Are you looking to upgrade or replace the cartridge on your turntable, but feeling overwhelmed by the different types and installation processes? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Turntable cartridges are not universal and come in two main types: Half-Inch and P-Mount. It’s important to know which type your turntable requires in order to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between Half-Inch and P-Mount cartridges, how to determine which type your turntable needs, and what factors to consider when selecting a new cartridge.
So, let’s dive in and demystify the world of turntable cartridges!
How Do I Know What Cartridge Fits My Turntable
The first step in determining what cartridge fits your turntable is to identify the type of cartridge your turntable requires. As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of cartridges: Half-Inch and P-Mount.
Half-Inch cartridges are named so because the holes where the screws are fastened are located a half-inch apart on top of the cartridge. These cartridges are installed on your turntable via a headshell, which is why it’s easy to tell which type of cartridge you need. If you see a headshell attached to the end of your tonearm, you need a Half-Inch cartridge.
On the other hand, P-Mount cartridges insert into the end of the tonearm and are secured with a single horizontal screw. If your turntable has a P-Mount cartridge, it will have four slender pins that plug directly into tonearms specifically made for use with P-Mount cartridges.
To determine which type of cartridge your turntable needs, take a look at the end of your turntable’s tonearm. If you see screws mounting the cartridge to the end of the arm, then your turntable requires a Half-Inch cartridge. If you don’t see any screws, then your turntable likely uses a non-removable cartridge that supports stylus replacements or a P-Mount cartridge.
It’s important to note that entry-level turntables typically use non-removable cartridges that only allow for stylus replacements. If you’re unsure whether your turntable allows for cartridge replacements, check the product manual or contact the manufacturer.
Understanding Half-Inch Cartridges
Half-Inch cartridges are popular on most newly manufactured turntables today, including brands such as U-Turn, Project, Fluance, and Audio-Technica. These cartridges require more patience when installing, as the tiny screws required to install the cartridge to the headshell are easy to lose and can be a challenge to install. Additionally, you have to connect the blue, green, red, and white cables from the cartridge to the headshell. It’s important to be careful when removing these wires from your old cartridge as they can easily break.
After installing the cartridge on the headshell, you will need to use a protractor to align the cartridge properly for best performance. After aligning, you will then need to balance the tonearm, set the weight of the cartridge properly and adjust anti-skating.
Half-Inch cartridges have four prongs in the back for connecting to the headshell, as well as two screws on the very top. The headshell wires can be affixed directly to the cartridge. When it comes to mounting preferences, it’s all about the machine you already have and which mounting system feels easiest for making replacements and keeping the cantilever steady.
It’s also important to consider the stylus shape, cantilever material and construction, trackability, generator type, and mount type when choosing a Half-Inch cartridge. The shape of the stylus affects how it makes contact with the record groove. The narrower the contact radius, the better the stylus will be able to track modulations in the groove. The cantilever material, size, and construction affect how well a cartridge can reproduce a range of audio frequencies. Trackability describes how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove. The generator type refers to whether it’s a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge type.
Finally, it’s important to ensure that your cartridge mass is compatible with your turntable tonearm to achieve effective balance that ensures that the stylus will accurately track grooves. Each turntable is different, so referencing the product manual can help you find out what mass range and cartridge mounting style you need. It’s also essential to decide between a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge type depending on your turntable model’s compatibility and your personal preferences.
What Is A P-Mount Cartridge?
A P-Mount cartridge is a type of cartridge that is inserted into the end of the tonearm and secured with a single horizontal screw. It is easy to identify a P-Mount cartridge as there are no holes on top of the cartridge for screws, and therefore, there is no need for a headshell. P-Mount cartridges have four slender pins that plug directly into tonearms specifically made for use with P-Mount cartridges.
P-Mount cartridges were designed to simplify the process of installing a new cartridge on a turntable. Unlike Half-Inch cartridges that require a headshell and two vertical screws, P-Mount cartridges only require one horizontal screw to hold them in place. This makes it easy for turntable owners who don’t want to fuss with all the steps required to install a new Half-Inch cartridge on a headshell.
Audio-Technica cartridges can be both P-Mount and Half-Inch mount. P-Mount cartridges have four terminals at the back that simply plug into the end of the tonearm and are secured with a single screw. Half-Inch mount cartridges also have four terminals at the back, but they have larger pins that connect to four individual wires at the end of the tonearm.
