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Goldring E3 Cartridge Upgrade on Rega Planar 1: Best Choice

I spent weeks researching cartridges. I read advice and reviews. Finally, I decided to upgrade the cartridge on my Rega Planar 1 turntable. Picking the correct cartridge is important for vinyl enthusiasts who want to enjoy their records fully. I made sure my choice would improve my listening experience.

After careful consideration, I ultimately chose the Goldring E3 cartridge. I thoroughly researched the Goldring E3, checking its specifications, reading audiophile forums, and watching numerous reviews. This research made it clear that the Goldring E3, with its mix of performance, quality, and value, was the best choice for my setup and the music style I’m listening to.

In this Goldring E3 review, I will explain why this cartridge is perfect for my Rega Planar 1. It has significantly enhanced my vinyl listening experience. If you’re a vinyl collector or new to it, knowing why this moving magnet cartridge is special can help you choose a great upgrade.

The Noise of Online Forums: A Cautionary Tale

Finding a cartridge upgrade for the Rega Planar 1 can be confusing due to the many opinions available online. Forums overflow with numerous views, debates, and conflicting advice. While researching cartridge upgrades, I became overwhelmed by too much information, much of which was not useful or correct.

However, after installing the Goldring E3, I found these concerns to be unfounded. To make sure your turntable works well, understand its specs and use a cartridge that matches the recommended tracking force. The Goldring E3 easily fits the Rega Planar 1 when installed correctly, and no extra changes are needed.

Debunking Myths: Goldring E3 vs. Audio Technica AT95E

A common claim online is that the Goldring E3 is just a rebranded Audio Technica AT95E. While these two cartridges share some similar specs, they are not the same. Unfortunately, audiophile forums often repeat this misconception, confusing potential buyers.

Instead of getting caught up in these debates, you should rely on your research and experiences. What really matters is how the cartridge sounds to you, not the opinions in online discussions.

Why I Chose the Goldring E3 Over the Rega Carbon

Goldring E3 Cartridge Rega Planar 1 Upgrade

The Goldring E3 stood out to me for several reasons. It has an elliptical stylus, which is a big improvement over the spherical stylus on the Rega Carbon. This results in a more detailed and dynamic sound, with crisper treble, more defined mids, and tighter bass. The Goldring E3 also provides better stereo separation, enhancing the stereo imaging and making the listening experience more immersive. Since I primarily listen to Pop, Rock, and some Jazz, this cartridge is a perfect fit for my music preferences.

Another reason I chose the Goldring E3 is its visual appeal. The cartridge’s cool purple casing adds a stylish touch to my turntable. Its sleek design complements the overall look of the setup, making the turntable look even more modern and attractive. It’s not just about sound quality—the visual appeal of the Goldring E3 adds a personal touch to my vinyl setup. You might also want to check out the best upgrades for Rega turntables.

Summary and History of the Goldring E3 Cartridge

Goldring E3 Cartridge Review
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The Goldring E3 was honored as the Best Cartridge under £150 in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 is part of Goldring’s acclaimed E series and offers exceptional sound quality at an affordable price. Featuring an elliptical stylus, the E3 enhances clarity, detail, and dynamics, making it an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts. With an output voltage of 3.5 mV and a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, it delivers impressive audio performance. For optimal results, it should be used with a tracking force of 2.0 grams.

Goldring, a UK-based company founded in 1906, is renowned for its innovative audio products. The E3 upholds this legacy, not only providing great sound but also featuring a striking purple casing and sleek design. Whether you’re new to vinyl or a seasoned collector, the Goldring E3 is a fantastic choice for upgrading your vinyl setup, offering both performance and style in one package.

Installation: No Fuss, No Worry

Goldring E3 Rega Tonearm
Rega Planar 1 Counterweight 2g Goldring E3 Setup

The Rega Planar 1 has a fixed anti-skate mechanism, so you don’t have to make any difficult adjustments. Rega created the Planar 1 to be user-friendly, allowing beginners to enjoy great sound without complicated setups. This user-friendly approach is why Rega turntables are so popular among vinyl enthusiasts. I bought the Goldring E3 cartridge from Shopee, which was later installed in my home by the Hi-Fi specialist.

