Are you in the market for a new phono cartridge but feeling overwhelmed by the options?
With so many different shapes, materials, and specs to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. But fear not, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing a phono cartridge and provide some recommendations based on popular choices within the vinyl community.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of phono cartridges.
What Phono Cartridge Should I Buy
When it comes to choosing a phono cartridge, there are a few key factors to consider. These include stylus shape, cantilever material, trackability, generator type, and mount type.
Stylus shape is important because it affects how the cartridge 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.
Cantilever material and construction 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 a spec that describes how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove. It 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 another important factor to consider. 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 tend to be lower output and require a preamp with a special MC setting.
Mount type is also important to consider. 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.
Based on popular choices within the vinyl community, some recommended phono cartridges include the Audio Technica AT-VM95E Phono Cartridge with an elliptical stylus for its durability and numerous stylus upgrades available, and the Denon DL-110 MC Cartridge for those looking to take their turntable setup to the next level.
Ultimately, what phono cartridge you should buy depends on personal preference, system compatibility, and budget. It’s important to do your research and consider all of these factors before making a decision.
Understanding Phono Cartridge Basics
Before diving into the specifics of different phono cartridges, it’s important to understand the basics of how they work. At their core, phono cartridges are responsible for translating the physical grooves on a vinyl record into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through speakers.
The cartridge itself is mounted on the end of the tonearm of a turntable and includes a stylus (or needle) that makes contact with the record groove. As the stylus moves through the groove, it vibrates in response to the physical modulations in the groove. These vibrations are then converted into an electrical signal by a generator within the cartridge.
There are two main types of generator used in phono cartridges: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges are more common and tend to be less expensive than MC cartridges. They work by using a magnet to move a coil of wire, which generates an electrical signal. MC cartridges, on the other hand, use a coil of wire that moves within a magnetic field to generate a signal. They tend to be lower output and require a preamp with a special MC setting.
In addition to the generator type, there are several other factors that can affect the performance of a phono cartridge. These include stylus shape, cantilever material, trackability, and mount type. The shape of the stylus affects how well it can track modulations in the groove, while cantilever material and construction can affect frequency response. Trackability is a measure of how well the stylus can follow the groove without skipping or distorting, and mount type refers to how the cartridge is attached to the tonearm.
Ultimately, choosing a phono cartridge comes down to personal preference and system compatibility. By understanding the basics of how they work and what factors to consider, you can make an informed decision that will help you get the most out of your vinyl collection.
Types Of Phono Cartridges
When it comes to phono cartridges, there are two main types: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). MM cartridges have a cantilever that transfers the mechanical vibrations picked up from the record groove directly into the cartridge’s magnet. Its constantly changing magnetic field creates a magnetic flow which generates an electromotive force in direct proportion to the vibrations. This signal is then amplified and turned back into sound by the speakers. In order to use an MM cartridge, your amplifier will need to have an MM phono input in order to boost the low voltage and drive the speakers.
On the other hand, MC cartridges have a fixed magnet and mobile coil. This coil moves within the magnetic field created by the fixed magnet, generating an electromotive force. Because its moving mass is much closer to the pivot point, it reduces inertia, creating a more high-fidelity sound. The downside is that MC models tend to be more expensive and require a preamp with a special MC setting.
Another factor to consider when choosing a phono cartridge is stylus shape. The most common shapes of styli are conical and elliptical. Conical styli have a spherical tip that touches the center of the record groove walls, while elliptical styli have a smaller contact radius that allows them to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information.
Cantilever material and construction also play a role in how well a cartridge can reproduce audio frequencies. Aluminum alloy is the most common material used in cantilevers, although carbon, boron, and certain copper alloys are often used.
Moving Magnet Vs. Moving Coil Cartridges
One of the most important decisions when choosing a phono cartridge is whether to go with a moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) design. While both types have their pros and cons, there are some key differences to consider.
MM cartridges tend to be heavier than MC cartridges, which can make them less nimble when it comes to tracking high-frequency content. This can result in a lack of transient detail that some listeners may find unsatisfactory. On the other hand, MM cartridges tend to be less expensive and easier to maintain than MC cartridges, making them a popular choice for beginners or those on a tighter budget.
MC cartridges, on the other hand, are preferred by many audiophiles because they use far less moving mass. This means that the stylus and cantilever are more nimble in the record groove, allowing them to track more of the surface area and react accordingly. MC cartridges are also known for their ability to transcribe more micro-detail, particularly in the high frequencies, which can result in a more nuanced and delicate sound.
