Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to upgrade your turntable’s sound quality? Installing a new phono cartridge can make a world of difference.
But if you’re not familiar with the process, it can seem daunting. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to install a new phono cartridge, from loosening the headshell screws to adjusting the vertical tracking force.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a beginner, our easy-to-follow guide will have you enjoying your favorite records in no time.
So let’s get started!
How To Install Phono Cartridge
Step 1: Loosen the Headshell Screws
The first step to installing a new phono cartridge is to loosen the headshell screws on your current cartridge. Use a flat-head screwdriver to do this.
Step 2: Unplug the Tonearm Wires
Next, gently unplug each of the four tonearm wires. Make sure you hold the wires by the plastic sleeve and not the wire itself, as this can cause them to break.
Step 3: Install the New Cartridge
Now it’s time to install the new cartridge. Begin by attaching the tonearm wires. Each colored tonearm wire has a corresponding colored pin on the cartridge. If your cartridge does not have colored pins, consult the cartridge’s manual.
Since the stylus is very fragile, it’s best to leave the stylus guard on during installation. Insert the headshell screws into the slots on the headshell and then through the slots on the cartridge housing. Hold the headshell nut in place with your finger and turn the screw until the threads catch. Repeat with both screws.
Make sure the screws are snug, but don’t tighten all the way just yet.
Step 4: Align the Cartridge
With the cartridge mounted, use a protractor or alignment tool to make sure that your cartridge is properly aligned. Adjust cartridge alignment by adjusting the positioning of the cartridge along the headshell slots.
We recommend using our own cartridge alignment tool, which is incredibly simple to use. Please note that our alignment tool is only compatible with our OA2 tonearm. If you have our unipivot tonearm, then you will need to use a Stevenson Protractor.
Step 5: Adjust Vertical Tracking Force
Use a stylus force gauge to check that your vertical tracking force (VTF) is correct. For MM cartridges, the VTF range is usually 1.5-2 grams, but this varies. The manufacturer’s recommended VTF will be listed on your cartridge’s spec sheet.
If you need to adjust VTF, loosen the thumbscrew on the counterweight and adjust its positioning on the back of the arm. Moving it backward will decrease VTF and moving it forward will increase VTF. Once positioned correctly, tighten the thumbscrew.
Step 6: Enjoy Your New Cartridge!
That’s it! Your new phono cartridge is now installed and ready to play. The new cartridge may need a few hours to break in before it really starts singing.
Remember to take care when handling your phono cartridge, as they are immensely fragile and any lack of care can result in catastrophic damage.
Choosing The Right Phono Cartridge
When it comes to choosing the right phono cartridge, there are a few important factors to consider. The most important specifications to look at include frequency response, channel separation, channel balance, and output level.
Frequency response refers to the range of sounds that the cartridge can reproduce uniformly. A flat response ensures that no frequencies are given over- or under-emphasis. Audio-Technica Vector Aligned cartridges are known for providing smooth reproduction within their stated ranges.
Channel separation is another key specification to consider. It measures how well one channel “ignores” the other stereo channel, so that you don’t hear signals from the right channel in your left-side speaker. A higher separation is better, especially at higher frequencies where Audio-Technica cartridges excel.
Channel balance is also important, as both sides of a stereo cartridge should have equal loudness when equally recorded levels are present.
Output level is crucial in matching your cartridge to your electronics. Too low a level can result in noise, while too high a level can over-drive a preamp into distortion. However, the output levels of all Audio-Technica Dual Magnet cartridges will work well with virtually any magnetic phono input.
It’s also important to note that cartridges are not universal and come in two main types that fit differently on turntables: P-Mount and Half-Inch. The easiest way to determine which cartridge you have on your turntable is to check for a headshell. If there is a headshell, then the cartridge is likely Half-Inch. If there is no headshell, then it’s likely a P-Mount cartridge.
Ultimately, choosing the right phono cartridge depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider the specifications mentioned above and do some research on different brands and models before making a decision.
