TOP PICKS
Bestseller No. 1
Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
- Universal fit for most turntables
- Upgrade from stock cartridges
- The Ortofon 2M Red is an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth
- The Ortofon 2M Red features an Elliptical diamond
- Can be upgraded with an Ortofon Stylus 2M Blue
SaleBestseller No. 2 −7%
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Green
- VM95 Series dual Magnet cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical stylus
- Aluminum cantilever
- Specially wound coils increase output voltage
- Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
- Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws - no nuts required
Bestseller No. 4
Audio-Technica AT-XP3/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit
- 0. 6 mil conical bonded stylus tip
- Highly-rigid polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/glass fiber body
- 5. 5 mV high-level output
- Tracking force of 2. 0 to 4. 0 grams (3. 0 grams standard)
- Durable carbon fiber-reinforced ABS cantilever and nylon wire suspension ensure precise tracking
Bestseller No. 5
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit Green
- Note: This part of the stylus is extremely delicate and can bend from any slight force
- VM95 Series dual Magnet cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical stylus
- Specially wound coils increase output voltage and Aluminum cantilever
- Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
- Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
Bestseller No. 6
Audio-Technica AT-VM95C/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit Blue
- M dual Magnet cartridge with 0.6 mil Conical stylus
- Aluminum cantilever
- Specially wound coils increase output voltage
- Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
- Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
Bestseller No. 7
Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Cartridge
- Universal fit for most turntables
- Upgrade to the Ortofon 2M Red
- The Ortofon 2M Blue adds more dynamics and resolution, sounds more open and reproduces more details
- The 2M Blue features a Nude Elliptical diamond
- Stylus is replaceable
Bestseller No. 8
Ortofon Concorde MK2 Mix Single Cartridge
- The new generation of Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ cartridges are tailored uniquely to the demands of modern turntable DJs
- Will fit all DJ turntables with a removable headshell
- A groovy all-rounder
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- This is a single cartridge with pre-mounted stylus
Bestseller No. 9
Rega Carbon MM Phono Cartridge
- High quality, moving magnet phono cartridge
- Designed to be simple to set up
- Easy to install
- Accurately reproduces music
- Standard on the RP1 turntable
Bestseller No. 10
Sumiko Pearl MM Cartridge
- 0.5" Moving Magnet Cartridge.
- Frequency Response of 12Hz – 30KHz.
- Bonded elliptical stylus has 4.0mV output.
- High performance without the high price.
BUYING GUIDE
For those who value the sound quality of vinyl records, a turntable cartridge can make all the difference. A cartridge is a crucial component of a turntable setup, translating the record’s grooves into an electrical signal that your stereo system can interpret as sound. There are many options on the market, each offering different attributes and nuances, which can make choosing the best turntable cartridge a challenging task. In this guide, we’ll discuss key factors to consider when purchasing a turntable cartridge.
- Type of Cartridge: There are two primary types of cartridges: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges are generally more affordable and have replaceable styluses, while MC cartridges are often considered superior in sound quality but are more expensive and don’t typically have replaceable styli.
- Compatibility: Ensure the cartridge is compatible with your turntable. This involves checking the tonearm, which can be either standard mount or P-mount. Standard mount cartridges are fixed with two screws, while P-mount cartridges are plugged directly into the tonearm.
- Stylus Shape: The shape of the stylus affects the sound quality and lifespan of the cartridge. The three common shapes are conical, elliptical, and line contact. Conical styli are the most durable but offer the least detailed sound, while line contact styli provide the most detail but wear out faster.
- Tracking Force: The tracking force is the amount of weight the stylus puts on the record. Too much force can damage your records, while too little can lead to skipping. Check the manufacturer’s recommended tracking force for the cartridge.
- Output Voltage: The output voltage determines how loud the sound will be. Moving Magnet cartridges typically have a higher output, making them compatible with most phono inputs. Moving Coil cartridges have a lower output and may require a specific MC phono input or preamp.
- Price: Cartridges can range from very affordable to incredibly expensive. Your budget will likely be a factor in your decision. Keep in mind that, while more expensive cartridges often offer better sound quality, there are many affordable options that perform well.
The right turntable cartridge can significantly enhance your vinyl listening experience, offering improved sound quality and a deeper connection to the music. Keep the above factors in mind when you’re shopping around, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the best turntable cartridge for your needs. Enjoy the warm, rich sound of vinyl!
