cartridges for review: the 5 cartridges in Group A ($70-$80), and the 7 cartridges in Group B ($90-$130). Subsequently I told myself to set aside $500-$1000 per month from my monthly salary to buy equipment to review. My own money. Quite a hefty sum monthly, significant to me, as I am a salaried man. This is my commitment. I believe in every field, there are people who have to make the sacrifice to pursue their love for the greater good, and to serve, the community of friends. I have also downsized my car in mid-2017 so as to commit these monies to fund these projects. I totally, rigorously, and kindly reject all forms of donations, be they from friends, from retailers, from manufacturers. This is a hobby, and my teachers and advisors in life have advised me that to bring balance to life, and to be wholesome, one will engage in a livelihood (daily job or business) that earns the monies, and one will also simultaneously engage in a hobby/service in life that is non-competitive, non-monetarily-remunerative. My wife totally understands what I want to do for the community and she so kindly supports my decision and efforts. Vinyl music is a lovely hobby I hold dearly. Friends and buddies are my ultimate responsibility and my love. I want the very best for them, and to provide totally honest reviews. Moles exist in hifi forums, moles also exist from benefactors who donate. I do not want to remotely encounter any moles masquerading as benefactors donating to my cause, only to find out sooner or later that such donations were/are from certain manufacturers or retailers. Everybody will do things differently. I want to maintain my status as a common-folk, aspire always to adopt the Shokunin spirit: of spending the utmost diligent care, through unhurried work, never caring for returns, in perfecting their work for the community. The personal satisfaction of getting to the very best equipment in each price class to help all my lovely buddies and friends is, the only thing, in store for me :-D We toast to the joy and bliss of vinyl analogue music. Vinyl Music deserves our love and attention. Our listening. Our care.
We toast to the lively spirit of:
“Everybody will be dancing and doing it right!"
Let's go, buddies and friends!!!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian :-D
Other equipment:
turntables: avid sequel sp with sme v, technics sl1200gae, sl1200g, sl1200mk5, sl1200mk2, rega p3, mofi studiodeck, rega p1
phonostages: schiit mani, avid pulsare2, croft riaa rs, icon audio ps1mk2 with harma ecc83 (from watfordvalves)
amplification: vitus ri101, leben cs300xs with mullards ecc83 and harma el84 cryoed & burst-tested.
Ugh I was thinking of upgrading my Grado 2 stylus to the red 2 stylus soon but I think I might just save a few more bucks and buy myself the Nagaoka mp-110.
I will confirm that the black housing on the Grado 2 cartridge looks terrible and my stylus does lean to the left a little bit now that I looked at it a little closer.
Lesson learned. Inspect it closely before using it.
Dear Buddy, we all learn together :-D and expand one another's knowledge! Thank you for coming by and telling me "ugh.... now that I looked at it a little closer..."
May you have a great Sunday and enjoy some calming vinyl analogue music today!
It was this channel that introduced me to the MP110 and I love the cartridge. Its pretty much my go to for listening to my records. I'm just saving my money for better speakers.
Somebody needs to pay this man -
This guy is a powerhouse of a Reviewer
Take note Canada and the US ...
THIS it the BEST audiophile reviewer on UA-cam 🤜👊🤛 -
(Now send him some gear!)
#Truth in the hifi marketplace
Brother👋😄👍, thank you very much for catching up with me!!!! Very humbled to have your grace and friendship✌!!!!
I'll always fo my utmost best to procure gear (from own pocket of course) and come up with useful and pertinent reviewers for the sane and warm 99% of us vinyl audio lovers!!!!
We march on Brother Jeremy 😄🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶enjoy our analogue bliss my friend!!!! See you Buddy!!!!anytime!!!!
I love his reviews too. Telling it like it is. Looking for a new cartridge for my Harman T-25 thinking about the Nagaoka 110
He's a paid reviewer.
Thank you for the job that you do; I hope that the manufacturers are watching.
Dear friend Scott, thank you for your kind support and earnest wish for the vinyl playback standards to improve to maintain our love for our listening. We are nice consumers and honest to help one another. Let's keep up our spirit :-D
Warmest Regards and have a lovely time ahead!!
~ ian.
If they listen they Will prosper
Have you tried the E2 or E3 yet? I am considering adding one of them to my line up. I currently run the MP-110 almost all the time. Would love to know your comparison.
I want to thank you as I bought a Goldring Elektra cart about a year ago after it placed second in one of your challenge videos, and I love it. I had never heard of Goldring before and had to send to Norway and wait a month to receive it, but it was well worth the wait. You do a tremendous service to all vinyl lovers with your channel. Thank you.
Based on Ian's review, I bought a Goldring Elektra back in June 2016 and got 2 years of excellent sound from it. I recently upgraded to the Nagaoka MP-150 based on Ian's review, and I can confirm that it easily justifies its price.
Dear Brother Martin, thank you for helping Brother Tim, yes, i do still have a running condition Elektra, it is a really good cart!! :-D yes it is not worn out yet.
Cheers to all of us for being fortunate to savour vinyl analog.... :-D such a joy. Really such a joy.
Amazing review! Great comparison and you picked a great example of song which has totally different parts of sounding in it.
Cheers from Bulgaria!
Thank you for your kindness, and much help, we all agree you are AWESOME. Thank you again!
Buddy, thank you for coming by and catching up yet again! Good to see you. May you enjoy many fruitful and retrospective adventures ahead :-D Peace!!!
Great video, as usual. I just ordered an E1. The sound on this video caught my ear. It sounds a lot like the old Stanton 680 Broadcaster of 30 years ago... I've been looking for a modern equivalent for sometime now. I also appreciate the slick modern design. Thanks.
Hi Buddy...thank you for catching up! Hope you're doing well...you sound like you are, with the E1 being a Stanton Broadcaster of old singing along😄🎶🎵🎶 for you!!! Have a great time my friend....cruise along. Our analogue bliss!!💪😄
Edit: I like the modern and highly ergonomic and sensible design. Excellent.
Many thanks for this fantastic review. I am a long term viewer and I love the channel. 😊
Can I please seek your advice? I currently use a Technics 1210 and have been steadily upgrading my other components. I have the original grado black but I am wondering which cart is the best upgrade from this up to £150 maximum price I can afford. What would you suggest?
Many thanks again for your fantastic videos. 😀
Dear Buddy👋😄thank you for catching up! Wow £150!as your budget!!! Great!!! I'd strongly recommend you to get the Goldeing 1006, 1042 or Nagaoka MP-110 or MP-150. Please help yourself to some great musical enjoyment with these superb carts🤗🤗😄
HiViNyws channel Thanks so much for replying so quickly.
The MP110 seems a big upgrade on the Grado Black. I am sure there is a problem with the stylus on the black. It appears on close inspection the cantilever is now not straight. Maybe over time this occurs?
Will check out those other carts you mentioned. Many thanks buddy! 😊👍🏼🎧
@@EDDBUD Hehheh!!! Yea💪😄👍
Best Regards Buddy!!!
Good morning Ian,
So good to sit and spend some time with you on this Labor Day morning. You know I have learned so much about cartridges from you over the years. I have always been a fan of Grado for years now. Even more so after joining the VC and hearing you speak about them through your various reviews. But I have to say that I am very impressed with this Goldring. I felt bad that Mr Loo did not even know that he had four Grado's that were not up to new par level. If I went to buy one I probably would not have recognized the kink. But thanks to your sharp eye and your longtime well crafted knowledge of everything audio you noticed it right away. So thank you for that. But also as soon as you started opening the Goldring I was impressed with the packaging. It was plain to see that they are taking pride in their product and they want the consumer to be happy with their purchase. Your review/comparison was spot on once again. You sold me. I am definitely going to grab one of the Goldring E1 cartridges for my new Technics 1200 TT that I will be purchasing soon. I finally found someone who has a few of them that are right out of the box.
Thank you again for all of your hard work in creating these well informed and incredibly enjoyable videos. Also for keeping me/us tuned into the latest in everything audio. I hope that your wife, family and also Moko are doing well. Talk to you soon Ian and thanks again~
Rob/Boston
Dear Big Brother Rob👋😀! Thank you for spending time with me... very touched. The VC is really alive and well....many of you giving much energy whether producing videos or messaging-contributing on one another's video contributions💪!!! Hope your morning cuppa ☕🥪🥚🏖has been hearty! So incredibly nice to have you here talking to me...I feel very humbled. Thank you Big Brother.
Mr Loo will be happy to see your kindness and good acknowledgement too. Yes he is always so relaxed, calm and easygoing. .. ...your Technics SL1200!!!!!! Congratulations💪💪💪💪😄😍🎵🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶!!!! YAY!!!! I can't wait to see yours soon. Indulge us Brother!!
