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How To

How to Buy a Phono Cartridge

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(10 Ratings)

A turntable uses a phono cartridge to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is processed through your stereo system and then output intelligibly through your speakers. A high-quality cartridge is essential for good sound.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Phono Cartridges
  1. Step 1

    Buy a moving-magnet cartridge if you plan to spend less than $400 on a cartridge or if your phono pre-amplifier will not support low-output moving-coil cartridges.

  2. Step 2

    Choose a moving-coil cartridge if you have heard moving-coil cartridges, prefer their sound quality, and can afford the initial and ongoing costs.

  3. Step 3

    Select a specialty cartridge if you have a turntable with a tonearm that will not accommodate a standard headshell.

  4. Step 4

    Get a cartridge with a stylus that has a conical or spherical tip to save money.

  5. Step 5

    Buy a cartridge with a stylus that has a micro-ridge, elliptical, hyper-elliptical or Shibata tip for the best sound quality.

Tips & Warnings
  • All moving-magnet cartridges and most high-output moving-coil cartridges will work with any phono pre-amplifier. Low-output moving-coil cartridges require a phono preamp with adjustable impedance loading.
  • Moving-magnet cartridges have replaceable styli; moving-coil cartridges do not (although some can be "retipped" by the manufacturer).
  • Many audio enthusiasts believe that moving-coil cartridges provide a warm but accurate sound with clean, detailed high frequencies.
  • Many inexpensive Japanese-brand turntables require P-mount cartridges.
  • An older, inexpensive turntable may require a cartridge of the same brand.
  • If you lack a good rack or wish to dance to records, buy a cartridge with a high tracking force.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Many moving magnet cartridges sold today have both standard and P-mount hardware to install them. They can be used on either tonearm mount.

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