Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement V2.1 MC Cartridge

The Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement V2.1 is a moving coil cartridge and the brand's flagship — with a body made of solid 14-karat gold and half a carat of diamond on the front.

According to the manufacturer, the Goldfinger Statement was the first cartridge with integrated shielding against high-frequency interference. Eight selected magnets form a homogeneous field, and the dual coils are wound from ultra-pure 24-karat gold around an air core — with no ferromagnetic mass.

Why the Goldfinger Statement V2.1?

The gold body delivers high mass and excellent resonance damping, the boron cantilever with an optimised angle improves tracking accuracy, and the shielding keeps interference out. Yes, it's also a piece of jewellery — but every gram of it has a technical justification.

What you hear

When the chain allows it: the speed and resolution of a top-tier MC, combined with tonal neutrality and tracking ability up to 90 µm. Deep, well-defined bass, a widely spread soundstage, and a calm that reveals even the finest details.

Who is the Goldfinger Statement V2.1 for?

For uncompromising analogue listeners with a chain at the very highest level — a top-class turntable and tonearm and a first-rate MC phono stage. To be blunt: on anything less, the Goldfinger won't show its worth, and the expense doesn't make sense. Honestly — this is a destination, not a starting point.

Our verdict

Clearaudio's opus magnum — uncompromising, consistent, definitive. Whoever arrives here isn't looking any further.

What the trade press says: "In moving coils, it is my current favorite." — Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound, 2023. And further: "If you crave the speed, detail, and soundstaging of a moving coil but also hunger for the tonal neutrality and tracking of a good mm, the Goldfinger V2.1 may be exactly what you're looking for."

Technical data

• Type: Moving Coil (MC)
• Output voltage: 0.5–0.6 mV (at 5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: > 32 dB
• Channel balance: < 0.2 dB
• Tracking ability: 90 µm
• Cantilever: Boron (optimised angle)
• Stylus tip: clearaudio Prime Line
• Coil: 24-karat gold (air core), 8 selected magnets, perfectly pivot-symmetrical
• Special feature: integrated RF shielding; ½-karat diamond on the front
• System impedance: 50 Ω
• Stylus compliance: 15 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 2.8 g (± 0.2 g)
• Body: 14-karat gold
• Weight: approx. 15 g (± 2 g)

Frequently asked questions

Which tonearm suits the 15 g Goldfinger?

Because of its high weight of around 15 g, the Goldfinger belongs on a tonearm of higher effective mass with sufficient counterweight reserve. We check the resonance point and arm compatibility individually for your chain before you order.

What does the integrated RF shielding mean?

According to the manufacturer, the Goldfinger Statement was the first MC system with built-in shielding against high-frequency interference. In today's radio-saturated living rooms, this keeps interference away from the generator and preserves signal purity.

Can the Goldfinger's diamond be renewed later?

A stylus swap like on an MM system is not possible by design on MC cartridges; the diamond is permanently fixed to the generator. Instead, Clearaudio offers an exchange on trade-in terms, as an upgrade if you like. This is handled through the authorised dealer — we take care of it.

What phono stage is appropriate?

An uncompromising MC phono stage with a low-noise input and clean gain at 50 Ω system impedance. With a system in this class, the stage has a major say in the result — we advise you specifically on the right combination.

Why buy the Goldfinger Statement V2.1 from HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge in this class demands expertise. Mauri sets up your Goldfinger in Wädenswil with the precision it needs, and we support the build of the entire chain. Talk to us: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Turntables and arms at a matching level are available among our turntables and tonearms, the necessary amplification among our phono preamps. More reference cartridges are available under cartridges.