Gold Note ES-78 Phono Cartridge
130,00 €
Gold Note ES-78 is a moving-magnet phono cartridge designed for vinyl playback through an MM phono stage. Its 4 mV output and recommended 47 kΩ load define the appropriate connection. The conical diamond stylus is mounted on an aluminium cantilever, while the recommended 2 g tracking force provides a clear starting point for tonearm setup.
Gold Note ES-78 phono cartridge is a moving-magnet (MM) model designed for vinyl playback. Its 4 mV output level is intended for MM phono inputs. The cartridge was developed as the successor to the earlier Gold Note Babele model.
Construction and stylus profile
An aluminium cantilever carries the conical diamond stylus. The coil uses copper wire, while the magnet is made from Alnico alloy. A conical profile is less sensitive to minor alignment inaccuracies than more complex stylus profiles.
Accurate cartridge alignment is still essential so that the stylus can track the record groove correctly. The cartridge’s 6 g weight must be taken into account when balancing the tonearm and checking the adjustment range of its counterweight. The cartridge is supplied in a practical box, making it convenient to store until installation.
Connecting it to your audio system
Connect a turntable fitted with this cartridge to an MM phono-stage input. When choosing a phono stage, its MM mode must accommodate this signal level and a 47 kΩ load. The stated cartridge impedance is 1,000 Ω.
A standard AUX or LINE input is not designed to receive a cartridge signal directly. If your amplifier does not have a phono input, a separate MM phono stage must be connected between the turntable and amplifier. A phono stage is not included with this cartridge.
Installation and initial setup
Before adjusting the tracking force, balance the tonearm according to its operating instructions. Then set the tracking force to 2 g. If the tonearm includes anti-skating adjustment, use a starting value corresponding to the selected tracking force.
The distance from the mounting hole to the diamond stylus is 9 mm. This measurement helps you assess the stylus position within the headshell, but it does not replace complete geometric alignment. Use an alignment protractor intended for the specific turntable or tonearm.
After installation, inspect the cartridge position from both the front and the side. The cantilever must be able to lower freely, and the cartridge body must not touch the record. Complete the alignment before finally tightening the mounting hardware.
The stated 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn compliance, considered together with the cartridge weight, helps when assessing the mechanical match between the cartridge and tonearm. The tonearm’s effective mass is also required for an accurate resonance calculation.
What the playback specifications indicate
The 15-25,000 Hz frequency range defines the stated playback limits of the cartridge. Channel separation of more than 20 dB describes the separation between the left and right channels. Correct azimuth and geometric alignment help maintain a balanced stereo image.
Technical specifications
| Type | Moving-magnet (MM) phono cartridge |
|---|---|
| Output level | 4 mV |
| Frequency range | 15-25,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 1,000 Ω |
| Recommended load | 47 kΩ |
| Compliance | 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn |
| Channel separation | More than 20 dB |
| Recommended tracking force | 2 g |
| Cantilever | Aluminium |
| Stylus | Conical diamond |
| Coil wire | Copper |
| Magnet | Alnico |
| Distance from mounting hole to diamond | 9 mm |
| Weight | 6 g |
| Packaging | Practical box |
FAQ
What type of system is this phono cartridge intended for?
It is designed for a turntable with a separately mounted cartridge and an audio system equipped with an MM phono stage. The tonearm must allow a cartridge of the stated weight to be balanced correctly.
Which amplifier input should I use?
Use an MM phono input, or switch an adjustable PHONO input to MM mode. If you need to connect the turntable to an AUX or LINE input, a separate MM phono stage must be placed in the signal path first.
In what order should the setup steps be completed?
First mount and align the cartridge. Next, balance the tonearm, set the tracking force and adjust the anti-skating compensation.
How should the stated mounting distance be used?
It is measured from the mounting hole to the diamond stylus. You should still use an alignment protractor matched to the geometry of your turntable when establishing the final position.
Is this a direct replacement for the Babele?
The ES-78 is the successor to that model, but it should not be installed without readjusting the setup. After changing the cartridge, the tonearm must be balanced and aligned again.