Warmest Regards to you in the Boston sunshine and have a coolish Summer🤩🏖
Hi @HiViNyws, Happy Birthday Ian! Would you please advise which preamp you used for this particular test - and was it pre or post Schiit Mani? I ask because I have already purchased both.
Hi Buddy👋😄...both are running through the Schiit Mani. Thank you for asking!!!! How are your doing?
@@HiViNywschannel Hi Ian, I'm fine now I've had time to burn-in both the Mani and the E1, and they are sounding just brilliant together! Thank you for your highly regarded video services to the hifi fraternity - in spite of UA-cam's compression!
I've also just purchased an Audio Technica AT-VM95E to burn-in next - can we expect an extended review of the emperor's new clothes in time sir?
@@johngarnet2826 dear Buddy👋😄yes the new VM series on the 95. I am preparing two projects currently and they should be fun and useful to you friends too...especially friends just coming into vinyl. ProJect JukeBox E Hifi Set vs Planar1+...+...✌😄🎶🎵🎶!!! We shall see who wins! And by huge miles!!
G'day Ian! man i was quite shocked to see the lack of QC with the Grado - and more shockingly the fact it seems an ongoing issue!! Happy 5yrs mate. I know you've most certainly assisted me in choices available out there in the world of analog music and brought my focus around to some amazing equipment at great affordability.
Dear Brother!!! :-D Great to see you again!!
I am sorry for replying you three days' late. Apologies Brother...
Brother, thank you for your time too always, catching up at every episode. I also owe it to your sharing with your hifi travels and experience!!! I kept a log and database on your system too :-D... I hope you are totally immersed in your system every day, enjoying that sheer vinyl analogue bliss. We are so lucky to be in this, and in this community.
Buddy, best regards to you and your family,
~ ian.
Gray-do product quality control = non existing?
Or do they select the ones that are ok and call them "green"?
BTW: Love your vids! Great comparisons and analysis and all in a great atmosphere, very well done!
:-D...(scratch head) ....oh dear.... i think you may be right. But then again... the whole first batch of Prestige2 carts arrived at my retailer and he realized all of them having a left channel zilch in output, and with only hum. It is regrettable, because I so loved the Black1, Green1, Red1...and I still have them with me, functioning very well. After all these recent issues with the Series2 carts, I am not so sure I am confident as a consumer about their quality control. I hope this historical and long-running company will help themselves, and help us :-D to continue enjoying musical journey.
Thank you for your kind words and support Buddy Nico!!!
Best Regards and a lovely, joyous and peaceful 2019 for you and your family AND your vinyl-playing friends :-D !!!~
Hi Ian. Fantastic review.
WOW ... I didn't think the differences here would be so pronounced. I had no problems hearing a rather poor performance from Grado.
In the old days, if it wasn't possible to audition a cartridge, you would rely on HI-FI magazine reviews, and often be very disappointed. These days, manufacturers & reviews just can't give us second rate rubbish anymore because of people like you Ian who make it possible to hear for ourselves in very fair comparisons.
Huge thanks for changing the game my friend 👍
Dearest Chris, thank you so very much for your presence again. Really owe it to you for your input and guidance all along too!! I know you have been "accused as a N fanboy" ... and yes, it is indeed a compliment to your sharp and acute observations... ONLY through your years of wide experiences, twists and turns. I honour your resourcefulness and wisdom, and most of all your KINDNESS to help.
Thank you dear Buddy Chris.
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
@@HiViNywschannel
You're to kind Ian, thank you. To be honest its my pleasure. You do a wonderful job/service for the Hi-Fi community. You deserve great rewards my friend 👍
@@ProjectOverseer I wish for our friendship many good years ahead💪. Thank you Brother...
Hi Ian, really enjoy watching your videos. I have a question relating to cartridge / tonearm compliance. Do you take this variable into consideration when reviewing the cartridges. Thanks
Dear Brother Zel!!
Yes :-D ... regarding the subject on Tonearm-Cartridge matching:
Most important points, most important factors are…. SO MANY!!! The cartridge engine, internal wiring, shielding, magnetic flux densities, control, wiring angles, wiring workmanship, and the tonearm tube material, shaping externally and internally, wiring, bearing quality.
If calculated compliance deducing tonearm-cartridge matching is so important, why is it that the same cartridge can sound SO DIFFERENT with different tonearms with the same gimballed/unipivot design and same tonearm effective masses? IT IS because different tonearms have different qualities of build, different materials, different tapering designs that can reduce hugely tonearm resonances (outcome totally different from our grossly calculated Rf), different shielding, different manufacturing repeatability and integrity, different tonearm base wiring quality, connection and workmanship, THAT ALL affects the cartridge’s performance :-DWe elucidate more:A) the SAME TONEARM playing TWO DIFFERENT cartridges can sound so different despite both cartridges having the same compliance figures! ProJect fans say that Ortofon cartridges have compliances figures that match their low-effective-mass-ProJect-tonearms rather than Technics SL1200 tonearms. BUT THE TRUTH is here: how come the $100 Ortofon 2M Red, which is supposedly a much better cartridge than the ubiquitously distributed and heavily mass-produced $30 AT-3600 series cartridge, actually sounds SO bad when matched with the ProJect Debut Carbon (9g tonearm), so much worse, than a $30 AT-3600 cartridge installed on the Rega Planar 1?
B) AND also, the 2M Red on the Technics SL1200Mk2/3/5 (medium-high mass tonearm) sounds so much better THAN the AT-3600, AT-95e WITH the Technics SL1200Mk2/3/5! The 2M Red also sounds better installed on a P1 than installed on the ProJect Debut Carbon. Compliance matching is but a small factor amongst SO MANY HUGE DECISIVE FACTORS. Compliance is but a small matter in the overall performance of a cartridge. Let us say that a cartridge is matched very well with a tonearm to effect in a Resonant Frequency of 9-11Hz, but yet the tonearm bearings are poor:- case 1: rough (not smooth) action of tonearm, resulting in compliance issues being thrown out of the window, as a tonearm with unsmooth action, is likened to a heavy ponderous tonearm with "high effective mass",
- case 2: poor bearings tolerance that result in FREE PLAY, and that EQUALS TO SLIPPAGE of the stylus (during actual music play) in 10-20microns across and within the groove modulations, which again, THROW compliance matching out of the window!!!!, and such free play and slippage results in loss of fidelity and is MUCH worse than any compliance (calculated) mismatch issues.
My friends and I, have all the thesis and papers from magazines discussing compliance but we all threw them away in the end. They proved to be not worth exploring and calculating to the extremes like a religion.
There are many more huge, factors involved in the sound quality of the system :-D…and slippage/freeplay of the tonearm bearings during actual music play will throw all the calculated figures out of the window.
:-D We will be wiser using our ears always.
Warmest Regards Brother Strinic!
@@HiViNywschannel Thank you Ian for a thoughtful and intelligent response to my question regarding cartridge / tonearm compliance. Now I can sleep better knowing that you and your friends have investigated this issue and found it unessesary in the grand scheme of turntable setup.
Cheers. Zel
Ian, another excellent review! You have a great talent to verbally describe exactly what we all hear. You make it look easy when we all know it is very difficult. Plus, you make the journey fun. Thank you!
Dear Buddy!!! :-D Thank you for your support all along... and yes: how is your choosing between the StudioDeck and Rega? I hope it is good to hear most that I provided FUN :-D hahahahha!!! Thank you!!!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Wow, I am impressed and humbled that you remembered I was evaluating the two. I went with the Rega Planar 3 with the Elys 2 cartridge. I am using an older phono preamp and waiting on the Schiit Mani to arrive - it’s been on backorder. So far, so good. Many thanks to you and your channel for making my re-entry into vinyl a great one!
Hi Ian. As usual a great video, well done. Quick question, can you please tell me what is the music you use in your introductions. Thanks.
Dear Buddy👋!!! The music is provided by UA-cam's own music library called "The Messenger".
Thank you for your kind time catching up yet again my friend...hope you enjoy a superb vinyl'ing weekend😄🌞🏡🏖🎵🎶🎶🎶!!!
Yet another brilliant review. I'm amazed with the Goldring. Thank you.
Brother thank you🤗!!!
And we SPIN ON💪😄🎵🎶
Great review Ian , very marked difference in the two carts expertly demonstrated by you. Thankyou .
Dear Buddy :-D thank you and really glad to hear from your friend's input of his glowing MP-500. Yes, it is MC-like. Just astonishing :-D blew my eyes wide open!!!
Thank you for your time, and your friendship!!! We look forward to more bliss in our journey!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
HiViNyws channel hey Ian, thought I would let you know of a little experiment I am having at home .
