Goldring 1042

Getting back to the original topic of this post, I have come to the conclusion that the G1042 is a pretty good cartridge.  It is, as I originally noted, quite fussy set up wise but the little bit of extra effort does deliver ample reward (I’ll not contradict myself again by saying that VTA is critical but it is; oops - I have contradicted myself again: damn!). 

Anyways, since I have had my Orbe I have noticed continued incremental gains in detail and texture which have raised my opinion of the cart.   A couple of nights ago though, I played Neil Young’s MTV Unplugged album which I hadn’t played for a year or two and it knocked my socks off.  There was a lot of new stuff that I just hadn’t heard before.  Of course the Orbe, the Reflex and the aging MK1 Ekos, also play their part in this but if the cart doesn’t collect the information in the first place it cannot be preserved or presented to the next stage.  So I reckon it’s a good bit of kit for the money.  I am therefore going to experiment with arms before looking at the cartridge.  I am also curious about the Cartridge Man Isolator.  This is mainly because I have come across nothing but good reports about it when googling for reviews on the MM3 cartridge (which I have pretty much pencilled in for future use).  I think I’d be reluctant to stick one to an exotic/expensive cartridge because of the risk of damage if it needs to be removed.  Also, it seems at odds with my understanding of the relationship between cart and arm but I might give it a go on the G1042.  If anyone has tried the Isolator, I’d be interested to hear their comments.