The Goldring E4 marks the pinnacle of the E Series moving magnet cartridges, offering an exceptional upgrade option for modern budget and midrange turntables. It seamlessly integrates with medium-to-high-mass tonearms, which are commonly found on these types of turntables. The E4 serves as both a comprehensive update for an outdated cartridge and a performance boost for existing E Series cartridges, thanks to its high-quality core construction shared across the series.
Its performance has earned significant recognition across the audio community. The E4 is praised for its ability to deliver an open and neutral sound with a broad soundstage, combined with excellent speed, timing, and resolution. This makes it one of the best-sounding entry-level phono cartridges available under $300.
Critics have highlighted its impressive balance, which brings new qualities to a highly competitive price point. The E4 retains the beloved characteristics of its affordable counterparts within the E Series while introducing enhanced detail, refinement, and realism. Consequently, it presents itself as a compelling and worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking to elevate their turntable's performance without breaking the bank.
The reception from notable awards further cements its standing in the audio industry. Among the accolades, it has received are The Audiophile Man's Deeply Groovy Award, Ecoustics Editor's Choice 2023 Award, Hi-Fi Choice Recommended Award, and AVForums Highly Recommended Award, all attesting to its superior quality and unmatched value in its category.
