British Goldring Products Ltd.
119 Finsbury Pavement, London EC2 (1932)

Goldring Manufacturing (GB) Ltd. (1953)
486 & 488 High Road, Leyonstone, London, E11

Goldring, division of Armourhome.
Stortford Hall Industrial Park, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23. (2009)

Brand: Goldring

Goldring, a renowned name in audio technology, was founded in 1906 by Czech brothers Heinrich and Julius Scharf in Berlin. Initially producing gramophone components, the company evolved into a leader in high-fidelity audio equipment, pioneering innovations such as magnetic cartridges and moving coil technology, while maintaining its reputation for quality over more than a century.

See also Goldring, Gebr. Scharf (Nachfolger) in Berlin.

Founding and Early Innovations (1906–1930s)

• In 1906, Heinrich and Julius Scharf established Gebrüder Scharf in Berlin to manufacture gramophone needles, clockwork motors, and governor springs.
• By 1926, they introduced the Juwel Electro sound box, featuring a mica diaphragm and the Goldring trademark to denote superior quality. This product marked their commitment to innovation in audio technology.

Relocation to England and Wartime Challenges (1930s–1940s)

• In 1932, the company moved to Woodford, Essex, England, under the management of Heinrich’s son Erwin and later his brother Freddie. Their first UK product was a pickup with an integral volume control.
• During World War II, their Essex factory was bombed in 1943, forcing a temporary relocation to Dalston, East London.

Post-War Expansion and Leytonstone Era (1950s–1970s) [1]

• Renamed Goldring Manufacturing (GB) Ltd in 1953, the company relocated to Leytonstone. Here, they developed iconic products like the No. 500 magnetic cartridge (1954), which gained acclaim from the BBC for its low dynamic mass.
• The 1955 Model 500 turnover cartridge with dual sapphire styli further solidified Goldring’s reputation globally.
• In 1974, Goldring moved to Bury St. Edmunds after being floated on the stock exchange. This period saw the development of their 900 series moving magnet cartridges.

Technological Advancements and Ownership Changes (1980s–2000s)

• The company introduced its first moving coil cartridge, the Electro II, in 1983, followed by models like the Eroica and Excel.
• In 1987, the Sharp family sold Goldring to Veda-UK, marking a shift in ownership.
• In 2003, Goldring became part of Armour Home Electronics, a UK-based company specialising in hi-fi and home cinema products. Armour Home also owns other notable audio brands like Q Acoustics and QED. [2]
• Between 2003 and 2005, Goldring ventured into turntable manufacturing with models like the GR1 and GR2.

Modern Era and Legacy

• In 2009, Goldring relocated to Bishops Stortford and launched the Legacy MC cartridge that combined historical designs with modern materials15.
• During the 2010s, they expanded into headphones while continuing to innovate in high-end cartridges.
• Despite challenges such as the rise of CDs in the late 20th century, Goldring adapted by focusing on niche markets for vinyl enthusiasts.

Goldring's legacy is defined by its resilience and adaptability. From its origins as a gramophone component manufacturer to its position as a leader in high-fidelity audio equipment today, Goldring remains synonymous with innovation and quality.

[1] The History of Goldring Since 1906, Goldring Interview - Ray Giffin
[2] Armourhome website accessed April 2024.