Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement | Used Reference MC Cartridge
A rare opportunity to acquire one of Clearaudio’s most ambitious moving coil cartridges, previously installed in a privately owned €800,000 high-end audio system.
Exceptional Provenance: From a reference-level private audio installation valued at approximately €800,000.
Condition: Used, Excellent Reported Condition Playback Hours: Approximately 300 Generator: Symmetrical 12-Magnet Design Coils: 24-Karat Gold Cartridge Body: 14-Karat Gold Cantilever: Boron Original Stylus Specification: Gyger S Diamond Manufacture: Germany
Special Price: €4,000
A remarkable piece of high-end analogue engineering with an equally remarkable ownership history.
Contact Chameleon Audio for detailed photographs, condition information and international shipping arrangements.
Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement MC Cartridge – Used
One of the Most Extraordinary Moving Coil Cartridges Ever Created. A Rare Pre-Owned High-End Analogue Opportunity.
The Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement represents one of the most ambitious achievements in moving coil cartridge design, combining exceptional German precision engineering, a solid 14-karat gold body, an innovative twelve-magnet generator system and ultra-fine 24-karat gold coil windings.
Developed for the most demanding analogue playback systems, the Goldfinger Statement was created to extract the finest musical information from vinyl records while delivering the scale, dynamics and tonal richness associated with reference-level analogue reproduction.
Chameleon Audio is pleased to offer this remarkable pre-owned Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement MC cartridge for €4,000.
The cartridge is described as being in excellent condition, with approximately 300 hours of use.
Exceptional Provenance: From an €800,000 High-End Audio System
This particular Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement comes from a privately owned high-end audio system with a reported total value of approximately €800,000.
The previous owner invested in a reference-level music reproduction system in which every component was selected as part of an exceptionally ambitious analogue and high-fidelity installation.
Its provenance is particularly noteworthy because it demonstrates the level of audio system in which this Goldfinger Statement was previously used.
Rather than coming from an unknown or ordinary installation, the cartridge was part of a system assembled around components from the highest levels of the high-end audio market.
For an enthusiast considering a pre-owned reference cartridge, this background offers valuable context about the previous owner’s commitment to high-quality music reproduction.
The reported system value and ownership history are seller-provided information. They should not be interpreted as independent certification of the stylus condition, remaining service life or electrical performance of the cartridge.
A Carefully Used Reference Moving Coil Cartridge
According to the information supplied to Chameleon Audio, this Goldfinger Statement has approximately 300 hours of playback time.
It is offered in excellent reported condition, with photographs of the actual cartridge available in the product gallery.
As with any pre-owned high-end moving coil cartridge, the condition of the stylus, cantilever and suspension deserves particular attention.
Playback hours are an important part of the history, but do not by themselves establish the degree of wear or guarantee a particular remaining service life.
Prospective buyers are welcome to request additional photographs, information about the cartridge’s previous installation and details of any available technical inspection.
Clearaudio: Precision Analogue Engineering from Germany
Clearaudio is internationally recognised for its high-end turntables, tonearms, moving coil cartridges and specialist analogue audio components.
The company’s engineering philosophy combines advanced materials, precise mechanical construction and meticulous attention to the extremely small signals produced during vinyl playback.
The Goldfinger Statement is one of the most recognisable examples of this approach.
It was developed as a statement product for listeners seeking the highest levels of performance from a carefully optimised analogue system.
Revolutionary Twelve-Magnet Generator System
A defining feature of the Goldfinger Statement is its twelve-magnet moving coil generator.
Clearaudio developed this unusually elaborate symmetrical magnetic arrangement to improve generator performance and channel consistency.
The manufacturer associates the design with a dynamic range of up to 100dB under its stated design description.
The carefully arranged magnets and symmetrical coil assembly are central to the cartridge’s engineering concept.
By controlling the geometry of the generator system, Clearaudio aims to reproduce very small groove modulations with precision and consistency.
24-Karat Gold Coil Windings
The Goldfinger Statement uses extraordinarily fine 24-karat gold wire in its moving coil assembly.
Clearaudio developed this conductor arrangement as part of its pursuit of low moving mass and precise electromagnetic behaviour.
The coil system is designed to convert mechanical stylus movement into an electrical audio signal while preserving the fine variations encoded in the vinyl groove.
The use of gold is not simply decorative. It forms part of the cartridge’s actual generator construction.
Solid 14-Karat Gold Cartridge Body
Few moving coil cartridges have the visual identity of the Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement.
Its substantial body is manufactured using 14-karat gold, giving the cartridge a distinctive appearance and considerable physical mass.
The body forms part of Clearaudio’s mechanical design, providing the structure that supports the generator assembly.
With an original published mass of approximately 16g, the cartridge requires thoughtful tonearm matching and careful installation.
This is a precision audio component, and its value should be understood in terms of the complete construction rather than simply its precious-metal content.
Boron Cantilever and Precision Diamond Stylus
The original Goldfinger Statement specifications published by Clearaudio list a boron cantilever and a double-polished Gyger S diamond stylus.
