Goldring back in the turntable arena - GR3

[record_spot]

About 15 years ago, Goldring had released the GR1 and GR2 turntables, manufactured for Goldring by Rega, they were well reviewed. I remember the GR2 looked a pretty decent option as it came bundled with a decent cartridge and I think the RB300 arm of the day.

Well, they're back in town with a new deck, still made by Rega it seems, and they no doubt burnt the midnight oil coming up with the new name - the GR3!

Comes bundled with Goldring's own E3 cartridge, the blurb doesn't reference Rega directly, but it looks the diddly spit of your typical Rega tonearm and deck and an onboard phono preamp. £699.

Details below:-

Goldring GR3

Developed in collaboration with a renowned British hi-fi manufacturer, GR3 is equipped with the multiple award-winning Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge, offering true plug-and-play functionality. Its built-in phono pre-amplifier allows seamless compati

www.goldring.co.uk

 

[Al ears]

About 15 years ago, Goldring had released the GR1 and GR2 turntables, manufactured for Goldring by Rega, they were well reviewed. I remember the GR2 looked a pretty decent option as it came bundled with a decent cartridge and I think the RB300 arm of the day.

Well, they're back in town with a new deck, still made by Rega it seems, and they no doubt burnt the midnight oil coming up with the new name - the GR3!

Comes bundled with Goldring's own E3 cartridge, the blurb doesn't reference Rega directly, but it looks the diddly spit of your typical Rega tonearm and deck and an onboard phono preamp. £699.

Details below:-

Goldring GR3

Developed in collaboration with a renowned British hi-fi manufacturer, GR3 is equipped with the multiple award-winning Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge, offering true plug-and-play functionality. Its built-in phono pre-amplifier allows seamless compati

www.goldring.co.uk

It's still a Rega with a different cartridge that costs too much.

 

[record_spot]

It's still a Rega with a different cartridge that costs too much.

Maybe, but seeing as the P3 runs up to nearly £850...

 

[matthewpianist]

That looks closer to a P1 than a P3. If I'm correct, it's overpriced. There's a cavern between even the P2 and P3. After that, diminishing returns set in, at least until you get to the P8, but I'd be looking at a rebuilt LP12 were I to find myself in that territory.

 

[Al ears]

That looks closer to a P1 than a P3. If I'm correct, it's overpriced. There's a cavern between even the P2 and P3. After that, diminishing returns set in, at least until you get to the P8, but I'd be looking at a rebuilt LP12 were I to find myself in that territory.

Precisely!
Apart from the LP12 bit...... 😎

 

[matthewpianist]

Precisely!
Apart from the LP12 bit...... 😎

Or a Technics DD. Not a Rega.

 

[Al ears]

Or a Technics DD. Not a Rega.

Perhaps a Technics DD.
To be honest I found the LP12 to be on of the most finicky and over rated decks of the time, and moreso now, as much relied on you buying expensive "upgrades" to even bring it up to an acceptable level.
One deck I have never lusted after.

 

[matthewpianist]

Perhaps a Technics DD.
To be honest I found the LP12 to be on of the most finicky and over rated decks of the time, and moreso now, as much relied on you buying expensive "upgrades" to even bring it up to an acceptable level.
One deck I have never lusted after.

Yes, that would put me off an LP12. I don't want hi-fi there's a constant temptation to mess with, I'm bad enough as it is!
I did once have a 1210 Mk5, and should have kept it. It probably had more potential than the P3 I have now, good though that is.

 

[nopiano]

Somebody else had a rant last year about another Rega clone/derivative, along similar lines!

WHAT'S THE BLOODY POINT?

British HiFi brand Exposure Electronics is launching the 360, its first ever turntable. And I’m here to ask this question, “Why?” Why? Because the new Exposure turntable, priced at £1,300, the first ever turntable from the company, is a Rega P6. Or should I say that, to me, it looks like a P6. I...

theaudiophileman.com

 

[matthewpianist]

I don't understand why they bother. I'm sure Rega sells enough turntables under its own name without having to do this, and I'm not sure the world needs more Rega turntables with different branding.

 

[Al ears]

I don't understand why they bother. I'm sure Rega sells enough turntables under its own name without having to do this, and I'm not sure the world needs more Rega turntables with different branding.

I am sure it would look the part in an all Exposure set-up but who else is likely to buy it????
A very limited customer list.....

 

[record_spot]

Well, this blew up!

First off, oh dear Goldring...what *have* you done! The GR2 I recalled being a decent offering with a good cartridge.

The Exposure review from Paul Rigby I recall! He didn't hold back.

Orange have a deck too which I think might be a Project rebadge? They're a little guarded on this and reviews are few.

 

[nopiano]

It’s fascinating that Pro-ject make far and away the most turntables anywhere in the world, and that includes custom versions for the like of Musical Fidelity (amongst others), and their own special division EAT.

I presume Technics may be next, but Rega must be quite large volumes too. And there are various OEM makes too, is Hanpin one?

 

[matthewpianist]

Do Technics make any for others? I'd be very surprised if they share their particular DD drive with anyone else.

 

[davidf]

Do Technics make any for others? I'd be very surprised if they share their particular DD drive with anyone else.

Not as far as I know.

 

[matthewpianist]

Here's another (expensive) Rega rebrand: https://www.mia.org.uk/2025/07/orange-amplifiers-unveils-the-o-turntable/

 

[Revolutions]

 

[daytona600]

No1 Project is a Titan with about 50% of the global market $300+ TTs
Project build turntables with 99% of components made in house

No2 Technics has about 15% of the global market $300+ TTs
Technics build turntables with 99% of components made in house

No3 Yahorng produce several hundred thousand turntables
No4 Hanpin produce several hundred thousand turntables
Yahorng/Hanpin are both $100+ million turnover in under $300 turntables

No5 Rega has about 10% of the global market in over $300+
Rega assemble turntables from components from 900 external suppliers