Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with that comes the need for high-quality turntables and cartridges. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose.
One question that often arises is whether there is a phono cartridge with a bare needle. In this article, we’ll explore the world of turntable cartridges and break down the different types available, including the elusive bare needle cartridge.
Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or just starting out, read on to learn more about what makes a great phono cartridge and which one might be right for you.
What Phono Cartridge Has A Bare Needle
A bare needle phono cartridge is a type of cartridge that has a stylus with no protective covering. This means that the needle is exposed and comes into direct contact with the grooves of the vinyl record.
While this may sound like a risky choice, some audiophiles swear by the sound quality of a bare needle cartridge. The lack of a protective covering allows for more precise tracking of the record’s grooves, resulting in a more accurate and detailed sound.
However, it’s important to note that a bare needle cartridge requires more careful handling and maintenance than other types of cartridges. The exposed needle is more susceptible to damage and wear, and it’s crucial to keep the stylus clean and free from debris to avoid damaging your records.
If you’re interested in trying out a bare needle cartridge, there are several options available on the market. One popular choice is the Ortofon 2M Mono SE, which features a nude Shibata diamond stylus for exceptional tracking ability.
Another option is the Audio-Technica AT33Sa, which boasts a micro-linear stylus for precise tracking and low distortion.
Ultimately, whether or not a bare needle cartridge is right for you depends on your personal preferences and listening habits. If you’re willing to put in the extra effort to maintain it properly, a bare needle cartridge can offer unparalleled sound quality and an immersive listening experience.
Understanding Phono Cartridges: A Brief Overview
Phono cartridges are a vital component in any record player setup, as they are responsible for translating the physical grooves on a vinyl record into electrical signals that can be amplified and played through speakers. There are several types of phono cartridges available, each with its own unique features and benefits.
The most common shapes for styluses in phono cartridges are conical and elliptical. A conical stylus is easy and inexpensive to produce, but may miss some of the finer details in a record’s grooves. An elliptical stylus has a sharper angle and can read grooves more accurately, resulting in less distortion and more detail. Some high-end cartridges use a MicroLineTM stylus design, which mimics the shape of the cutting head used to create record pressings, allowing for extremely accurate sound reproduction.
It’s also important to consider the load or impedance that a cartridge “sees” when connected to a head amplifier or pre-amplifier. High output cartridges are designed to be connected to the standard 47K resistive, 200pF capacitive input of most phono pre-amplifiers, while low output cartridges require specific loading options to optimize their sound.
In addition, the cantilever moving mass and stiffness of a phono cartridge can greatly impact its sound quality. A high mass cantilever assembly requires more energy to start and stop the diamond tip, resulting in increased tracking weights and potential miss-tracking. The stiffness of the cantilever also affects the sound by adding resonant frequencies or distorting energy and impact.
The Different Types Of Phono Cartridges
When it comes to phono cartridges, there are several different types available on the market. The three most common types include Moving Magnet Cartridges, Moving Iron Cartridges, and Moving Coil Cartridges.
Moving Magnet Cartridges feature a small magnet within their design, which creates an electrical current between the coils whenever the stylus moves. These cartridges are typically simpler in design than other cartridges and offer a warm, natural sound.
Moving Iron Cartridges, on the other hand, are designed with a small iron piece that is lighter than the cartridge’s magnet. This reduces the overall force exerted by the stylus when it contacts the disk and results in more accurate sound production.
Moving Coil Cartridges are different from both Moving Magnet and Moving Iron Cartridges in that the electricity-conducting coils contained within them “sandwich” the stylus’s arm via magnetic force. These cartridges are smaller and finer than the other cartridge types and can achieve low voltage outputs, catching sensitive vibrations and noises.
Each type of cartridge has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a phono cartridge, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and listening habits. Factors such as sound quality, durability, and maintenance requirements should all be taken into account to ensure that you choose a cartridge that meets your needs.
What Is A Bare Needle Phono Cartridge?
A bare needle phono cartridge is a type of cartridge that has a stylus without a protective covering. This means that the needle is directly exposed to the grooves of the vinyl record during playback. The lack of a protective covering allows for more precise tracking of the record’s grooves, resulting in a more accurate and detailed sound.