I’ve bought a Nagaoka jnp200 and fitted it to an old MP11 I had lying around .
I’ve then fitted that to my SME V in place of my Koetsu Black goldline .
First thoughts are - WOW ! It’s very clean sounding , much less record noise (than my very quiet Koetsu) . Very good transients . Good bass , good imaging .
I’m now playing around with phonostages , have to say it sounds great even with the inbuilt phono in my amp (MF A5CR ) .
Reason I’m posting this is that it was much cheaper to buy like this . I paid approx $100 for the stylus and the old mp11 (body only) was about £10 on eBay a few years ago .
For your subscribers in a tight budget this would be a very cost effective way of getting mp200 performance .
I hope this helps you guys keep the vinyl spinning !
Love your reviews Ian, very thorough. I just replaced a goldring Elektra with a goldring E1 on an old Dual 1219 and I finding I'm getting a slight distortion when there is a lot of vocal and cymbals in play, that I didn't experience with the Elektra. Do you happen to recall any high end distortion in your testing or, did it have a noticeable breakin effect(?), as I'm really only about 10 hrs on this new cartridge.
This cartridge is not the final word in vinyl replay quality, and I still prefer and rank the older Elektra over this newer E1 model. You are right about your findings😊👌...at high dynamics passages, the E1 can lose its footing.
Warmest Regards Buddy 😊grab some Elektra replacement styli if it is still available.
@@HiViNywschannel I might do that. Thank you for your input :)
@@t.e.valentine8126 We will do better with our trustworthy Elektra😄👌
Another great video Ian! Because of you I’ve been shopping for an Sl 1200...Of the three turntables you ran with the goldring do you feel the technics paired well?
Dear Brother :-D!! I am happy to see you again!!
*Thank you for your time.*
Yes buddy, the Technics SL1200 has a well-engineered tonearm and difficult to beat at this current market of the new turntables. Go ahead with confidence and with lips brimming with delight!!! Acquire the SL1200, two, if not one :-D to keep things going forever :-D !!! Hahaha!!! It is not too expensive, and it is built like a tank and runs like a dream.
Warmest Regards, and updates appreciated along your way!
~ ian
HiViNyws channel
Ian thank you for the good advice and a quick follow up: I was looking on my local Offer Up application and somebody listed an MK5! Long story short we haggled and I got it! It sounds amazing even with the generic audio technica I had laying around! So quick question. I am noticing deep 60 cycle noise with volume up and no music playing. Do you have a recommended pre amp? And forgive me if you just posted a video about this!
How would you say this compares to the Elektra? Hearing this makes me regret replacing my Music Hall Tracker (that and the subsequent month my turntable spent in the shop after I broke one of the tonearm wires during the Black1's installation).
Sir, thank you so much for all your detailed reviews! I’m wondering who the Asian singer at 10:37 is? I like her a lot from what I hear now. Thanks again!
So, who is she? 😉
Hi, thank you for all those reviews!
But now I have some questions:
In your reviews, you seemed to like a lot the old Grado Prestige Black 1. So: Is the Grado Black 1 better than the Grado Black 2? Have they done a "downgrade"?
You have an Ortofon 2M red (yes, I saw your review), a Grado Prestige Blue 1 and that Goldring E1. Which one would you choose? Could you do a grill where you qualificate each one?
@HiViNyws channel, I'd like to ask you once again what cartrige do you prefer among Ortofon 2M red, Grado Blue 1, and that Goldring E1
Unbelievable! I can't believe Grado would not QC before shipment! That's upsetting. Regardless, the difference/winner of this shootout was abundantly clear in this one. I used to have some respect for Grado but that went out the window with this video. Great job Ian. Loved the Budgie at the beginning of the video.
💪😄👋😄So happy to see you back with us with another enlightening Tales of the Deadwax - Mr Sefchick!!!! Thank you for your time making that for us!!!
The sides of that Grado cart which is just crudely painted on to differentiate the new Series2 from the Series1, is of course irregular. And it doesn't inspire confidence. Some friends have also spotted cost-cutting measures within the cart with absence of potting between two coils compared to Series1. Hmmm....
But of course putting or non-potting, what matters is the final outcome: the sound and the overall built. The Black2 didn't deliver and is a disappointment. I am sad because I have been looking forward to these Series2carts for more than six months...but hindered by Mr Loo's receipt of a first batch of "one channel zero output" batch of Series2 carts...and then later this kinked cantilevers issue. I really liked and highly recommended the Black1, Green1 and Red1 before (and still happily using now🤗 as they are not worn out yet)....so all these came as a big disappointment. We look forward.
Warmest Regards Buddy Paul...really glad to see you again well and happy.
Yours~ ian
"Tugs at your heart". These were the four words that made me NEED to buy one. Spot on review again Ian!
Your point about poor QC in manufacturing applies at all price levels. I once bought an expensive Goldring stylus which was skewed off-centre and CLEARLY visible to anybody.
This left me feeling really annoyed AND ripped off - The manufacturer clearly had poor or no QC.
I'm sure there are others out there who need naming. We deserve better.
Congratulations on the anniversary. Onwards and upwards my friend!
Dear Buddy :-D happy to see you again!!!! Enjoy your Mani and MP150!
I've been listening to it for the past two hours, Mani and the humble and great Mp110 on my SL1200Mk5 :-D ..
Thank you for lending your voices always!! Sorry I could only complete the video (a laborious and CPU-sapping two hours by my computer two days ago on Sunday, a not-so-fast upload, and have UA-cam screen through the whole video for copyright stuffs, before i can launch it at about 4+am)... it isn't an ideal time for you to catch my video as it is launched. I always bear in mind you have the quickest lightning reflexes to my launched videos.
You are such a friend. Thank you Brother.
~ ian
Phenomenal work as always buddy, your attention to detail is outstanding. Can’t wait for your next upload, which I hope is real soon. 🤞👍
Dear Buddy :-D i am going to release the next video in about 9 hours' time. Sorry for not replying this very nice message from you 2months ago. I apologize...
HiViNyws channel I look forward to it my friend, thank you.
Excellent review and analysis of these products. You really know your sound!
Hi my friend!..good to see you and thanks for catching up🤗! Hope you are enjoying thoroughly your vinyl journey thus far and more to come💪😄🎵🎶!!
Dear Ian, many thanks for yet another stellar review. Full props to Mr. Loo for being a stand up gent & agreeing with what you found. Am sure that is the reason why he has so many friends than clients like yourself!
Brother Jayaram!!! :-D How is your vinyl'ing journey going?! Thank you for helping a fellow friend about a month ago on his query on the tt-15s1. I am sure he has benefited from your good insight and chose otherwise, and wisely so. Thank you for helping.
JC3Jr coming up? or any other phonostage you've chosen in the end? Updates welcomed!!!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Hi Ian, thanks for your reply. The vinyl journey is going slow at the moment as am saving up for the JC3Jr! Currently all projects under back burner till funds are available. Sometimes our hobby is frustrating due to this inconvenience😅
Ian, thank you again for the work, time, (and money) you put into these analog reviews. Excellent update to Group A, and quite a story overall with the Grado carts!
Dear Brother Jacob, thank you for always helping out with answering fellow friends comments and queries regularly... i am really touched and grateful to your precious time doing so. Scrolling them and reading them is a lot of time, and i really thank you for doing so... May you be well and happy, and have a lovely week ahead... catch up anytime :-D!!!
Grateful,
~ ian.
Another excellent video and great review,analogue has spine that my dear Ianis both a classic and brilliant analogy . May our audio world never be spineless!!!!
Another thorough and professional review. So much fun to watch too. Keep up the great work.
Dear Mark :-D Glad to see you again after a couple of months! How have you been? :-D .
Thank you for your kind time catching up... proceeding from your previous message...yes, hope we will meet over coffee one day!
Warmest Regards and may we all enjoy our peaceful vinyl journey! ~Ian.
Hello Ian! It’s always nice to see a new video from you. I always look forward to seeing a “new video”notification from your GREAT channel!!!
I see you still have the StudioDeck in your rig. If you can only keep one turntable between the Rega R3 and the StudioDeck, which tt do you keep for your personal use?
I’ve made many changes to my 2 channel audio setup. Will share them with you soon, in an email.
Take care my friend
Hello Ian. Great new video. So shocking to see all of the Grado cartridges being faulty. Makes me think twice before buying a cart online next time. You have a very nice retailer ;) In the meantime i'm still waiting for my Mani. it was backordered till 7/19 but due to lack of parts its been backordered till 9/4....So hopefully in two days my Mani will finally be shipped! Best regards, Damian
Dear Damian!!! Oh!! yes your MP-110 will be loving it very soon!!!! I have given up ordering any Grado carts online. Being in Singapore, lpgear will not do any replacement for my kinked Red1 too (happened two years ago).