However, MC cartridges tend to be considerably more expensive than MM cartridges and require a preamp with a special MC setting. They are also more delicate and fragile, making them more difficult to maintain and repair. This can result in added expenses if something goes wrong or if parts need to be replaced.
Ultimately, the decision between MM and MC cartridges comes down to personal preference and budget. While MC cartridges may offer better sound quality for some listeners, MM cartridges are still a popular choice for their affordability and ease of use. It’s important to do your research and consider all of the factors before making a decision on what type of phono cartridge to buy.
Choosing The Right Stylus Shape And Material
When it comes to choosing the right stylus shape and material, there are a few things to keep in mind. The shape of the stylus affects how it makes contact with the record groove, and 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. Conical styli are easy and inexpensive to produce, but they may miss some of the more nuanced details in the music. On the other hand, 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).
In addition to shape, the material of the cantilever also affects how well a cartridge can reproduce a range of audio frequencies. The most common material used in cantilevers is aluminum alloy, but carbon, boron, and certain copper alloys are often used as well. The material, size, and construction of the cantilever affect how well it can transfer vibrational energy from the stylus tip to the magnet or other generating element.
It’s important to note that trackability is influenced by many factors, including stylus shape, cartridge alignment, and tonearm compatibility. This spec describes how well the stylus can track a modulated record groove and is often listed in micrometers (μm). The higher the trackability spec, the better.
When considering stylus shape and material, it’s important to keep in mind your personal preferences for sound quality and budget constraints. Some cartridges may offer more expensive materials or shapes that improve sound quality but may not be worth it for every listener.
Tracking Force And Compliance
One of the most important factors to consider when setting up a phono cartridge is tracking force and compliance. Tracking force is the amount of pressure the stylus exerts on the record groove, and compliance refers to how easily the stylus can follow the groove’s contours.
Setting the tracking force properly is crucial for getting the best sound quality and protecting your records from damage. If the tracking force is set too lightly, the stylus can jump out of the groove, causing distortion or even scratching the record’s surface. On the other hand, if the tracking force is set too heavily, it can cause the stylus to dig too far into the groove, leading to unpleasant scraping noises and potential damage to both the stylus and the record.
The recommended tracking force varies depending on the cartridge you’re using. For example, Ortofon recommends a tracking force of 1.5 grams (or 15 mN) for their 2M Bronze cartridge. However, it’s important to note that different cartridges have different tracking force ranges and requirements.
Compliance is also an important factor to consider when choosing a phono cartridge. Compliance refers to how easily the stylus can follow the groove’s contours without distorting or skipping. A cartridge with high compliance will be able to track more accurately and reproduce more detail, but may also be more prone to distortion or skipping if not set up properly.
It’s important to choose a cartridge with a compliance level that matches your tonearm’s effective mass. If your tonearm has low effective mass, you’ll want a cartridge with higher compliance, while a tonearm with high effective mass will require a cartridge with lower compliance.
Budget Considerations
If you’re on a tight budget, there are still plenty of great options available for phono cartridges under $300. While some audiophiles may argue that you need to spend thousands of dollars to get good sound quality, there are many affordable options that can still deliver a great listening experience.
One popular choice is the Audio-Technica AT95E, which is a moving magnet cartridge that offers excellent sound quality for its price point. It features a conical stylus and a frequency response range of 20-20,000 Hz, making it suitable for playing a wide range of records. The AT95E is also compatible with a range of tonearms and turntables, making it a versatile option for those on a budget.
Another option to consider is the Ortofon 2M Red, which is another moving magnet cartridge that offers excellent sound quality for its price. It features an elliptical stylus and a frequency response range of 20-20,000 Hz, making it suitable for playing a wide range of records. The 2M Red is also known for its excellent tracking ability, which helps to reduce distortion and improve overall sound quality.
For those looking to try out a moving coil cartridge without breaking the bank, the Sumiko Pearl is a great option. It features a high-output moving coil design that offers excellent sound quality and improved detail retrieval compared to many moving magnet cartridges. The Pearl also features a conical stylus and a frequency response range of 12-30,000 Hz, making it suitable for playing a wide range of records.
Ultimately, when choosing a phono cartridge on a budget, it’s important to find the right balance between sound quality and affordability. By considering factors such as stylus shape, cantilever material, trackability, generator type, and mount type, you can find a great cartridge that fits both your budget and your listening needs.