Preparing Your Turntable For Installation
Before installing a new phono cartridge, it’s important to prepare your turntable for the installation process. Here are some steps you can follow to ensure a smooth and successful installation:
Step 1: Re-attach the Counterweight
The first step is to re-attach the counterweight to your turntable’s tonearm. Make sure to roughly set the tracking force as per your cartridge manufacturer’s stated optimal tracking force. You can do this by balancing the tonearm so it floats parallel to the platter surface. This means we now have zero tracking force and can adjust the dial (which spins independently to the counterweight) so that it shows the number zero. After this, twist the actual weight so the dial moves with it. In this case, we want to achieve 1.8 grams, which we can get by turning the weight to 18. Most turntable manufacturers will include detailed instructions on this process in your manual.
Step 2: Check Compatibility
Make sure that your turntable and headshell accept all cartridges which have a 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) spacing between the mounting holes. The mounting of a cartridge is done using the screws and nuts it comes provided with. The cartridge is mounted to the arm by passing each screw through the slot in the headshell assembly and loosely securing it into place.
Step 3: Check Stylus Cover
Once you’ve got the new cartridge out of the box, it’s worth checking that the stylus cover is still properly mounted. Cartridges are immensely fragile, and any lack of care will usually result in catastrophic damage.
Step 4: Avoid Dragging Stylus Across Platter
Caution: Do not drag the cartridge’s stylus across the platter or record mat while adjusting the tonearm’s balance or setting the tracking force. Doing so may damage the stylus assembly! Make certain that the anti-skate adjustment is set to “0” (no compensation) before proceeding.
Step 5: Balance Tonearm
Carefully remove the stylus protective cover by sliding it straight forward off the front of the cartridge, exposing the stylus. While gently holding the sides of the headshell to stabilize the tonearm, release the tonearm locking clamp to allow the tonearm to swing freely. Continue to stabilize the tonearm while rotating the counterweight on the rear of the arm in the direction needed to balance the arm in the horizontal plane. Check for balance by temporarily releasing the headshell after each adjustment of weight.
Ultimately, the arm should float freely just above the tonearm rest – not touch the rest. A properly balanced tonearm will be parallel to the turntable chassis.
Step 6: Set Stylus Tracking Force
To set proper stylus tracking force for your new cartridge, first locate and rotate black stylus force gauge ring that is semi-attached to front of counterweight until “0” on ring lines up with centerline marked along top of tonearm.
The recommended tracking force for most cartridges is usually between 1.5-2 grams, but this varies depending on your cartridge’s specifications. To set tracking force, rotate counterweight along with ring in counterclockwise (to left) direction and stop when recommended tracking force value lines up with centerline marked along top of tonearm.
By following these steps, you can prepare your turntable for installation and ensure that your new phono cartridge is installed correctly and functioning at its best capacity.
Removing The Old Cartridge
Before installing your new phono cartridge, you’ll need to remove the old one. The process for removing a cartridge is similar to that of removing a shower valve cartridge.
Start by loosening the headshell screws using a flat-head screwdriver. Next, gently unplug each of the four tonearm wires by holding the wires by the plastic sleeve and not the wire itself.
Now it’s time to remove the old cartridge. Grip the cartridge stem with pliers and pull it out of the headshell. If the cartridge won’t budge, do not force it out as it could damage the entire valve and then the entire thing will need to be replaced.
Before trying other pulling methods, douse the cartridge with white vinegar and wait for an hour or two. This will safely dissolve any mineral deposits that may be binding it. Once the cartridge is loose, use a cartridge removal tool to carefully work the old cartridge back and forth until it can be safely removed from the headshell.
Remember to dispose of your old cartridge properly, as it contains delicate components that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Installing The New Cartridge
Now that you have loosened the headshell screws and unplugged the tonearm wires, it’s time to install the new cartridge. The first step is to attach the tonearm wires. Each colored tonearm wire has a corresponding colored pin on the cartridge. If your cartridge does not have colored pins, consult the cartridge’s manual.
Since the stylus is very fragile, it’s best to leave the stylus guard on during installation. Insert the headshell screws into the slots on the headshell and then through the slots on the cartridge housing. Hold the headshell nut in place with your finger and turn the screw until the threads catch. Repeat with both screws.