The cantilever transmits the stylus movement to the moving coil generator.
Boron offers a combination of stiffness and relatively low mass that is desirable for accurate mechanical transmission.
The advanced stylus profile is designed to trace fine groove modulations with high precision when correctly aligned.
As this is a pre-owned cartridge, the stylus assembly should be checked against the individual unit and any available service history.
Wide Frequency Response
Clearaudio’s historical Goldfinger Statement specification lists a frequency response extending from 20Hz to 100kHz.
This figure reflects the manufacturer’s published technical characteristics and the bandwidth goals of its moving coil generator design.
Actual playback performance depends on the cartridge, tonearm, phono preamplifier, record condition and mechanical setup.
The stated bandwidth should not be confused with the recorded frequency range of every vinyl record or the acoustic response of a complete listening system.
Strong Channel Separation and Precise Stereo Imaging
The original Goldfinger Statement specification lists crosstalk performance better than 40dB and channel imbalance below 0.2dB.
These specifications reflect Clearaudio’s emphasis on symmetrical generator construction and stereo channel accuracy.
Low channel interaction and accurate channel balance contribute to the potential for stable stereo imaging and clearly defined spatial information.
Individual electrical measurements of this used cartridge have not been supplied, so these are manufacturer design specifications rather than verified measurements of the available unit.
Output Voltage and Phono Stage Matching
The historical Clearaudio specification lists a nominal output voltage of 0.6mV at 5cm/s.
Although the Goldfinger Statement belongs to the moving coil category, this output level allows it to be considered with a range of suitable high-quality MC phono preamplifiers.
Correct phono stage matching remains important, particularly with regard to gain, input impedance, noise performance and the available adjustment options.
The manufacturer lists an internal cartridge impedance of 50Ω.
This internal impedance should not be confused with a mandatory phono stage loading value.
The preferred loading should be selected according to the phono stage, the cartridge’s intended operating conditions and the desired results, with reference to Clearaudio’s recommendations.
Recommended Tracking Force
The original Goldfinger Statement specification lists a recommended tracking force of 2.8g, with a tolerance of ±0.2g.
Correct vertical tracking force is essential for reliable groove contact, tracking behaviour and minimising unnecessary stylus and record wear.
It should be set using an accurate tracking-force gauge and checked as part of a complete cartridge installation.
Tracking force should never be adjusted arbitrarily to compensate for a suspected damaged or worn stylus.
Tonearm Compatibility
The Goldfinger Statement has a substantial body mass and a published compliance of 15µm/mN.
These characteristics must be considered when selecting an appropriate tonearm.
Arm effective mass, cartridge mounting hardware and the resulting arm-cartridge resonance all influence mechanical compatibility.
Because of the cartridge’s mass, suitability should be calculated rather than assumed for unusually heavy tonearms.
Correct tonearm matching helps create the conditions required for reliable tracking and accurate analogue reproduction.
Professional Cartridge Installation and Alignment
The Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement is a reference-level precision component that deserves expert installation.
Important adjustments include:
Precise cartridge mounting and alignment
Overhang and offset-angle adjustment
Vertical tracking force
Azimuth alignment
Vertical tracking angle / tonearm height
Anti-skating adjustment where applicable
Phono stage gain and loading
Verification of tonearm and cartridge resonance
At this level of analogue playback, even small alignment errors can reduce performance or increase unwanted record and stylus wear.
Chameleon Audio can discuss installation requirements and suitable analogue system matching before purchase.
Musical Performance and Listening Character
The Goldfinger Statement was designed to reproduce musical detail, spatial information and dynamic contrasts at a reference level.
Its sophisticated generator and precision stylus system aim to combine high resolution with natural tonal presentation.
Independent reviewers have praised the model for its impressive musical scale, expressive dynamics, soundstage definition and ability to reveal subtle information within recordings.
As always, the final sonic result depends on the complete analogue system, the records being played and the quality of cartridge alignment.
Independent Review: Stereophile
Stereophile published an extensive discussion of the Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement in Michael Fremer’s Analog Corner.
The article examines the cartridge’s unusual generator design, high-end positioning, substantial mass and the importance of selecting a suitable tonearm.
It provides valuable perspective on the engineering ambitions and system-matching considerations associated with this remarkable moving coil cartridge.
Hi-Fi News also published an extensive review and laboratory evaluation of the Goldfinger Statement.
The article examines the cartridge’s construction, tracking behaviour, output characteristics and musical presentation.
Its listening assessment highlights the combination of large-scale dynamics, stereo precision and delicacy that makes the Goldfinger Statement such an unusual design.
The Goldfinger Statement has evolved over time, and Clearaudio has introduced later versions with revised specifications.
In particular, the later Goldfinger Statement V2.1 should not be confused with the original model described here.
Published differences include the stylus specification, frequency-response figures and tracking-performance data.