I relied on the expertise of a Hi-Fi specialist from CMY Audio in Malaysia to handle the more delicate aspects of the setup. The most challenging part was setting the Vertical Tracking Force (VTF), which is crucial for ensuring the stylus tracks the grooves of the record correctly.

With this precise adjustment, the Goldring E3 aligned perfectly and was ready to deliver its best sound quality. After setup, the Goldring E3 cartridge provided an excellent listening experience from the very first play.

SOLVED: Goldring E3 Record Skipping on Rega Planar 1

I had been dealing with the record skipping issue for a while and couldn’t find a solution. I spent hours researching online forums, but nothing seemed to fix the skipping problem with the Goldring E3 cartridge on my Rega Planar 1. Frustrated, I decided to invest in a tracking force gauge. The installer had previously set the vertical tracking force to 2g, and messed up, I kept trying to get it right at that weight. After more research, I decided to dive deeper into how other Rega turntable models handle this issue. And finally, I found the solution…

I came across a forum where people were talking about skipping issues on the Rega Planar turntables when using a cartridge that isn’t from Rega. I went for a cartridge realignment at a Hi-Fi shop and VTA is set to 2g by Hi-Fi specialist. 

And it worked! Most of the skipping issues I had with my 180g vinyl Utada Hikaru’s First Love (I bought two LPs because of the skipping issue, which I thought is the record issue but it’s not!) and Hebe Tien’s Time Will Tell vinyl record is now gone. This VTF fix saved me.

If your Rega turntable has fixed anti-skate and you’ve already set the cartridge alignment, VTA, and azimuth correctly, the cause of record skipping is probably the tracking weight or scratches on the record. If your record plays fine on another turntable but skips on your main one, it’s likely a setup issue with your turntable.

First Impressions: A Sonic Revelation

Rega Planar 1 Goldring E3
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Once everything was set up, I put on Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, freshly cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. The difference was immediate. The sound was better, with clearer vocals, tighter bass, and more distinct stereo separation than the Rega Carbon. It’s important to note that the Goldring E3 may need some time to fully “break-in,” so the sound will only improve as you use it more.

During the first few rounds of listening, I noticed a bit of looping at the same spot of the vinyl and slight skipping on some vinyl records. Probably, after a few more plays until the stylus suspension loosens, these issues will completely disappear, and fingers crossed. I’m experiencing a lot of dust buildup on my vinyl records due to static when using the original Rega felt mat, so I’m considering getting a thinner and more suitable platter slipmat soon for this new setup.

Next, I tested the Goldring E3 with Avril Lavigne’s Greatest Hits vinyl, and the results were equally impressive. The strong bass in her songs was a great way to test how well the cartridge produced a balanced sound.

When the needle touched the record and played my favorite song ‘I’m With You’, I felt the midbass that added richness to the music without overpowering the other sounds. The E3 easily handled the range of her songs, making it a great choice for those who like versatile vinyl playback. After all, I prefer to listen to flat music setup, no EQ, no subwoofer or whatsoever and the Goldring cartridge did most of it work quite well.

Conclusion: The Right Choice for Vinyl Enthusiasts

Rega Planar 1 Tonearm Goldring E3 Cartridge

Upgrading to the Goldring E3 cartridge on my Rega Planar 1 has transformed my vinyl listening experience. The E3 has improved the sound of my vinyl collection with better clarity, range, and balance. Every song now sounds better with clearer highs, richer mids, and stronger bass. The music is more lively and captivating.

This upgrade has reaffirmed my belief that the right cartridge can make all the difference in how you experience your music. The Goldring E3 is more than just an improvement.

It allows you to hear your favorite music in a completely new way. This experience may be unlike anything you have ever heard before. The combination of its elliptical stylus and excellent stereo separation brings out the subtle nuances in each track, making for a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.

For anyone serious about their vinyl collection and considering a cartridge upgrade, I wholeheartedly recommend the Goldring E3 as one of the best moving magnet cartridges. Do not let endless online debates sway you. Trust your ears, trust the quality of the equipment, and let the Goldring E3 help you rediscover the joy of vinyl.

The Goldring E3 on the Rega Planar 1 is a great choice for both experienced listeners and beginners. You won’t be disappointed with it. Get the Goldring E3 on Amazon now.

*If you make a purchase through links on my site, I might earn an affiliate commission, which helps support me in creating more content for you

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