Warmest Regards my friend!! Great to see that Schiit updated you regarding the meaning of "7/19" and more too :-D
I look forward to your jubilation!!! UPDATE ME BROTHER!!! YES!!!
:-D
That Goldring sounds amazing - and a spherical stylus? Is there an easy upgrade path to other stylus shapes with that? I need to go do some research! So glad you're blazing the trail with new equipment for all of us!!
Hi Bud👋😄!! Great to see you. I believe so....the stylus swap will do. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks to your 80s uploads!!! I luv'em all!😄🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶we punch on with our common vinyl music love!!!! Ummmpph!!! More to explore...I'm going cratedigging this weekend! Look forward to your constant and powerful relentless daily work💪😄!! Thank you brother!
Thanks for all your support, Ian, it means the world to me! :D I keep meaning to branch off into other areas of my library, but the '80s keeps winning... Got a great one from 1999 coming on Friday though!
I've been itching to add another cartridge to my family, so I'll be looking at the new Goldring line. Even if the sound wasn't as good as it is, that body design has my complete attention!
You can tell the Goldring was sourced from Audio Technica. The vector aligned magnets have to pass through a slot in the body of the cartridge. I saw it when you held the cartridge up. AT make incredible cartridges for the money. They have some real high end moving magnet models based on vector aligned magnets. The E3 might be worth a punt as a budget cartridge. Loading at other than 47kOhm makes for even better sound. Hearing how it fares against the impressive Nagaokas would be interesting. The Nagaokas do properly what the Grado Black was setting out to do. Goldring should do well with this E series as their entry level.
Dear Buddy :-D thank you for catching up!! Yes, I definitely, (and my GR retailer) acknowledge Goldring for tuning their carts (just like Rega did with the Carbon cartridge) with parts sourced from the AT line. Great tuning indeed!!!! Yes i do have the E2 and E3 as well, and we shall explore them along the way too!! Thank you for your kind time my friend!!! And may you be well and happy, and with lots of analog fun!!!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Great video as always! Always look forward to new videos from you! Great work on the review.
Brother let's spin on💪! Thank you for your coming by and catching up!!! Hope you're gaining more subscribers for your work!!😄✌
I've just subscribed Buddy!
Wow thx IAN! Im about to buy me a new cartridge but Nagaoka is very overpriced in my country (Slovakia) so Im considering Rega Elys 2 or Ortofon Blue for my rega Planar P1. I didn t find any information about rega cartridges so which one would you pick? Thx coz of you Im into vinyl again! PS: I red that Regas cartridges have some issues with sound pairing with Manni Schiit (buying later) did you notice anything? Thx mate
Matusi, mp110 jsem kupoval pres ebay, s postovnym z Jap byla cena 100E a doma byla za dva dny :)) V CR je k dostani kolem 150-160E, takze se to vyplati.
dik za odpoved nasiel som mp-150tku asi za 230 Ecok s postovnym u nas 379,00 € je to rozdiel. S mp110 si spokojny alebo este pojdes na daky upgrade?
Brother Matúš :-D yay first of all i want to congratulate you and welcome you for coming in to our vinyl community!!!
Yes, regarding the Rega cartridge pairing with the Mani.... no problem!!! I have used the pairing before and the Mani brings out the best of the Rega cart too...more than Rega's own phonostages. Help yourself to the Mani.
I have an Ortifon 2m Blue on my Rega P1 and they play very well together. That being said be sure to purchase a shim to raise the tonearm as the 2m blue is a very tall cartridge and you will want to raise the tonearm a bit to compensate for the VTA. I am not a fan of Rega's cartridges and I would go with the Ortifon over the Elys 2 but that is just personal preference. I can't speak to how they work with the Mani as I am using a Cambridge Audio Solo preamp. Hope this helped some!
Thanx all for sharing it helped a lot. Ondra (comment in that weird language :) helped me with ebay site where I can get Nagaoka mp-110 and mp-150 and save up to 150 Euros so it is a no brainer now: I will get some Nagaoka - that would be my first choice, second would be Ortofon, I just hope that shiping from Japan would be with no problems. Peace out ;)
Hello, I've been watching your channel for a while now and based on this video I've bought myself the Goldring E1. I'm a beginner in this vinyl world. However I have some troubles and I can't seem to solve them. I've set up the Goldring, aligned it using the stevenson protractor, it is all aligned. The problem I have is with light sibiliances on the left channel, especially "s"-es. This is something that bothers me. I've played with the VTF up to the reccommendet 2.5g and it seemed to be reduced a bit, but not much. I've also played with the antiskate but again, just slight changes on lower values. My turntable is a Sony PS-T30 and my amp is a Yamaha AX-900. The cart is brand new, the vinyl that i have is new aswell. Can you help me identify the problem please?
Much appreciated, great job with the channel btw. Keep it up !
Hi Ian! tell me which one you choose? Nagaoka MP110 , Goldrich E1 or Grado Black2?.Thank you very much!. Happy 5th!
Hello, Ian. As always, fantastic review. I need to swap my Rega Carbon stylus (Rega P1) and I'm wondering if upgrading to the E1 would be noticeable or if the Carbon would do a similar job? We're talking about a small difference in price here since I'd be buying only a stylus for the Carbon.
Thank you for your insight!
Hi Buddy! Great to see you again!!! Congrats for your getting the P1💪😄!!! It is the best deck in class, and by a long mile! The sound quality it provides is superb and engaging. For your information, and you're the first I divulge this over UA-cam, i am currently running the P1+Mani+SwansM200mkii ($820) in a shoot-out vs the Pro-Ject JukeBox E Hifi Set ($800) to discover the best $800-$900 all-in-one, plug-and-play, turntable fronted system with Phonostage+Amplifier+BlueTooth connectivity+Speakers. It is a very interesting option you have suggested, and I hope to try it out after this review is finished and give you an answer. Can you message me again a month later? I apologize to you that I cannot give you the answer now as everything is hooked up and auditions and filming are planned. Sorry i can't help you proceed in your suggested direction of upgrade. I'm really sorry my friend.
@@HiViNywschannel Hello my friend! Thank you for your reply! Yes, I am enjoying my Planar 1 a lot although it's upgradeability is not much, unfortunately. I'll buy a SL-1200 in the following months, but for the time being, I need to exchange my stylus because it's already sounding badly unfortunately (500+ hours playtime).
Wow, I can't wait for that video! That's a great idea, as always :)) You don't need to be sorry at all, my friend. You have been helping this community for almost half a decade now and your videos are always rich and a joy to watch. I really enjoy all your videos and you're one of the first information resources when I want to upgrade a part of my system.
I'm sure the new video will be great, as always and I can't wait to watch it. I'll probably upgrade to the E1 anyway and let you know what I think in the future. Thank you for everything, my friend, keep up the great work!
@@HiViNywschannel My friend, I just wanted to let you know that I ended up spending a bit more and got the Goldring E3. So far, I'm in love! It's a great sounding cartridge for the price and I'm curious to know how it would fair against the loved MP-110 that is in the same price range. Give it a listen if you have the chance :)
Again, can't wait for the new video, keep up the great work and thank you!
Hi Ian, Thank you for another well produced and informative video. I was surprised and disappointed with Grady’s poor quality control. Those four cartridges should have never left the factory. You are very fortunate to have a local retailer who is honest and works hard to satisfy his customers.
Yes Brother Steven... thankfully Mr Loo is so honest, so friendly, so cool and so kind and calm about everything!!! Mr Loo is the chief and only Grado dealer in Singapore. He is very honourable in helping us, his customers indeed.
Thank you for your time again Brother Steven... hope California sunshine is allied to some lovely cool 25degC weather now for you and your family :-D !! Let us continue our individual journeys!!!
~ ian.
HiViNyws channel Yes, we have had pleasant weather this summer with below normal high temperatures; and I have enjoyed every minute!
Hi Ian, great video, thanks for your information! Keep up doing the great job!
Dear Brother, happy to see you again! How have you been in your vinyl journey :-D? Racked up any records of your desire lately? Hardware upgrades? :-D
Thanks for this indepth review :) I'm really fond of this new Goldring E series of cartridges. I got the E3 some months ago and I've been using it in many of my l lastest videos. OTOH I wasn't very impressed with its tracking ability, therefore I removed the plastic housing and fitted the internal part into the black plastic housing of an AT95. I did all that in order to fit a much higher quality stylus: the Paratrace stylus, which is much better than the bonded elliptical of the E3. Next step has been to replace the ugly plastic with a nice wooden body. It looks really good combined with the wooden frame of the plinth of my modified Rega P5 :) Can't wait to show it in my next video ^_^ BTW, new subscriber here ;)
Lovely woody P5 with a wooden body Goldring then!!! :-D
I had just subscribed too to your channel my friend!! We punch on together!!
