Clearaudio
Clearaudio Goldfinger Cartridge
Best high-end moving coil cartridge for uncompromising audiophile sound quality.
Experience the pinnacle of analog sound reproduction with the Clearaudio Goldfinger Cartridge. Encased in a solid 24k gold body, this Moving Coil cartridge is engineered to elevate your listening experience, focusing entirely on the music. It creates an immersive "you are there" sensation, accurately recreating live venues. The cartridge boasts an impressive dynamic range of up to 100dB, achieved through an innovative generator design with doubled magnets for enhanced efficiency. Its unique twelve-finger mounting plate effectively minimizes body resonances, ensuring pristine audio fidelity.
$12000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.9
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 1637
Best Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+852%
Above average
Case Material
24
/ k Gold
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts needing compatibility with diverse high-end phono stages
- Audiophiles seeking the absolute pinnacle of vinyl playback detail
- Listeners prioritizing premium materials and superior signal conductivity
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking value-oriented audio components
- Casual users wanting a simple, plug-and-play turntable setup
- Owners wary of high long-term maintenance and repair costs
Performance breakdown
Dynamic Range
The 100dB ceiling captures the full intensity of live performances.
Resonance Control
Twelve-finger mounting architecture virtually eliminates unwanted mechanical vibrations.
Signal Fidelity
Pure gold coils ensure the cleanest possible path for analog signals.
Stylus Precision
Micro-HD-Diamond tip extracts microscopic detail from deep within record grooves.
Build Integrity
Solid 24k gold housing provides exceptional mass and structural stability.
Frequency Extension
Broad 10Hz to 100kHz response captures every nuance of the recording.
Key Specs
Case Material
24k Gold
Dynamic Range
Up to 100dB
Output
Up to 0.9 mV at 5cm/sec
Stylus
New Micro-HD-Diamond (0.008mm x 0.040mm radii)
Stylus Mass
0.00016g
Frequency Response
10 Hz up to 100KHz
Coils
24 ct. pure gold coils
Generator
Mechanically, magnetically and electrically absolutely symmetrical
Features
- Solid 24k gold case construction
- Achieves 100dB dynamic range
- Revolutionary generator with 8 Super Neodymium magnets
- New Micro-HD-Diamond tip with low mass
- Twelve-finger design minimizes body resonances
- Part of the new clearaudio Moving Coil generation
- Creates a believable 'you are there' experience
- Finest analog sound reproduction available
What customers say
The Clearaudio Goldfinger Cartridge is widely regarded as an ultra high end reference standard. Owners consistently praise its sonic performance, describing the listening experience as transparent and possessing incredible resolution. Users note its exceptional ability to reveal micro details and dynamic range from vinyl, often uncovering previously unheard nuances. The build quality, featuring a solid gold body and meticulous German engineering, is universally acclaimed as impeccable, reflecting its flagship status. While the price is significant, investors view this component as an ultimate endgame purchase, believing the pure sonic fidelity justifies the cost. Setup requires precision, but this is accepted as necessary for achieving world class analog reproduction.
Know before you buy
The Goldfinger is a Moving Coil (MC) cartridge. You will need a phono stage that supports MC inputs or a high-quality external step-up transformer to handle its output.
The solid 24k gold construction provides exceptional mass and density, which helps dampen unwanted vibrations. This contributes to the cartridge's ability to minimize resonance and deliver a cleaner, more precise signal.
This unique design is engineered to reduce body resonances by minimizing the contact surface area between the cartridge and the tonearm. By controlling these vibrations, it ensures that the stylus can track the groove with greater accuracy.
Yes, due to its extremely low mass and precision shape, it is sensitive to dust and debris. We recommend using a high-quality stylus brush after every play to maintain its performance and longevity.
The Goldfinger utilizes a standard 1/2-inch mounting pattern, making it compatible with the vast majority of high-end tonearms. However, given its weight and performance capabilities, it is best paired with a high-precision, balanced tonearm.
A 100dB dynamic range allows the cartridge to capture the full contrast between the quietest whispers and the loudest crescendos in a recording. This wide range is what creates the immersive, 'you are there' sensation that makes live performances feel realistic.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12000