However, it’s important to note that a bare needle cartridge requires more careful handling and maintenance than other types of cartridges. The exposed needle is more susceptible to damage and wear, and it’s crucial to keep the stylus clean and free from debris to avoid damaging your records.
Bare needle cartridges are popular among audiophiles who are looking for exceptional sound quality and an immersive listening experience. They come in different types, such as the Ortofon 2M Mono SE, which features a nude Shibata diamond stylus for exceptional tracking ability, and the Audio-Technica AT33Sa, which boasts a micro-linear stylus for precise tracking and low distortion.
If you’re considering a bare needle cartridge, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. While they offer exceptional sound quality, they require more careful handling and maintenance than other types of cartridges. Ultimately, whether or not a bare needle cartridge is right for you depends on your personal preferences and listening habits.
Pros And Cons Of Using A Bare Needle Phono Cartridge
Like any other phono cartridge, a bare needle cartridge has its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a bare needle phono cartridge:
Pros:
– More precise tracking: The lack of a protective covering allows for more accurate tracking of the record’s grooves, resulting in a more detailed and accurate sound.
– Unparalleled sound quality: Many audiophiles believe that a bare needle cartridge offers the best sound quality possible, with a more natural and dynamic sound.
– Immersive listening experience: The precise tracking and detailed sound can create a more immersive listening experience, allowing you to hear nuances in the music that you may have missed before.
Cons:
– Requires careful handling: The exposed needle is more susceptible to damage and wear, so it’s crucial to handle it with care and keep it clean to avoid damaging your records.
– More maintenance required: A bare needle cartridge requires more maintenance than other types of cartridges, as you need to clean it regularly and replace the stylus when it wears down.
– Risk of damaging records: If the stylus is not kept clean or is damaged, it can scratch or damage your records.
How To Choose The Right Phono Cartridge For Your Turntable
Choosing the right phono cartridge for your turntable can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Stylus shape: 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 two most common shapes of styli are conical and elliptical. Elliptical shaped styli have a smaller contact radius than conical styli – this allows elliptical styli to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information (especially high frequencies).
2. Cantilever: 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.
3. Trackability: 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.
4. Generator type: The two main generator types are moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are most common. MC cartridges tend to be lower output and require a preamp with a special MC setting.
5. Mount type: Most cartridges (including all of ours) are standard mount. Standard mount cartridges are secured to the tonearm by 2 vertical screws spaced 1/2″ apart and feature four small posts for connecting the tonearm leads.
6. Frequency response: This measures the range of sounds that the cartridge will reproduce uniformly. A “flat” response ensures that no frequencies are given over- or under-emphasis.
7. Channel separation: This 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.
8. Channel balance: Both sides of a stereo cartridge should have equal loudness when equally recorded levels are present.
9. Output level: This is important in matching your cartridge to the electronics. Too low a level can result in noise, too high a level can over-drive a preamp into distortion.
When choosing a phono cartridge, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and listening habits. Do you prefer a warmer or brighter sound? Are you willing to put in extra effort to maintain a bare needle cartridge? By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a phono cartridge that will provide you with an immersive listening experience and preserve your record library for future use.
Maintaining Your Phono Cartridge: Tips And Tricks
Maintaining a phono cartridge with a bare needle requires a bit more attention and care than other types of cartridges. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your cartridge in top condition:
1. Keep it clean: The stylus should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup of dust and debris, which can cause damage to both the needle and the record. Use a soft-bristled brush or specialized stylus cleaner to gently remove any dirt or dust.
2. Be gentle: The exposed needle is more vulnerable to damage, so it’s important to handle the cartridge with care. Avoid dropping or bumping it, and be sure to use a delicate touch when placing the needle on the record.
3. Check alignment: Proper alignment of the cartridge is crucial for optimal sound quality and minimal record wear. Use a protractor tool to ensure that the cartridge is properly aligned with the tonearm.
4. Replace when necessary: Over time, the stylus will wear down and lose its ability to track the record accurately. It’s important to replace the stylus or entire cartridge when necessary to maintain optimal sound quality.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your phono cartridge with a bare needle stays in top condition and provides exceptional sound quality for years to come.
