Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking to upgrade your turntable’s sound quality?
One of the most important components to consider is the cartridge. But with so many different types and mounting styles, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for your turntable.
In this article, we’ll break down the different types of cartridges and how to determine which one fits your turntable. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting out, this guide will help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your vinyl listening experience.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of turntable cartridges.
What Cartridge Fits My Turntable
Turntable cartridges are not universal and come in different types that fit differently on turntables. The two main types of cartridges are P-Mount and Half-Inch. The easiest way to determine which cartridge you have on your turntable is to check for a headshell. A headshell is a piece designed to attach to the end of a turntable’s tonearm, and the cartridge is screwed into the slots on the headshell to hold it properly in place.
If your tonearm has a removable headshell, you can easily determine the type of cartridge you need for your turntable. If you see screws mounting the cartridge to the end of the arm, then it is a half-inch cartridge. On the other hand, if you have a single horizontal screw securing the cartridge, then it is a P-Mount cartridge.
Entry-level turntables usually use a non-removable cartridge that supports stylus replacements. If you’re unsure whether your turntable can accommodate a new cartridge, check the product manual or look for screws mounting the cartridge to the end of the arm.
It’s important to note that each cartridge operates best in a particular range of tonearm tracking forces. It’s crucial to ensure that this range is within the capabilities of your turntable if you want to achieve optimum performance. Keep in mind that record wear goes up as pressure on the record surface increases, so tracking too light can cause as much (or more) damage as tracking too heavily.
Understanding Turntable Cartridges
When it comes to turntable cartridges, it’s important to understand that they are not universal and come in different types that fit differently on turntables. The two main types of cartridges are P-Mount and Half-Inch.
The stylus shape is an important factor in determining the quality of sound produced by a cartridge. The shape of the stylus affects how it makes contact with the record groove. The two most common shapes of styli are conical and elliptical. Elliptical shaped styli have a smaller contact radius than conical styli, allowing them to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information, especially high frequencies.
The cantilever is another important component of a cartridge. It is critical that the cantilever be as stiff and light as possible to effectively transfer vibrational energy from the stylus tip to the magnet or other generating element. The material, size, and construction of the cantilever affect how well a cartridge can reproduce a range of audio frequencies. The most common material used in cantilevers is aluminum alloy, although carbon, boron, and certain copper alloys are often used.
Trackability is another important spec to consider when choosing a cartridge. It describes how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove. Trackability is influenced by many factors, including stylus shape, cartridge alignment, and tonearm compatibility. The spec is often listed in micrometers (μm), with higher trackability specs being better.
The generator type is also an important consideration when choosing a cartridge. The two main generator types are moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are most common, while MC cartridges tend to be lower output and require a preamp with a special MC setting. MC cartridges are generally more expensive.
Mount type is another consideration when choosing a cartridge. Most cartridges are standard mount, secured to the tonearm by 2 vertical screws spaced 1/2″ apart 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.
Finally, there are several important specifications to consider when choosing a cartridge, including frequency response, channel separation, channel balance, and output level. Frequency response is a measure of the range of sounds that the cartridge will reproduce uniformly. Channel separation is the measure of how well one channel “ignores” the other stereo channel. Channel balance ensures that both sides of a stereo cartridge have equal loudness when equally recorded levels are present. Output level is important in matching your cartridge to the electronics.
Types Of Cartridges
When it comes to turntable cartridges, there are two main types: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). Both types have their own unique characteristics and sound qualities.
Moving Magnet cartridges are the most common type of cartridge and are a great choice for most users. They have a high output, which means they can be used with a wider range of amplifiers and receivers. They are also more affordable than Moving Coil cartridges. MM cartridges work by using a magnet to generate a voltage in the coils, which is then amplified to produce sound.
Moving Coil cartridges, on the other hand, are more expensive and less common. They offer a more detailed and accurate sound than MM cartridges, but require a special preamp designed specifically for MC cartridges. MC cartridges work by using a coil to generate a voltage in the magnets, which is then amplified to produce sound.
It’s important to note that both MM and MC cartridges come in P-Mount and Half-Inch versions. The type of cartridge you need will depend on your turntable’s specifications and whether or not it has a removable headshell.
Mounting Styles
Cartridges differ in their mount type, or how they attach to the headshell and stylus. There are three main types of cartridge mounting styles: standard, P-Mount, and universal.
Standard cartridges are the most common type and require two screws to connect the cartridge and headshell. These cartridges have a half-inch mount and are compatible with most turntables.