~ ian.
Can you please explain how you use microscope for SRA adjustment ? This is very interesting. How is this performed ?
Thanks for another great video.
This is not the first time I hear about quality control issues at grado.
Rather high risk to get a cartridge out of specification. So buying that brand is like you did over the counter and with a great reseller like you have found Ian. Kudos to him!
A online purchase can get troublesome.
Happy listening. 😀
Dear Buddy from Sweden!! Thank you for all your messages. UA-cam did not notify me at all about your previous messages and I only caught up with them only just when I did a keyword search on "optimize". Thankfully I did. I saw all your past messages. Thank you Sir :-D
Thank you for following the plot!! :-D Yes, an online purchase can get troublesome indeed if the brand has QC issues especially...gosh and thus it is good to have a responsible retailer.
Warmest Regards my friend...and i hope to have your honourable name. Love to see you and greet you always.
~ ian.
Gelding is absolute winner, no doubt about. I had an old GRADO Black with Pro-Ject Debut One once and it sounded awful, almost dead. I wonder why Grado is popular, perhaps in combination with a spacial tonearm or RIAA preamp !? Glad you are back after a while man, glad spinn!
I'm new to this channel and I'm very impressed with the quality of the reviews. Is it possible to have a short list of LPs used? Thanks.
Dear Buddy Paulo :-D thank you for coming by and catching up!!! Yes, the LP titles :-D are typed on the top left hand corner of each genre tested and auditioned. Thank you for looking out on the screen while viewing.
Warmest Regards and have fun!!!
~ ian.
Hi friend, I'm loving your reviews, nobody else even comes close to the quality and professionalism of your approach. I have the E1 and still find it a little stiff. Very well balanced but not quite fluid dynamics and sound stage. I'm very much looking forward to hearing how the E3 sounds and camparison with MP 110. Will it be worthwhile to upgrade the stylus? Or save for Nagaoka? Thanks again for your fantastic channel. 😊
Dear Aidan🤗 congrats for getting the E1. It is best in class against all the GroupA competitors! Yes: the E3 vs MP110... Very interesting to know indeed. I have not yet unboxed the E2 and E3, and I will find time to do it over the next few months. Thank you for your kindest time and encouragement too👋😄👌!!! Warmest Regards and enjoy your lovely analogue weekend with the black discs!🏖🤗🎶🎵🎶
@@HiViNywschannel out of interest, did you find that the E1 needed some burn in time to settle down? I think I've probably got about 10 or 15 hours on it. 😊.
@@aidanduncan8187 Brother🤗, I did 100 to 120hours of burn in for these cartridges before testing-auditioning.... I didn't listen in closely during the running in process...but sure there was a difference between the 1st hours vs post-100hrs. Sorry I can't answer your question completely.😅
Hello Ian! Always happy to see new videos!!
Brother!! ANd great to see you again :-D . Thank you for catching up so regularly always!!! Thank you!!!
Best Regards my friend!! and hope your turntable is spinning along smoothly as ever always!!!! See you!!! ~ ian
Ian - love your reviews. Would you do me a favor? When you post shootouts would you put the retail price range in the title? With a price in the title, it will help me find products in my budget that you have reviewed. Happy 5th Birthday!
Dear Ian (I don't know your surname, so I hope it's ok to address you informally), first I want to say that I very much appreciate and treasure your efforts and thourough tests of vinyl equipment. Your enthusiasm is truly amazing!
About the cartridge Goldring E1 in this test: I only have heard the E3 with my own ears by now, and it is a truly amazing cartridge for its price. Although I am a big Nagaoka fan since the 80s, I think these cartridges outperform the basic Nagaokas (E2 vs. MP-100 and E3 vs. MP-110). I'm surprised how balanced the carbon cantilever of the E1 sounds. The corresponding AT 91 sounds more "plastic", and its "sibling" AT 91R profits a lot from its aluminium cantilever in comparison. So I assume a lot of the upper midrange forwardness which you experienced in the E1 will be gone with the E2. And possibly the E3 might even come close to the Nagaoka MP-150 with its nude gem.
Goldring emphasizes a lot the Azimuth of these cartridges in the manufacturing process "The E Series cartridges use a specially designed adjustment screw to locate the cantilever, rather than the standard fixed pin, allowing micro-adjustments during production.", so this is what very much distinguishes them from e.g. the AT 95E with its sometimes enormous tolerances (the SRA usually is horribly off on these).
Thank you as always for your enthusiastic review!
Reviewing any cartridge you pay attention to SRA adjustment. Can you make a video showing how it affects sound? Does getting this 92 is so crucial...? How does the music sound when you get 89 or 95 degrees? Do I really need to get microscope to adjust my one and only cartridge I use?
Dear Buddy :-D hi and thank you for catching up yet again!!! How do you do?!
Yes, records are mostly cut at 92degrees by the cutting head, and as such, it would be good to replicate and have our stylus conform and read the information at the angle of 92degrees as well.
If you can, please adjust to 92degrees, at our local vinyl seminars held by my friends and i, we really showed to the audience the improved and sharpened images AND more correct tonality if the SRA is adjusted to 92degrees. You will find that out soon yourself too :-D . I am very confident you will my friend :-D
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Dear Ian
Thank you for your reply! Answering your question, exactly today I am VERY excited, because today I am going to receive my new Grado Red cartridge and try to install it - it is going to be my very first time with cartridge replacement!
I have high hopes about it, because I felt quite dissappointed about my vinyl set recently... Sound seemed to be decent and acceptable until I bought my new Audeze headphones a few weeks ago - now I can hear much more of any record and I began to be frustrated about my vinyl set sound compared to my DAC. Especially when 2 days ago I added Musical Fideliy V90 LPS preamp to it and no significant improvement happened... So now it is time for (I guess) most crucial element - the good quality cartridge.
However I feel more confident with your recommendations and advises, so I presume to achieve a good final effect. I will let you know!
Wish you best with your UA-cam channel and all music experiences.
Peter (from Poland)
The most unbiased honest reviews
As soon as someone gives you a product its biased overly positive.
One who can overcome the pain of critisism Will develop and prosper.
Grado blk is a non buy..
Specimen!!
Hi Ian. Thanks for the recommendation. I just installed my E1 and you are absolutely right. This cartridge is excellent. I was about to give up on my spare room Onkyo CP-1050, but this gave it the boost it needed. It replaced an AT110E and to my ears it's quite the upgrade. The clarity is what stands out to me. Great job Goldring.
Hello Sir, can you pls suggest which of the current GOLDRING line-up is best replacement for the discontinued Elektra model. Thanks-
Hi Ian. Another great review. Thank you. May I ask you if you have had the chance to experience Nagaoka MP 500?
Dear buddy, yes, i have. I bought it about 1.5years ago and have listened to it. Scorchingly great.
:-D
Warmest Regards, and see you again anytime!!! Thank you for your time and kindness.
~ ian.
Hello friend. Should i align cartridge looking at cantiliver, not body If cantiliver kinked like in this grado cart? In my vintage technics epc 270C it's also kinked, but the other side.
Brother🤗sorry for the 7hr late reply!! I saw your comment when it was sent but I was working in the office.
Now I am free 🤗.
Brother, I would advise aligning it according to the cantilever above aligning it according to the body.
I hope it works out well for you my friend!!!💪💪💪
@@HiViNywschannel thx
@@snd1213 👋you're welcomed Brother ✌
The difference is not at all subtle between these two cartridges!
I’m thinking of changing my cartridge and I’m looking at the Dynavector DV20x2, Ortofon Cadenza red and Rega Apheta, whatever I buy will be going on a Rega P5 with GT Reference sub platter and Neo power supply for now and will be playing through a Linn system. I’m thinking of changing the deck itself when Rega introduce their new RP10 replacement, either with a discounted RP10 or possibly their new offering. I don’t know if you have any experience with these cartridges. I want something warm but without losing speed, dynamics and detail... I’ve a feeling that the Dynavector will come out on top.
Dear Brother!! WOW WOW WOW!
What substantial and important, and exciting plans you have!!!! DV20x2, Cadenza vs Apheta... onto a P5 with a Neo/.... possible new used RP10 or new P10:-D!!! Yum yum yummy :-D!!!
Me too...i think that the DV 20x2L will come out top.
Great review Ian, Singapore is no doubt a hifi heaven. I don't know if Goldring or Hana builds this new line but I'm very curious how the E2 and E3 would stack up against the mp-110. Nice music in your review as always. Thank you and I look forward to the next one!
Dear Buddy Eric, thank you so much for your kind time again!!!