This listing is presented as a Goldfinger Statement, not as a V2.1 cartridge.
The exact version of the available unit should be confirmed from the original identification and photographs.
Why Choose This Pre-Owned Goldfinger Statement?
Acquiring a high-end moving coil cartridge on the second-hand market requires careful consideration.
In this case, the available information offers several noteworthy details.
First, this is one of Clearaudio’s most ambitious moving coil designs, featuring the distinctive twelve-magnet generator and precious-metal construction.
Second, the cartridge is reported to have approximately 300 hours of playback.
Third, it comes from a privately owned high-end audio system with a reported total value of approximately €800,000.
That provenance is an important part of the cartridge’s history and indicates the calibre of the system in which it was installed.
The final purchasing decision should also take into account the physical and electrical condition of the cartridge, particularly the stylus and suspension.
Original Goldfinger Statement design, not advertised as V2.1
Rare pre-owned high-end analogue component
Previously installed in a reported €800,000 high-end audio system
Approximately 300 hours of reported playback
Excellent reported condition
Twelve-magnet symmetrical generator architecture
24-karat gold moving coil windings
14-karat gold cartridge body
Boron cantilever
Gyger S double-polished diamond stylus in historical specification
Nominal 0.6mV output at 5cm/s
50Ω internal cartridge impedance
Recommended tracking force of 2.8g ±0.2g
Made by Clearaudio in Germany
Actual cartridge photographs available
Special pre-owned price: €4,000
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer
Clearaudio
Model
Goldfinger Statement
Cartridge Type
Moving Coil (MC)
Generator
Symmetrical Twelve-Magnet Design
Frequency Response
20Hz–100kHz
Output Voltage
0.6mV at 5cm/s
Channel Separation / Crosstalk
Greater than 40dB
Channel Balance
Less than 0.2dB
Tracking Ability
100µm
Recommended Tracking Force
2.8g ±0.2g
Cartridge Internal Impedance
50Ω
Cantilever
Boron
Original Stylus Specification
Gyger S, Double Polished
Compliance
15µm/mN
Coil Material
24-Karat Gold
Cartridge Body
14-Karat Gold
Original Published Weight
Approximately 16g
Reported Playback Hours
Approximately 300 Hours
Reported Provenance
Private High-End Audio System Valued at Approximately €800,000
Condition
Used / Excellent Reported Condition
Manufacturing Country
Germany
Asking Price
€4,000
Technical specifications are drawn from Clearaudio’s historical Goldfinger Statement documentation. They are not individual laboratory measurements of this used cartridge. The reported provenance, condition and playback hours are based on seller-provided information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cartridge new or second-hand?
It is a pre-owned Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement MC cartridge.
How many hours has it been used?
The reported playback time is approximately 300 hours.
What is special about its previous ownership?
The cartridge was previously installed in a privately owned high-end audio system with a reported total value of approximately €800,000.
Does the value of the previous system guarantee the condition of the cartridge?
No. Provenance provides useful historical context, but the mechanical condition of a used cartridge must be assessed separately.
Has the stylus been independently inspected?
An independent stylus-inspection report has not been included in the published listing. Please contact Chameleon Audio for any available examination details.
Is this the Goldfinger Statement V2.1?
No. This product is advertised as the Goldfinger Statement. The exact version should be confirmed from the original identification.
What is the cartridge body made from?
Clearaudio specifies a 14-karat gold body for the original Goldfinger Statement.
How many magnets does the generator use?
The Goldfinger Statement uses a symmetrical twelve-magnet arrangement.
What type of phono stage is required?
A suitable moving coil phono preamplifier with appropriate gain and loading capability is required.
What tracking force does Clearaudio recommend?
The original manufacturer’s recommendation is 2.8g ±0.2g.
Is it suitable for every tonearm?
No. Its substantial mass and compliance must be considered alongside the tonearm’s effective mass and mounting arrangement.
Are independent reviews available?
Yes. Stereophile and Hi-Fi News have published substantial coverage of the Goldfinger Statement.
Can Chameleon Audio arrange international shipping?
Contact Chameleon Audio for a destination-specific quotation and confirmation of protective packaging, insurance and shipping terms.
A Rare Opportunity for Serious Analogue Enthusiasts
The Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement is an extraordinary expression of German analogue engineering, combining a unique twelve-magnet generator, precious-metal construction and sophisticated mechanical design.
This pre-owned example is made particularly interesting by its reported history: approximately 300 hours of playback in a privately owned high-end system valued at around €800,000.
For discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking a reference-level moving coil cartridge, this Goldfinger Statement deserves consideration, with the usual care required when evaluating any pre-owned precision cartridge.
Reference Analogue Engineering. Remarkable High-End Provenance. An Exceptional Pre-Owned Opportunity.
Availability and International Enquiries
This used Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement is offered by Chameleon Audio in Greece for €4,000, subject to prior sale.
Contact Chameleon Audio for detailed photographs, condition information, cartridge and phono-stage matching advice and international shipping arrangements.
