If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you know that the turntable cartridge is a crucial component of your setup.
But if you’re new to the world of record players, you might be wondering: what exactly is a cartridge?
In short, it’s the electro-mechanical device that holds the stylus (or needle) and translates the grooves on a vinyl record into an electrical signal that can be amplified and turned into music.
But there’s more to it than that.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the workings of turntable cartridges, explore the different types available on the market, and help you understand why choosing the right one is so important for getting the best sound quality out of your vinyl collection.
What Is A Cartridge On A Turntable
As mentioned above, a turntable cartridge is the mechanism that holds the stylus and translates the grooves on a vinyl record into an electrical signal.
To break it down further, let’s focus on the operation of a moving magnet (MM) cartridge, which is one of the most common types. The diamond stylus tip is the only part of the cartridge that makes direct contact with the record. As the stylus traces the movements of the grooves, it vibrates the cantilever. The cantilever is a rigid tube with a stylus mounted on one end and a magnet on the other. The rubber suspension allows the cantilever to pivot so that the stylus can accurately track the grooves. Vibrations from the stylus tip travel along the cantilever to the magnet. As the magnet vibrates, its magnetic field varies. These variations in the magnetic field generate a small voltage in the coils, which corresponds to the movement of the magnet. This signal is then passed through a phono preamp (for RIAA equalization) before reaching the amp/speakers, which convert the electrical signal into sound.
The Basics: What Does A Cartridge Do?
A turntable cartridge is a crucial component of a record player. It is responsible for translating the grooves on a vinyl record into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through speakers. The cartridge includes a needle, also known as a stylus, which makes direct contact with the record. As the stylus moves along the grooves, it vibrates the cantilever, which is a rigid tube with a magnet at one end and the stylus at the other. The rubber suspension allows the cantilever to pivot and accurately track the grooves.
The vibrations from the stylus tip travel along the cantilever to the magnet. As the magnet vibrates, its magnetic field varies, which generates a small voltage in the coils. This voltage corresponds to the movement of the magnet and is then passed through a phono preamp for RIAA equalization before reaching the amp/speakers. The amp/speakers convert the electrical signal into sound that we can hear.
How A Cartridge Works: The Mechanics Of Sound Reproduction
To understand how a cartridge works, we need to delve into the mechanics of sound reproduction. As mentioned earlier, a turntable cartridge is a transducer that converts mechanical energy (vibrations from the stylus) into electrical energy (the signal that is sent to the amp/speakers).
The stylus tip is the only part of the cartridge that makes direct contact with the record. As it traces the movements of the grooves, it vibrates the cantilever. The cantilever is a rigid tube with a stylus mounted on one end and a magnet on the other. The rubber suspension allows the cantilever to pivot so that the stylus can accurately track the grooves.
Vibrations from the stylus tip travel along the cantilever to the magnet. As the magnet vibrates, its magnetic field varies. These variations in the magnetic field generate a small voltage in the coils, which corresponds to the movement of the magnet. This signal is then passed through a phono preamp (for RIAA equalization) before reaching the amp/speakers, which convert the electrical signal into sound.
It’s important to note that different types of cartridges (such as moving coil cartridges) may have slightly different mechanisms for sound reproduction. However, the basic principle remains the same – vibrations from the stylus are converted into an electrical signal that is amplified and turned into sound.
Types Of Cartridges: Moving Magnet Vs. Moving Coil
When it comes to turntable cartridges, there are two main types to consider: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). The main difference between these two types of cartridges is how they function mechanically.
A moving magnet cartridge has static coils and a moving magnet. As the stylus traces the movements of the grooves, it vibrates the cantilever, which in turn vibrates the magnet. The variations in the magnetic field generated by the movement of the magnet then generate a small voltage in the coils, which corresponds to the movement of the stylus. This signal is then passed through a phono preamp before reaching the amp/speakers.
On the other hand, a moving coil cartridge has a magnet that stays still while the coils vibrate. As with a moving magnet cartridge, the stylus traces the movements of the grooves and vibrates the cantilever. However, in this case, the coils are lighter and more intricate than those in a moving magnet cartridge. As a result, vibrations from the stylus tip travel along the cantilever to the coils, which vibrate in response to these movements. These vibrations generate a small voltage that corresponds to the movement of the stylus. This signal is also passed through a phono preamp before reaching the amp/speakers.