Really happy to have your inputs ALWAYS!!! Yes I have bought the E1, E2 and E3 about 8months ago from my local Goldring retailer (but didn't film the journey)... I have yet to unbox the E2 and E3 yet, but I will do it soon. I have to also update you that I have just decided to do the SL1200Mk5 vs P3 shoot-out which many friends have asked for. I still remember and gladly cherish your input on the P1-DebutCarbon-HX500 , and it will always be pinned. So important your views always. Succinct, resourceful and apt.
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Is the compliance of Grado Black 2 a match for the Rega tonearm?
Wow Ian, good catch seeing those kinks! I would have never seen it, I don't spot things like that very well unless it's really super visually kinked! Or if I hear inner distortion on a record where there was none before, that's the only way I could tell! And you don't want that to go on too long before replacing, it will give your records permanent distortion from damage!
The difference between the two cartridges is quiet marked, it would seem that the R&D put into the newer Goldring has paid off. Just how good do you think the new E1 is ? I wish it had been around when I first bought a serious turntable, I tried many established budget brands only to be disappointed with their somewhat opaque and limited performance.
Dear Brother Gavin :-D thank you for coming by and hope you have a lovely British cool and comfortable autumn now... as I always say, you are in vinyl heaven everyday with Acutus, SME, Shelter 9000, LM tubes and a super lovely room with wood accents. The E1 would still not match the MP-110 but I still want to acknowledge Goldring for really tuning their carts from AT, just like Rega did with their Carbon (AT) cartridge. True, the previous carts does sound somewhat opaque... you are apt in in your description!!!
Thank you for your time my friend, and see you again, anytime. We spin on enjoying vinyl analogue.
~ ian.
Well my friend speaking of vinyl heaven you have a lot of very nice turntables to choose from, I really like the SL1200 series and the latest Rega P3 you have. I would love to get my hands on a 1200GR as a 2nd TT, do you detect a difference between belt drive and direct drive replay ?
An excellent analysis using various tables with these carts. Love all your tables ( especially the MoFi and Technics ). Is this level of Grado made in the USA? Very sad to see this level of workmanship. I had a wood statement Grado years ago that hummed like crazy but had great sound . Maybe the are shielded today. Thank you.
Thank you John... happy to see you! :-D yes, made in Brooklyn they are. But good and bad products arise from the same country, including my own country Singapore as well. Well....MoFi is a prime example as it had executed the StudioDeck very, very well with lots of engineering and production finesse.
Best Regards my friend...and hope to hear from you soon. Anytime.
Keep spinning vinyl and have peace and fun Buddy!
Hi buddy, thank you for the time & effort you put into making such detailed & objective appraisals for us all to benefit from. It is obvious that many people really appreciate what you do for us, how well you do it, separating opinion from fact, remaining independent & unbiased. *Xiè xiè!*
Someone just, uhhmm... had an accident with the Shure M44.G on my SL-1210 MK5 (stock, no mods) so now I am in the market for a replacement and want a HiFi cart/stylus. I was thinking Sumiko Pearl, AT110e, or perhaps OM5e but having watched your comparison reviews I think Goldring E1 may be the best choice (for those of us who cannot afford NAGAOKA MP-200 or even AT-VM540ML :)
Some of my records are new & in good shape, some are rare, and I have a bunch of garage sale mongrels, so picking a cart/stylus is a little tricky but I think I'll stick with a good budget conical MM & use an older one for the mongrel pack.
Dear Buddy🤗thank you for coming by and chatting up! Oh...an accident on your M44.4G. And wow you have a SL1210Mk5!!!! Ah yes, a conical E1 is a good choice! Please enjoy your lovely records and that batch of mongrels! Precious!💪😄✌🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶
@@HiViNywschannel ✌
Excellent comparison video. The downside of the current vinyl resurgence is the terrible quality control at record pressing plants and with hardware. This video surely demonstrates this and while I like Grado as a company and enjoy my Grado headphones their is no excuse for their lack of quality control with their cartridges. When something like this happens, we as consumers need to send a message that we will not tolerate bad qc or continue to support a company that doesn't give full effort for full payment.
I must say I was pleased the Goldring performed so well since I am currently using a Goldring 2500 so I am showing my bias. You mention you think the E1 is an OEM from AT. That is intriguing that AT wouldn't brand it for themselves since their carts seem to underperform. The OEM aspect for Goldring isn't unexpected since the Elan and Elektra are OEM items with their branding, but at least they have chosen a good OEM product to put their name on.
Have a great week my friend,
Luis
Hi to you and your family in Michigan!! I do enjoy the Grado Black1, Green1 and Red1, and their headphones I have heard at retailers :-D...you are right Buddy Luis!!!! So happy to see you again!!!!! Always happy to see your family and your happy faces!!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian :-D
Fantastic video. What digital microscope do you use?
Buddy, thank you🤗
Yes...the digital microscope is an affordable one!!: a 5MP 50-500x digital USB microscope from Ebay. Help yourself to any. There are quite a number of sellers. 🌞after which you can use the PlumAmazing Pixelstick program downloadable for a small fee, which I find it great to measure the SRA!!! You should be fine Brother💪😄👍!!!
Ciao, volevo chiederti un consiglio x MC di fascia di prezzo 300€ circa vedi te x pre phono gold note ph5.. ? Grazie buon lavoro
Hello, Ian!
What a headache to find a less wicked piece!
One more great job!
Dear Brother Alvaro! My wife and i send our regards to you in Brasil!!! Playing your Stanley Turrentine over the weekend? Grant Green? :-D.....
All the best to you and your family!!!!!!!
Do let me know if you are making fresh plans to Japan:-D
~ ian.
What album is this @ 10:10? Thank you for the great review.
Hi Buddy🤗!!...thank you for coming by...the details of this "audiophile grade" vinyl production is as follow:
Album name: 機遇
Artist (Taiwanese): 蔡琴
@@HiViNywschannel Thank you Ian!!
@@ChiannaNycole You are very welcomed🤗!!! Enjoy my friend!!🎶🎵🎶🎶
Thanks man, can you give attention to a detail concerning Goldring, as they made other factories like Nagaoka or like here AudioTechnica making there cartridges. This detail I'm asking for is to be careful to similarities with the same cartridge from the original constructor, here , is there any similarity with a same price range AudioTechnica cartridge ? And thank you very much for you interesting reviews man :D
Dear Buddy, indeed, the Goldring E series were made with parts from the AT factory, but Goldring has intensively tuned the overall design and construction too. As always, it is the wise and clever use of tuning and parts synergy, that allow any product to shine!! I am fond of AT33ev, 33ptgii MC carts, but not of their MM carts, the older and the current newer VM series with Nagaoka MM carts grossly outperforming the AT MM carts, and easily. The E1 would be best value and best performing in the $70-$80 GroupA cart zone.
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Yes! Happy Birthday! GO on with that stuff! I'm enjoying it!
Dear Brother :-D thank you for your well wishes!!! We punch on!!! :-D Rock on!!!
Hope you are loving your journey!! We have a long warm journey to go!!!
Five ! ~ ian
Hi Ian, I absolutely love your videos! All the best
Dear Péter, thank you for catching up again!!! IT has been a few months that we have started conversing. Glad to see you always at each video release.... i am really thankful to you.
Wishing you a great week ahead Brother :-D
~ ian.
Hi Ian, Thank you for the great video again. I bought Rega P2 while ago after watching your reviews of Rega P1, but went one step higher. I'm happy with My Rega, but thinking about upgrading my cartridge. I was thinking about Rega Elys 2 of Bias 2, but I don't know how they would compare for example Goldring E3. Have you tested E3 yet? What would you say about Rega Bias 2 or Elys 2. in UK Goldring E3 is about the same price as Bias 2. Local hifi store is now offering Goldring E2 and E3 for the same price so I would go for E3. Thank you for the great videos and I will be interested to see your reviews in the future.
Dear Buddy Petri :-D, yes I have tested the E2 and the E3 already over the past 2 months extensively, and though both lost heavily to the Nagaoka MP-110, I am sure the E3 would rival or slightly outperform the Elys2. Wow, if the E2 and the E3 are of the same price, then go for the E3 :-D !!!
Warmest Regards Brother and let us all have fun in vinyl analogue bliss!!
(ps: the E2 and E3 reviews will be out this weekend)
~ ian
You are becoming a REAL VINYL PROFESSIONAL !!!! GREAT VIDEO !!!!! Please my friend , tell us little bit about the Croft Phonostage
Dear Brother HernA.N. :-D thank you for catching up! How have you been with your A.N.s? :-D ...
the croft phono riaa rs is a very good phonostage. I am completely satisfied and very happy with it. I thank Glenn Croft for this creation.