It’s important to note that some P-Mount cartridges, such as AT81CP and AT85EP, can also be used as Half-Inch cartridges using an optional half-inch adapter bracket AT-PMA1. Once equipped with this adapter bracket, P-Mount cartridges become compatible with both Half-Inch mount tonearms and Half-Inch mount headshells.
How To Determine Your Turntable’s Cartridge Type
There are a few steps you can take to determine your turntable’s cartridge type. First, take a look at the end of your turntable’s tonearm. If you see screws mounting the cartridge to the end of the arm, then your turntable requires a Half-Inch cartridge. If you don’t see any screws, then your turntable likely uses a non-removable cartridge that supports stylus replacements or a P-Mount cartridge.
If your turntable has a P-Mount cartridge, it will have four slender pins that plug directly into tonearms specifically made for use with P-Mount cartridges. You can also check your product manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm which type of cartridge your turntable uses.
It’s important to note that entry-level turntables typically use non-removable cartridges that only allow for stylus replacements. If you’re unsure whether your turntable allows for cartridge replacements, check the product manual or contact the manufacturer.
Once you have determined which type of cartridge your turntable requires, you can start exploring different options for replacement cartridges. Moving magnet and moving coil cartridges are both available in various prices, shapes, sizes, and quality levels. The best value, low-cost cartridges are usually of the MM design, while the MC model can reach audiophile levels. Keep in mind that most turntables are only compatible with one type of cartridge, so it’s important to choose a replacement that is compatible with your specific turntable model.
Factors To Consider When Selecting A New Cartridge
When selecting a new cartridge for your turntable, there are several factors to consider. These include stylus shape, cantilever material, trackability, generator type, mount type, frequency response, channel separation, channel balance, and output level.
Stylus shape is important because it affects how the stylus makes contact with the record groove. A narrower contact radius allows for better tracking of modulations in the groove. The two most common shapes of styli are conical and elliptical, with elliptical styli being able to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information.
The cantilever material, size, and construction affect how well a cartridge can reproduce a range of audio frequencies. It is critical that the cantilever be as stiff and light as possible to effectively transfer vibrational energy from the stylus tip to the generator element. Aluminum alloy is the most common material used in cantilevers, but carbon, boron, and certain copper alloys are also used.
Trackability is a measure of how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove. It is influenced by factors such as stylus shape, cartridge alignment, and tonearm compatibility. The higher the trackability spec (measured in micrometers), the better.
Generator type is another important factor to consider when selecting a new cartridge. The two main types are moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are most common and generally less expensive than MC cartridges. MC cartridges tend to be lower output and require a preamp with a special MC setting.
Mount type refers to how the cartridge is secured to the tonearm. Most cartridges are standard mount and feature four small posts for connecting the tonearm leads. P-mounts have four slender pins that plug directly into tonearms specifically made for use with P-mount cartridges.
Frequency response is a measure of the range of sounds that the cartridge will reproduce uniformly. A flat frequency response ensures that no frequencies are given over- or under-emphasis. Channel separation measures how well one channel “ignores” the other stereo channel. Channel balance is a measure of both production quality and good basic design. Output level is important in matching your cartridge to the electronics.
Installation Tips For Your New Cartridge
Installing a new cartridge can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a steady hand, it’s a straightforward process. Here are some tips to help you install your new cartridge:
1. Gather your tools: You’ll need an Allen key or small screwdriver (depending on the type of fixing used), a long-nose plier, a tracking weight gauge, and a cartridge alignment tool. These tools can be found in most toolboxes or purchased for a reasonable price.
2. Remove the old cartridge: If you’re replacing an old cartridge, start by removing it from the tonearm. Be sure to fit the stylus guard before doing anything else to prevent damage to the old cartridge. Disconnect the four lead-out wires from the cartridge carefully using long-nose pliers, and then undo the mounting bolts to take the cartridge off.
3. Install the new cartridge: Before installing the new cartridge, make sure you’ve read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Use the tracking weight gauge to set the correct tracking force for your cartridge, and use the alignment tool to ensure proper alignment between the stylus and record grooves.
4. Connect the leads: Connect the color-coded leads from your turntable to the appropriate terminals on your new cartridge. Be gentle with these leads, as they are fragile.
5. Test your new cartridge: Once you’ve installed your new cartridge, test it out with a record to make sure everything is working properly. If you notice any issues with sound quality or tracking, double-check your installation and alignment.
Remember that installing a new cartridge takes time and patience. Take your time and follow these tips for a successful installation that will improve your turntable’s sound quality.