Moving coil cartridges are lighter than moving magnet cartridges and are more precise, creating a more delicate sound. They are preferred among audiophiles because they use far less moving mass, making them more nimble in tracking record grooves and transcribing more micro-detail, particularly in high frequencies. However, they are also more complex and difficult to maintain unless you’re an expert.
Moving magnet cartridges are heavier than moving coil setups and exhibit greater inertia when it comes to reading subtle changes within grooves. This means that they may be less competent at tracking very high-frequency content and lack transient detail. However, they can offer a meatier and warmer tone that some collectors may prefer for certain genres of music.
Choosing The Right Cartridge For Your Turntable And Listening Preferences
When it comes to choosing the right cartridge for your turntable, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the type of cartridge. As mentioned above, there are two main types – moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are typically cheaper and easier to replace, while MC cartridges offer better sound quality but require more care and are more delicate.
Another factor to consider is the stylus shape. There are several common shapes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, fine-line stylus tips have highly polished diamond tips that are sharper than those of other types of elliptical stylus. The Microline stylus’s shape is based on that of a cutting stylus used to create original master discs, and it was designed using computer design. This design can produce top-quality audio performance and a pleasurable playback experience, extending the stylus life and extending the life of your records.
Your listening preferences also play a role in choosing the right cartridge. If you’re an audiophile with money to spend and prefer a precise system with a long shelf-life, then a pricier MC cartridge with a Shibata, fine-line or Microline stylus might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a spherical style stylus for playing 78 rpm records or DJing with some scratching and back-spinning, then an MM cartridge might be a better fit for you.
Lastly, it’s important to consider your turntable setup and overall listening preferences. If you prefer flexibility and a cartridge with a high output that connects to most systems, your choices will look different from someone who values precision over convenience. At the end of the day, there are valid arguments for both MC and MM cartridges, and it’s ultimately up to you to decide which one best suits your needs and preferences.
Upgrading Your Cartridge: When And How To Do It.
Upgrading your turntable cartridge is an excellent way to improve the quality of your audio playback. It’s important to note that all turntables come with a cartridge installed, calibrated, and ready to play. However, if you want to take your turntable’s performance to the next level, upgrading your cartridge is a great option.
One reason you may want to upgrade your cartridge is if you’re looking to replace an older model on a used deck. Another reason could be that you want to upgrade the stock model shipped with your turntable. Regardless of the reason, it’s essential to take care when installing your new cartridge.
To install a new cartridge, you will need a flat-head screwdriver and a stylus gauge. Begin by loosening the headshell screws located on the cartridge using the screwdriver. Next, unplug the tonearm wires, being careful to hold them by the plastic sleeve to prevent them from breaking.
Install the new cartridge by re-attaching the tonearm wires. There are colored pins for each of the colored tonearm wires, so make sure they are correctly placed. Leave the stylus guard on during this process as it can be very fragile.
Insert the screws into the designated slots and then through the cartridge’s housing. Use your finger to hold the headshell in place while turning the screw until its threading catches. Make sure they are snug but don’t tighten them entirely just yet.
Next, align the cartridge with an alignment tool to ensure it’s aligned correctly. The alignment can be adjusted by adjusting the position of your cartridge and headshell slots. Once aligned, tighten the screws completely.
It’s important to note that cartridges are immensely fragile, and any lack of care will usually result in catastrophic damage. If you have a moving magnet design, it’s usually possible to get a replacement stylus assembly. However, this won’t be cheap, typically costing around 60% of the total cartridge price. If you damage a moving coil cartridge, then there’s no cheaper way back; you’ll typically just have to buy another one or get it repaired at great cost.
In conclusion, upgrading your turntable cartridge is an excellent way to improve your audio playback quality. It’s important to take care when installing your new cartridge and ensure that you’re using the correct tools and techniques. With proper care and attention, upgrading your cartridge can help take your turntable’s performance to new heights.