I believe you will know why I am very happy with it... to describe it would be so clichéd and self-serving. It is simply, a superb phonostage my friend :-D
Warmest Regards to you in Brasil!!!!!
~ ian
Yet another great review from you. Well done sir ! Looks like the goldring wins in almost every category against the grado.
Dear Brother Chris, thank you for coming by and lending your kind words! Yes the Goldring wins in every aspect here... i am sad because i had so loved the Grado Black1, Green1 and Red1 before. I am disappointed with how the Series2 carts have been having countless QC issues. What started out as a happy endeavour to hopefully discover better performance was met with disappointment, as some friends had dissected the Black2 before and realized even more cost-cutting inside the body.
But congratulations to Goldring, they truly did their best at coming up with a very, very well-designed cartridge and tuning these E series carts that were likely made by AT in Japan.
Warmest Regards brother,
~ ian.
Great vid, Ian! Very surprising results too. I never would have expected the Grado to basically be faulty compared to the Goldring, especially in the case of all those cantilevers, except,....I actually purchased a Blue2 online with less than 10 hrs on it. I didn’t even notice the cantilever was askew, and there was unfortunately not a transferable warranty. It seems that Grado has to up their quality control to stay afloat in this current market of cartridges.
The Goldring noticeably sounds much better in every way than the Grado.
Thank you so very much for another truthful and to the point shoot-out between Hi-Fi components. Without people like you doing these types of videos, we’d be stuck with advertisements on the internet and magazines, along with reviews by people who I’m sure in some cases get kickbacks from the companies for a great review of a possibly bad product.
On a separate note, it’s great to see you using and enjoying your MoFi StudioDeck!
Have a great week, Ian!
- Nick
And yes Buddy Nick with your MP-200!!!....continue your lovely journey!! It is pretty bad to have consumers like us getting skewed cantilevers from online (esp overseas purchases)... in this time and age whereby many of us are utilizing click-and-purchase-and-wait-for-the-delivery-man way of retail, products MUST have great QC when they leave the factory/assembly line :0D !!! Thank you for your extremely kind words supporting our common cause for honest reviews. Yes there are A LOT of kickbacks in the "professional" hifi reviewing industry. IT IS VERY, very bad. I have heard even more stories two weeks ago when a top, top manufacturer who told me all the horrendous multiple stories about the most famous professional reviewers and editors in those magazines. One would feel like killing oneself because hearing them is so, so disappointing, shocking, and deplorable.
Warmest Regards to you and your vinyl playing friends Nick!!!! I really value your precious time keying in all those words for all of us to read,... I am grateful to you.
~ ian.
Hi Ian!
What’s your bird’s name? Does the bird get along with Moko?
Sorry, Ian. I saw your bird’s name is Mimi-chan, but are Moko and Mimi-chan friends?
🐶 + 🐦 = ❤️ ?
@@NickP333 Ah thank you Nick for spotting it!! And yes they are good friends indeed!!! Moko and Mimi have a cute relationship...just watching the two of them interact, sleep together, and sometimes swipe and tease each other...makes me and my wife so amazed!!!!💚😁✌!! Lovely kids.
Thank you Nick for catching up again. You have pets too?🐕🐶🐈🐁🐇🐦🦔?
Haha!! That is so adorable that cute little Moko and Mimi are buddies! ❤️
Yes, I grew up with many pets and animals around me. There was a time when I was a kid (I’m 42 now), that my family and I had 2 dogs, 6 cats, 2 bunnies, and a bird!! Right now I only have my beloved cat, Brooke. She is my constant companion, and is actually sitting on my lap as I write to you! I caught her drinking my coffee this morning too! Haha!
The Goldring strikes back! Wonderful video Ian, always a good day when I see a new cartridge shootout. I am super happy to see the Mo-Fi deck in the mix as well, a new addition to the lineup helps to deliver a more complete picture of these carts. So I am disappointed by the Grado for both quality control and overall sound quality. The Grado Black 1 is a true gem so I had high expectations but unfortunately this doesn't live up to them.
On a side note if things work out I will be getting a used Technics SL-1200 MK5 on Friday to go with my Rega P1 so I am very excited. Next I plan to get the Nagaoka MP-200 for it thanks to your review showing the brilliance of that cart! Cheers Ian.
Dear Brother :-D !!! Amazing!!! Brother, I am starting the SL1200Mk5 vs the P3 shoot-out very soon. At 12noon earlier (here is 5pm Singapore time now as I write to you), I have transferred the SL1200Mk5 onto the main rack, and EXACTLY fitted on the MP-200 on it.
The result is superb.
*Fist punch*
@@HiViNywschannel Now this I must see!! I am really curious to see how this plays out. We have two of the top competitors here with a Nagaoka at the helm so things are bound to be exciting! Very different turntables but also very on par in terms of build and sound quality. Best wishes Ian and have fun with this!
Just bought the E1, thanks to you I found what I was looking for ..... for the price is a big cartridge
Dear Buddy :-D thank you for catching up again!! Really happy to hear from you! Yes the E1, and especially in the U.K., is a very good deal for a cartridge!
Warmest Regards and have a good weekend!!!
Hello to you and the family! Including Moko and now a peak at Budgie🐶🐤 👋🏻 whoa! this is discouraging 😐....always a fan of Grado and they are one of the few companies left that stand proud on there family name....wow loved the closeups and of course the unboxing 😊......I will be still and listen and learn now🤫....be back...... ok so first thank you for the time you put into these for ALL of us. I’m sadden about the Grado product but happy you passed the info on a lot of work goes into these thanks again......ahhhhh Moko ........look at that beautiful family! 🙏🏻Take care- Lisa
I love your videos and descriptions for the details of the sound. I was wondering if you could you do a review on the stanton 681eee?
Hi Ian, great review as always, I always love it when one of your videos pops up on my subscription alert. The new Goldring looks great, shame that Nagoaka don’t have a competing cart at this price point. Will be interesting to see if the E2 can take on the MP100, as both are priced equally in the UK and also the 2M Red.
Dear Buddy, thank you for your kind time again :-D!! Yes the Goldring looks great. Good sound, superb packaging and external design...they clearly care about the customers!!!! Straight sides, inbuilt grooves!!!!! We may think these are cheap stuffs, but it takes engineering integrity to build them this way. And every part costs money which would count towards the cost. The retail price has also not just pay for the manufacturer's R&D cost and molds, assembly line workers, the retail price also has to pay for the end-retailer profits, cover his shop space rental, and the retailer's staff salaries. Thus I fully appreciate from my heart the outstanding E series built and design. That stylus cover is very complicated and it is not easy to design it, and only when you actually handle it, you would fully appreciate the ingenuity of the lines and angles of it so as to make it a foolproof and comfortable fit-on and remove-off actions without hitting the stylus.
Very nice of them. Their tuning beyond getting some internal parts off AT is very good. Just a bit of upper midrange brightness and edginess, and slight distortion and tracking issues with deep bass information. Other than that, a good buy and a worthy winner at US$80 :-D
And Brother, regarding your previous message to me one month ago: I have decided to do the shoot-out between the SL1200mk5 and Rega Planar3 next. For you and i believe many friends concerned!! Let's go!!!
Warmest Regards my friend!!!
~ ian.
HiViNyws channel wow - thank you for such an in-depth response, you are a such a genuine and caring person and that really comes across on your videos. Looking forward to the old vs new shootout! :)
Which cartridge is best for you for a slightly worse LP, which has a lot of lines but which is not overly damaged?
My budget is up to $ 100
Thank you !!!!!!!
Just discovered your channel, reviews are so well done, precise and yet fair to the competing cartridges! This information will help me very much when selecting my next cartridge. One suggestion - can you please list the music you play during your testing? I recognize some of the music, artists and album covers but some is unfamiliar. The music is so good I would love to know the titles to get a record for my own enjoyment. Thank you!
I am really curious about the E3, I hope you will review that too. Thank you for these amazing comparisons.
Ian thanks for the goldring e1 review I have been waiting to long I wish you the best to you and your family
Dear Michael :-D yes, i remembered your previous kind message to me and that you wish to see the E1, E2 and E3 reviews...thank you so much for your support. Yes I shall embark on the SL1200Mk5 vs Planar3 shoot-out next, upon the request of quite many friends here...
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Hey Dr Ian.. I'm here in U.S. watching all of your You Tubes again. They are like fine recordings and ...pure entertainment! ... lol.
I stumbled across a cartridge that is new to me and appears to be right up your alley: The Grado Opus 3, Maple is a moving iron(apparently) cart that is value oriented. It can be purchased in High Output or Low Output versions too.
I'm curious to see if you think it compares to any of the Nagaokas you've reviewed...Your vinyl buddie here in the states, Vic ... aka Don Vito 👍🥩🥔🥗🍷🍰💣💥😜
P.S. I hope all is well in your world and you can keep the channel going!