P-Mount cartridges, on the other hand, do not require a headshell. These cartridges simply slide into the arm and are held in place by a screw near the back of the cartridge. P-Mount cartridges were popular with turntable owners who didn’t want to fuss with all of the steps required to properly install a new half-inch cartridge on a headshell.
Universal cartridges have adapters for both arm types, making them versatile and compatible with most turntables. These cartridges can be used with either a standard or P-Mount headshell, depending on the adapter used.
When choosing a cartridge mounting style, it’s important to consider compatibility with your turntable and ease of installation. Keep in mind that certain mounting styles may require additional equipment or adjustments to achieve optimal sound quality. It’s also important to ensure that your chosen cartridge operates best within the range of tonearm tracking forces supported by your turntable.
Cartridge Compatibility With Turntables
When it comes to cartridge compatibility with turntables, it’s essential to choose the right type of cartridge for your specific turntable. The two main types of cartridges, P-Mount and Half-Inch, have different mounting methods and require different types of tonearms.
If your turntable has a removable headshell, then it can accommodate a Half-Inch cartridge. This type of cartridge is attached to the headshell using two screws with two holes on top, which are half an inch apart. Most newly manufactured turntables today use Half-Inch cartridges, including popular brands like U-Turn, Project, Fluance, and Audio-Technica.
On the other hand, P-Mount cartridges are designed to be inserted directly into the tonearm of a turntable. They have four slender pins that plug directly into tonearms specifically made for use with P-Mount cartridges. If your turntable has a single horizontal screw securing the cartridge, then it is a P-Mount cartridge.
When choosing a new cartridge for your turntable, it’s important to consider its compatibility with your tonearm tracking force. Each cartridge operates best in a particular range of tonearm tracking forces. It’s crucial to ensure that this range is within the capabilities of your turntable if you want to achieve optimum performance. Keep in mind that record wear goes up as pressure on the record surface increases, so tracking too light can cause as much (or more) damage as tracking too heavily.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Cartridge
When choosing a cartridge for your turntable, there are several factors to consider. The first is the stylus shape, which affects how the stylus 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 two most common shapes of styli are conical and elliptical. Elliptical shaped styli have a smaller contact radius than conical styli, allowing them to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information, especially high frequencies.
Another important factor is the cantilever. In order to effectively transfer vibrational energy from the stylus tip to the magnet, it is critical that the cantilever be as stiff and light as possible. The material, size, and construction of the cantilever affect how well a cartridge can reproduce a range of audio frequencies. The most common material used in cantilevers is aluminum alloy, although carbon, boron, and certain copper alloys are often used.
Trackability is another important specification to consider. This spec describes how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove. Trackability is influenced by many factors – including stylus shape, cartridge alignment, and tonearm compatibility. The spec is often listed in micrometers (μm) – the higher the trackability spec, the better.
Generator type is also an important consideration. The two main generator types are moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are most common and tend to be less expensive than MC cartridges. MC cartridges require a preamp with a special MC setting and are generally more expensive.
Finally, it’s important to consider frequency response, channel separation, channel balance and output level. These specifications describe how well your cartridge will perform and how well it will meet your needs. Frequency response is a measure of the range of sounds that the cartridge will reproduce uniformly. Channel separation is another key specification that measures how well one channel “ignores” the other stereo channel. Channel balance is a measure of both production quality and good basic design while output level is important in matching your cartridge to the electronics.
Installing And Maintaining Your Cartridge
Installing and maintaining your cartridge is a crucial part of ensuring that your turntable performs at its best. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Remove the old cartridge: If you’re replacing an old cartridge, start by removing it from the headshell. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult your turntable’s manual or look for online tutorials.
2. Install the new cartridge: Once you have the new cartridge, align it with the headshell slots and gently tighten the screws. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can damage the cartridge.
3. Set the tracking force: Each cartridge has a recommended range of tracking force, which is the amount of pressure the stylus exerts on the record surface. Use a tracking force gauge to ensure that your cartridge is set within this range. Adjust the counterweight on your tonearm accordingly.
4. Set the anti-skate: Anti-skate is a mechanism that counteracts the tendency of the tonearm to move towards the center of the record. Set it to match your tracking force for optimal performance.
5. Check alignment: Proper alignment of the cartridge is crucial for accurate sound reproduction. Use a protractor tool to check that your cartridge is aligned correctly.
6. Maintain your cartridge: To ensure longevity and optimal performance of your cartridge, clean it regularly with a soft brush or stylus cleaner. Avoid touching the stylus with your fingers, as this can damage it.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turntable performs at its best and that your vinyl collection is preserved for years to come.
