Van den Hul - The Black Beauty GPX

One of our top model custom handbuilt phono cartridge, featuring matched crystal gold coils and 0.50 mV/channel output.

On special request medium and high output versions are available; (Their variations in other parameters are minor to those described here for the 0.50 mV/channel standard version).

The BLACK BEAUTY Special-X is a resolution improved version of the GRASSHOPPER IV GLA, which refinements were only possible to be created after having switched to the entirely metal free and extremely revealing The THIRD ® loudspeaker cable in Mr. van den Hul’s audio system.

The BLACK BEAUTY Special-X’s refined body is made of black PolyCarbonate with about the same construction as the GRASSHOPPER IV GLA. The BLACK BEAUTY Special-X sets new sonic standards in analog reproduction.

Listening impressions are like being in the concert hall with a very precise projection of the instruments, the acoustics and even the conductor in space. The music as a whole sounds extremely realistic and very convincing with a lot of authority, especially in the bass and lower midrange; the high frequencies are very pure and extremely nice structured.

The differences with the GRASSHOPPER IV GLA are:

• Improved magnetic layout, -construction and -properties.

• A reduced cantilever length.

• Due to points 1 and 2 the resolution is higher.

• The suspension uses a very special damping rubber.

• There is more “space” between the musical instruments and vocals.

• The output is reduced from 0.65 mV/ch. to 0.50 mV/ch. by using double layer Matched Crystal Gold coils on a cross-shaped armature, both producing a higher channel separation.

Body-headshell mount options:
All “BEAUTY” versions are available in a body with either two or four headshell screw mounting holes. For mounting in Graham arms choosing our 4 screw version is highly recommended!

Special customer demands/specifications:
Thanks to the many variations in materials available, it is always possible to build a unit to match the personal demands of the customer. With these personalized cartridges the wooden container can mention the name of the customer it has been specially built for. This option is exclusively available for The CANARY, The GRASSHOPPER III series, The GRASSHOPPER IV, The GRASSHOPPER “BEAUTY”, The CONDOR and The COLIBRI versions.

The customer demands/specifications that can be taken into account when building a personalized cartridge for instance are:
The tone-arm used, the preamp and load impedance used, a particular brand of records to be played, the type of music generally played (jazz being more dynamic and classical more spacious and detailed) and other personal/sound preferences.

Production time:
The production time for a BLACK BEAUTY Special-X cartridge after ordering is about two weeks. Please call your authorized distributor for delivery time.