Gold Note ES-78 MM Cartridge, Black

The Gold Note ES-78 is an MM cartridge with a conical diamond stylus and 4 mV output that works with any standard MM phono input. Gold Note explicitly aims it at newcomers to analogue: the black POM body is robust, mounting is straightforward, and the conical stylus forgives small alignment errors that finer profiles would audibly punish.

Why the ES-78?

Because a good first cartridge has one main job: to play reliably. The ES-78 uses an Alnico magnet, copper-wire coils and an aluminium cantilever – proven ingredients, no experiments. With a recommended tracking force of 2 g and a compliance of 10 µm/mN it suits medium-mass tonearms, the kind fitted to most turntables in this price range. The 4 mV output is enough for practically any amplifier with a phono input – you don’t need an expensive specialist phono stage.

What you hear

Typical of a conical stylus is a strong, grounded tonal foundation that presents music as a whole rather than dissecting it. A conical profile traces the finest groove modulations less precisely than an elliptical or Shibata stylus – that costs a little fine detail in the treble, but makes the ES-78 forgiving with second-hand flea-market records. If you’re building your collection from used vinyl, you’ll appreciate that quickly.

Who is the ES-78 for?

For beginners, for a second or party turntable, and for anyone who wants to replace a tired budget cartridge without spending a fortune. Straight talk: if you’re after the finest detail and maximum spaciousness, you’ll be happier with a Vasari Gold or one of Gold Note’s MC cartridges. The ES-78 is an honest workhorse, not a diva – and at this price that’s a compliment.

Our verdict

Solidly built, easy to align, compatible with almost any system: the ES-78 is exactly what an entry-level cartridge should be. We’re happy to help with mounting and setup – HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is there for exactly these questions: call +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 or email shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical specifications

• Type: MM cartridge (moving magnet)
• Stylus profile: conical (spherical), diamond
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Magnet / coil: Alnico / copper wire
• Output voltage: 4 mV
• Recommended tracking force: 2 g
• Compliance: 10 µm/mN (10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyn)
• Frequency response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz
• Channel separation: > 20 dB
• Internal impedance: 1 kΩ
• Recommended load: 47 kΩ
• Stylus tip to mounting hole distance: 9 mm
• Weight: 6 g
• Body: POM, black

Frequently asked questions

Is the ES-78 designed for 78 rpm shellac records?

No, the name is misleading. Gold Note describes the ES-78 as an MM cartridge for vinyl records and does not mention shellac. 78 rpm shellac discs have much wider grooves and need a special stylus with a larger tip radius. For normal vinyl LPs and singles, however, the ES-78 is exactly what it was made for.

Do I need a special phono stage for the ES-78?

No. With 4 mV output the ES-78 works with any ordinary MM phono input, whether built into your amplifier or as a separate phono stage. Gold Note recommends a 47 kΩ load, which is the standard value of practically every MM input. You don’t need an MC step-up transformer or particularly high gain.

What tracking force does the ES-78 need?

Gold Note recommends a tracking force of 2 grams. It’s best to check it with a stylus force gauge, because the scale on the counterweight is often only a rough guide. With a compliance of 10 µm/mN, the ES-78 works best with medium-mass tonearms, as fitted to many turntables.

Why buy the Gold Note ES-78 from HD Zürisee?

Because even an affordable cartridge only sounds as good as its alignment. We’ll tell you honestly whether the ES-78 suits your turntable, help with mounting and setup, and have our own technician, Mauri, in house. And from an order value of CHF 190, we deliver free of shipping costs.

Goes well with

The ES-78 needs a suitable partner: have a look at our turntables and tonearms. If you want to upgrade later, you’ll find more models among our cartridges, plus phono preamplifiers and turntable accessories such as stylus force gauges.