How to Buy a Phono Cartridge

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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Phono Cartridges

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. 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. Select a specialty cartridge if you have a turntable with a tonearm that will not accommodate a standard headshell.
4. Get a cartridge with a stylus that has a conical or spherical tip to save money.
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.