Dear Buddy Vic!!!! :-D wow you are real fervent fan of vinyl audio high fidelity!!! :-D...
I am also, very touched by your coming to watch my past videos too and your very supportive words...... thank you Buddy Vic!!!
Good news!!! I have just ordered two new phonostages to be tested in an upcoming shoot-out too!... the winner would be pitted against the Schiit Mani :-D hehheh!!!!
I thank you for suggesting and bringing up the Opus 3 to my attention Buddy!!!!!! Great. One more thing to review!!!
Thank YOU!!!!
~ ian.
@@HiViNywschannel Hey Dr.Ian, Thanks for responding. Your channel is THE BEST place to go for honest, competent and detailed evaluations of phono carts and related gear like phono stages and ... you do it all with a smile and ... include your pretty wife, sons( Why are they so much bigger than you? ... lol) and even your dog. It's almost like visiting my relatives! ... lol.
You take time from your busy schedule to respond to me and it looks like many others. Time is one of the most valuable things you can give to someone and so once again ... I am most appreciative!
I'd still like to see recommendations for head shells and record cleaning when the opportunity permits.
There is so much information about audio products on the Internet both good and bad that it becomes difficult to make a good decision and not waste time and money. This is where you are most needed.
I hope you will continue. You have so much energy and enthusiasm and ... very excellent information that ALL vinyl enthusiasts need!
Thanks, Vic aka DonVito 😎👊👍☝️💣💥🥩🥔🥗🍷🍰
@@HiViNywschannelGreetings once again Dr.Ian. I was thinking you may want to consider The Bellari VP130 Mk2 for MM and HOMC. $275.00 US!
You and family stay well and ... HAPPY LISTENING!👍😎🍕🍻
I already bought a black2 and I thought I was pretty happy with it until I saw this. Of course, I did not have the same problem with the skewed stylus and I didn't pay quite as much (possibly because it wasn't shipped as far). But this is a problem that can probably be fixed, and Grado should be much more vigilant. A hundred twenty dollars for a cartridge is not the most expensive, but it should be more than enough to get a straight cantilever and a quality product. I will have to consider the Goldring E1 next time, though. Nice video once again. :)
Dear Buddy :-D i am happy for you!!! I am disappointed because I had so looked forward to the Series2 carts, but:
1) my retailer Mr Loo (he is the only and chief Grado dealer in Singapore) had problems with his first batch (that is the chief delay in me buying and reviewing their Series2 carts),
2) and some friends have dissected the Series2 carts and realized Grado cut costs with reduced potting between the coils.
3) I have also so loved and recommended the Black1, Green1 and Red1 carts so much!!..and am still playing my records with them :-D (they are still not worn out yet because I switch between all the various recommended carts a lot to spread out the playing time and to keep myself attuned to their differences in performance levels)
I have to give Goldring the credit where it is due. I believe anybody going through the same process, and experiences this time with the Black2 will have no choice but to report it as it is. We have given the Black2 multiple chances and getting the best sample as much as we can.
Warmest Regards my friend :-D!!! Enjoy your lovely vinyl analogue journey!!!! Together we go!
~ ian.
My Dad is visiting me here in Omaha. We watched your new video together. Nicely done. Very disappointing to see Grado so off their game. My Dad and I will avoid Grado until we know they have their act together. So nice to have a bro like you who is a lover of truth and honest with his fellows. You are such a blessing to the working man who loves hi fidelity vinyl.
Dear Mr Senior Ratliff and Buddy Blake!! :-D
Hope you both wake up to a nice morning in Omaha!
I am sure Mr Senior Ratliff sort of miss his 3.7i and JL Fathoms, but yet not miss them because his son is also indulging him with great sound from his son's system ;-D !!!!! *Fist punch*
How is your Spatial M3 vs Maggie 1.7i? It is really nice of you to let me know all these times, your journey so that I can learn from, from you and your dad.
To that, i thank you very, very much my friend.
Have a great cuppa coffee and hearty breakfast, Mr Ratliffs.
~ ian.
While the 1.7i certainly have their merits to me the Spatial M3 Triode Masters (TM) are a better speaker for my purpose. They should be as they cost considerably more. The 3.7i at even more cost than the M3 TM are IMO the best if they are paired with a good subwoofer. That 5 ft tall ribbon tweeter on the 3.7i’s are really special along with their transparency and incredible immersive sound stage being a 6ft tall line source. Without a subwoofer the Spatial M3 Triode Masters may have the edge overall. The M3 TM also have a large sound stage while still imaging like a high quality mini monitor. I still plan to eventually get a subwoofer with the Spatial M3 but would probably push the cross over down to about 35 hz. The M3 TM have excellent bass on their own above about 35hz in my room. Bass is tight, detailed, and enveloping with that warm fullness when the music calls for it. Like you might expect from a speaker with two 15 inch woofers but without the bloat or boxyness. Listen to Fleetwood Mac Rumors on a fully broken-in pair of properly set up M3 TM and you will experience the enveloping power and fullness with no bloat. Really incredible! I have yet to hear a Maggie that can do that. Not sure that I have heard any speaker do that. The Spatial M3 TM compression driver covers everything from 700hz and above making for a very coherent point source speaker. They especially excel with orchestral music compared to my old Paradigms sounding big and open with more detail and less congestion during crescendos. The dynamic shading really conveys the skill of a fine orchestra to convey emotion with dynamics. My Dad thinks they are a real standout when it comes to dynamics. Small ensemble classical music also sounds very good with the point source imaging and timbre. It is really special to have speakers that do bass like the M3 TM and still disappear like a pair of mini monitors. And they do all this with only 60wpc at 8ohm from a Schitt Ragnrok integrated amp. I also have less room interaction issues with the M3 TM in my awkward room. Fortunately I am able to get them at least 36 inches from front was which I believe is essential. Definitely lots more I could say about them. I am still auditioning them but at this point sending them back is not likely.
Hi would appreciate if you could provide insight into : -difference between goldring elan and the e1
Secondly any other brand model that is v similar to elan
Thanks
I was ready to buy the Grado black 1 following the 2016? Review, but now this Goldring E1 seems to be the winner. Hope there's not a new review that downs the E1 now. Thanks though for such detailed research and being non bias by getting free equipment.
Sorry, I meant that you DONT get free equipment from my understanding.
Unbelievable ! Basically group A cartridge can give a better performance than group B 🤩 Ones again thank you for your work a fantastic review ! 🤝👍👍👍
You are absolutely right!!!💪✌😄👌
Great review, Ian. It's always nice to give props to entry-level carts. I don't have either of these, but I could easily hear the difference on your setup. I doubt that the crooked cantilever played any significant part in the results. It is a sign of their quality control, however. If the cantilever is always leaning to the same side, I wonder if it happens after they are put into the box and shipped. Maybe it's an issue with the suspension or something.
I had an AT440mlb stylus replacement with a crooked cantilever as well. I couldn't exchange it because it was the vendors last one (they are out of production). I was able to *very carefully* straighten it on it's mount by coaxing it over from the base. It wasn't bent, just not mounted properly. It did not sound any different after I straightened it (the cart was always rotated make sure the cantilever was aligned to the groove). Still, most people align their setups based on the cart body and so such defects should not be tolerated.
wow ian.. im wondering what is grado's QC department doing.. hmmmm. thanks for sharing this with the VC. the new replacement is it slightly off to the left? hope my eyesight still okay la.. hehe
Brother, thank you for coming by and catching up! YES eyesight is perfect : the new replacement still is slanted off to the left. Your are Singaporean Buddy? I love the Jets too and have that album!! :-D
Warmest Regards,
~ ian
yes im singaporean too. hehe. really cant believe grado didnt dyodd before packing and exporting. i suspect its something to do with that glue/gump thingy that holds the cantilever. will continue to watch your full video soon. thanks bro ian :D
good video thank you I'm using a AT 100E at moment got some £ for Christmas so after watching I thought id buy the G E1 Just waiting to fit... Wicked selfless review's all the best
Hello! all your videos are amazing!! what about GR E1 vs AT95 E ? thoughts?
Another great comparisons, Ian The different sound samples gave a clear favourite. My favourite and best sounding from all I heard...was the mk5 ;) Sorry I couldn't resist :) All the best to you and the family. Cheers. /Paul
Hahahaa!!!! Yes i know, ex-and-current SL1200 junkie!!!!!!!! You're now on your delightful journey with your G!!!!
Thank you Paul and all the warmth and friendships i wish for you in your continuing journey. We punch on together. We toast to our friendship and more in our common endeavour. See you my friend.
~ ian.
Do you prefer the Grado Black over the 2M Red?