Make sure the screws are snug, but don’t tighten all the way just yet.
With the cartridge mounted, use a protractor or alignment tool to make sure that your cartridge is properly aligned. Adjust cartridge alignment by adjusting the positioning of the cartridge along the headshell slots.
We recommend using our own cartridge alignment tool, which is incredibly simple to use. Please note that our alignment tool is only compatible with our OA2 tonearm. If you have our unipivot tonearm, then you will need to use a Stevenson Protractor.
Once you have aligned your cartridge, use a stylus force gauge to check that your vertical tracking force (VTF) is correct. For MM cartridges, the VTF range is usually 1.5-2 grams, but this varies. The manufacturer’s recommended VTF will be listed on your cartridge’s spec sheet.
If you need to adjust VTF, loosen the thumbscrew on the counterweight and adjust its positioning on the back of the arm. Moving it backward will decrease VTF and moving it forward will increase VTF. Once positioned correctly, tighten the thumbscrew.
Congratulations! Your new phono cartridge is now installed and ready to play. Remember to take care when handling your phono cartridge as they are immensely fragile and any lack of care can result in catastrophic damage.
Aligning The Cartridge
Proper alignment of your phono cartridge is crucial for optimal sound quality. There are a few different methods for aligning your cartridge, but we recommend using an alignment tool for the most accurate results.
One popular alignment tool is the Align It DS2 alignment gauge and a Measure It E digital scale. To use this tool, first, leave the stylus guard on your cartridge until you get comfortable. Then, ease the tonearm from its rest and let it lower freely by moving the cueing lever down.
Hold the cartridge by the sides and rotate the counterweight until the entire tonearm/cartridge assembly appears to float in midair. Turn the counterweight very slightly so that the tonearm now goes down when you lower the cueing lever.
Next, gently lower the tonearm onto the scale and observe the reading. Your cartridge will have a tracking force value, in grams, that is usually somewhere between about 1.4 and 2.2 grams.
Once you have set your tracking force, it’s time to align your cartridge. The stylus overhang distance specified for your turntable or tonearm should be met. This is a common spec and can be set using a dedicated overhang gauge with markings in millimeters (mm).
If your particular tonearm does not swing far enough inward to reach the spindle, a headshell-type gauge is a good alternative. This gauge holds a removable type headshell/cartidge assembly, and the measurement used is taken from the headshell post shoulder (aka flange) to the stylus tip.
An example of this is the white plastic Technics Overhang Gauge, which Technics supplied with their turntables for many years. To use this gauge, insert the headshell into the opening in the gauge until the shoulder on the post of the headhell bottoms out against the gauge.
Move the cartridge forward or backward as needed to align the stylus tip with the end of the gauge. Square up the sides of the cartridge body to the sides of the headshell and snugly tighten the cartridge mounting screw.
Once you have properly aligned your cartridge, tighten all screws and re-check to make sure it’s aligned correctly. With proper alignment, you’ll be able to enjoy optimal sound quality from your new phono cartridge.
Adjusting The Vertical Tracking Force
One of the most important aspects of phono cartridge installation is adjusting the vertical tracking force (VTF). This is the amount of weight that the stylus exerts on the record, and it needs to be set correctly in order to get the best sound quality from your system.
To adjust VTF, you will need a stylus force gauge. This is a small device that measures the weight being applied to the stylus. The manufacturer’s recommended VTF for your cartridge will be listed on its spec sheet.
For MM cartridges, the VTF range is usually 1.5-2 grams, but this can vary depending on the cartridge. Once you have your stylus force gauge, set it to the recommended VTF for your cartridge.
To adjust VTF, loosen the thumbscrew on the counterweight and adjust its positioning on the back of the arm. Moving it backward will decrease VTF and moving it forward will increase VTF. Once positioned correctly, tighten the thumbscrew.
It’s important to note that setting VTF correctly is crucial for getting the best sound quality from your system. If it’s too high or too low, you may experience distortion or damage to your records.
Once you’ve adjusted VTF, you’re ready to start enjoying your new phono cartridge! Remember to take care when handling your cartridge, as they are very fragile and can be easily damaged if mishandled.
