What Hi Fi Sound and Vision 26 MAY 2008

Goldring GR1

£ 140 4

* * * *

Build may be basic but the GR-1 sounds smooth, and a cartridge upgrade brings sonic dividends

For
Good sonic weight; timing; rich delivery; value for money
Against
Finish is a touch rough around the edges

The GR1 heralds Goldring’s return to turntable production after an absence of nearly 20 years, and a welcome return it is. For just £140 the GR1 comes ready fitted with a £35 Goldring Elektra moving-magnet cartridge and it competes, on sound quality, with a CD player that would set you back at least £200.

But the Goldring doesn’t stop there: the design is capable enough that you can fit more expensive cartridges (set a ceiling of around £100) and it will reward the additional investment.

Good timing
So with John Coltrane’s Love Supreme on the platter, how does the GR1 sound? There’s decent weight and good punch, and this power means the deep notes of Coltrane’s sax sound realistic, while the firm attack means the drums are fast and exciting. Good timing – the area where turntables continually beat CD players – underpins this rich delivery and the result is a highly musical and involving listen.

Detail levels are good – there are ertainly no complaints at this price – but note the GR1’s character is lush as opposed to raw, so if you prefer more treble we suggest you try a cartridge upgrade.

This turntable is cracking value and with a bit of help – the GR1 aluminium arm derives from Rega’s RB250 – Goldring is back in the deck business with a product to challenge the best in this price range.