This is a cartridge for the audiophile who demands the ultimate sonic performance from their system, together with the convenience of a user-replaceable stylus. The 1042 uses a nude, natural-diamond stylus with a Gyger S profile. This is a revolutionary line-contact type that is shaped to more closely resemble the record cutting head than any previous design. The stylus profile is the main factor governing overall sound quality in a cartridge and the shape of the Gyger S with its 6 µm radius allows it to trace the smallest groove detail with complete fidelity. Mid-range tonality is incredibly accurate and precise with high-frequency sibilance banished. The extended side wall contact of the Gyger-S diamond also gives the 1042 unsurpassed resolution of the fine groove modulations, producing an exceptionally detailed, smooth and musical sound.
Low Mass Pocan Body
The 1000 series uses a strong one-piece body that holds the fixed parts securely in place. Made from a special type of ultra-rigid, glass-reinforced polyester called Pocan, the body can be tightly bolted to the headshell for maximum efficiency and optimum sound quality. The user-replaceable stylus carrier slots tightly into the body with a locating pin preventing unwanted vibrations which would otherwise color the sound. Integral mu-metal can keep the generator parts shielded from hum-inducing stray magnetic fields. Because Pocan has a high strength-to-mass ratio, the overall mass of the G1000 series cartridges is kept below 6.5 g. Low mass and moderate compliance keep the natural arm/cartridge resonance within safe limits for easy matching to a wide range of tonearms.
High-Efficiency Magnetic Circuit
Finely etched mu-metal is laminated to form the pole pieces around which are fitted two formless coils of four thousand turns each. This unique design reduces mass and also makes for a very efficient magnetic circuit producing a higher than average output. This construction also reduces the loss at high frequencies inherent in conventional designs, making for smooth and extended frequency response.
Reduced Moving Mass
The 1000 series uses a unique ultra-low-mass, micro-miniature Alnico V magnet made to a tolerance that can be achieved by no other manufacturer worldwide. Welded to the magnet is a gold-plated nickel tie-bar which provides an earth path for vinyl static charge build-up and stabilizes the cantilever in unwanted vibrational modes. The whole ultra-low-mass assembly is then mounted in a special butyl rubber polymer with optimized damping characteristics.
Expert Adjustment
The correct setting of stylus azimuth (or horizontal tracking angle) is essential for the maintenance of a proper stereo sound stage. Azimuth is the term used to describe the angle that the vertical center-line of the stylus makes with the record surface and this must be exactly perpendicular to the record groove. This is not usually a user-adjustable parameter on most budget decks and so it is vital that the cartridge leaves the factory with the azimuth precisely set. Badly adjusted azimuth can cause uneven channel balance and increased crosstalk between channels which would severely degrade the stereo image.
