Van den Hul The Frog Gold
Overview
The Van den Hul The Frog Gold is a high-end phono cartridge handcrafted by A.J. van den Hul himself. This moving coil (MC) cartridge represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the Dutch brand. Combining technologies from the renowned Grasshopper models, The Frog Gold promises exceptional sound reproduction to elevate your favorite vinyl records.
A Hybrid Design for Optimal Performance
The Frog Gold features a unique hybrid design, combining the best elements from various Van den Hul models. It inherits the coil from the Grasshopper III, the front pivot, and the suspension from the Grasshopper IV. This thoughtful combination achieves a perfect balance of precision, dynamics, and musicality.
The standout feature of this cartridge lies in its single-crystal gold wire coils, meticulously matched. This choice of noble material gives The Frog Gold enhanced resolution and transparency compared to the standard copper version. The metal body of the cartridge ensures excellent rigidity and minimizes unwanted resonances.
A Refined and Balanced Sound Signature
The Frog Gold stands out for its ability to reproduce the finest musical details with surgical precision, without ever sounding cold or analytical. Its sound signature is characterized by:
- Remarkable tonal balance, free from artificial coloration
- A wide and deep stereo image with excellent instrument separation
- Deep, well-defined bass without any dragging effect
- Natural and expressive mids, particularly flattering for vocals
- Airy and delicate highs, rich in harmonics
The Frog Gold’s impressive dynamics allow it to handle both the subtlest passages and the most intense fortes with ease. This cartridge excels in reproducing timbres and sound textures, offering an immersive and emotionally engaging listening experience.
A Break-In Period to Unlock Its Full Potential
Like many high-end cartridges, The Frog Gold requires a significant break-in period to reach its optimal performance. It is recommended to allow approximately 100 hours of use before making a definitive judgment on its sound qualities.
During the initial hours of listening, the cartridge may seem a bit reserved, with a restricted frequency range and limited dynamics. Gradually, the sound opens up and gains depth, revealing the full richness and finesse that The Frog Gold is capable of delivering.
Meticulous Installation for Optimal Results
To get the best out of The Frog Gold, careful installation is essential. It is important to strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding tracking force and anti-skating. Precise adjustments of azimuth and tonearm geometry are also crucial.
The cartridge is relatively forgiving in terms of loading, but an impedance between 200 and 500 Ω generally yields the best results. Feel free to experiment with different settings to find the ideal combination for your system.
A Long-Term Investment for Discerning Audiophiles
Although its high price makes it suitable for a knowledgeable clientele, The Frog Gold is a wise investment for passionate audiophiles. Its robust construction and the option to have the diamond replaced at a lower cost by Van den Hul make it a cartridge that can accompany you for many years.
The versatility of The Frog Gold allows it to shine across a wide range of musical styles. It particularly excels in reproducing acoustic and classical recordings but also convincingly captures the energy of rock or the intimate atmosphere of jazz.
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
- Type: Moving coil cartridge
- Enhanced version of the FROG with gold wire coil
- Cartridge weight: 8.2 g
- Tracking angle: 22°
Stylus and Tracking
- VDH-1S diamond stylus: 2 × 85 µm
- Tracking force: 13.5 to 16 mN
- Compliance: 35 µm/mN
- Dynamic tip mass: 0.32 mg
- Tracking ability at 315 Hz under 15 mN: 70 to 80 µm
- Recommended tonearm mass: 6 to 10 g
Audio Performance
- Frequency response: 5 Hz to 55 kHz
- Output voltage (1 kHz at 5.7 cm/s): 0.65 mV
- Channel balance: < 0.3 dB
- Crosstalk:
- 1 kHz: > 35 dB
- 10 kHz: > 30 dB
Electrical Characteristics
- Internal resistance per channel: 16 Ω
- Recommended load impedance: 500 Ω (minimum 200 Ω)
Special Features
- Solid boron cantilever
- Output voltage: 0.75 mV at 5.6 cm/s
- Supplied with an additional internal support magnet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between The Frog Gold and the standard version of The Frog?
The main difference lies in the coils: The Frog Gold uses single-crystal gold wire, while the standard version employs copper. This gives The Frog Gold enhanced resolution and transparency, as well as finer reproduction of micro-details.
Is The Frog Gold compatible with all phono preamplifiers?
Thanks to its relatively high output for an MC cartridge (0.75 mV), The Frog Gold can work with most quality MC phono preamplifiers. However, to get the best performance, a high-end preamplifier with multiple gain and impedance options is recommended.
What is the estimated lifespan of The Frog Gold's diamond?
Under normal usage conditions and with proper maintenance, The Frog Gold’s diamond can last between 1,000 and 2,000 hours of listening. This duration may vary depending on the quality of the records played and the precision of the turntable’s settings.
Is it possible to repair The Frog Gold in case of a problem?
Yes, Van den Hul offers a repair and refurbishment service for its high-end cartridges. In case of damage or excessive wear, it is possible to have the diamond replaced or even have the cartridge completely rebuilt, significantly extending its lifespan.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: A-FRG-G