Are you a vinyl enthusiast who loves the warm, atmospheric sound of records?
If so, you’re probably familiar with the importance of maintaining your turntable’s stylus. But did you know that the cartridge, which houses the stylus, also needs to be replaced periodically?
In fact, if you’re using an old turntable with a worn-out cartridge, simply replacing the stylus could actually damage your precious vinyl collection.
In this article, we’ll explore when and why you should replace your phono cartridge to ensure the best possible sound quality and longevity for your records.
When To Replace Phono Cartridge
The average lifespan of a phono cartridge is around 5 years, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer and the materials used. Some manufacturers may recommend replacing the cartridge after a certain number of hours of playing time, while others suggest sticking to the 5-year rule.
If you’re using your turntable regularly, it’s important to keep an eye (or ear) out for any signs that your cartridge may need replacing. One of the most obvious signs is a decline in sound quality. If you notice that your records are sounding dull or distorted, it could be a sign that your cartridge is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Another sign that your cartridge may need replacing is if you’re experiencing skipping or jumping during playback. This can be caused by a worn-out stylus, but it can also be a sign that the cartridge itself is damaged or worn out.
If you’re not sure whether your cartridge needs replacing, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. They can help you determine whether your cartridge is still in good condition or if it’s time for a replacement.
What Is A Phono Cartridge And How Does It Work?
A phono cartridge is a crucial component of a turntable that is responsible for converting the vibrations from the stylus into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through speakers. The cartridge is mounted on the tonearm of the turntable and contains a stylus that makes direct contact with the record’s grooves. As the stylus moves through the grooves, it creates vibrations that are then transmitted through the cartridge’s other components, such as a magnet, coil, and cantilever. These vibrations are then transformed into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through your speakers.
The stylus is an essential part of the phono cartridge that needs to be replaced regularly. It’s a tiny needle that rests against the record while it spins on the platter. As it moves through the grooves, vibrations are created and converted into electrical signals. Over time, the stylus can become worn out, resulting in a decline in sound quality or skipping during playback.
Replacing a phono cartridge or stylus is relatively easy and can make a significant difference in your turntable’s performance. If you’re experiencing any issues with your turntable’s sound quality or playback, it may be time to replace your phono cartridge or stylus. It’s always best to consult with a professional if you’re unsure about how to replace these components or if you’re not sure whether your cartridge needs replacing.
Signs That Your Phono Cartridge Needs Replacing
There are a few specific signs that indicate your phono cartridge needs replacing. The first is a decline in sound quality. If you notice that your records are sounding muffled or distorted, it could be a sign that the cartridge is worn out and needs to be replaced.
Another sign is if you’re experiencing skipping or jumping during playback, even after cleaning the stylus. This can be caused by a damaged or worn-out cartridge, and replacing it can solve the issue.
If you’re hearing excessive surface noise or crackling, this can also be a sign that your cartridge needs replacing. This can be caused by a damaged stylus or worn-out cartridge, and replacing the cartridge can improve the sound quality.
Finally, if you’ve had your turntable for several years and have never replaced the cartridge, it’s likely time for a replacement. Over time, the cartridge will wear out and lose its ability to accurately track the grooves of your records.
The Importance Of Replacing Your Phono Cartridge
While many people focus on replacing their stylus when upgrading their turntable, it’s important to remember that the phono cartridge also plays a crucial role in the sound quality of your vinyl. In fact, the stylus is only a small part of the cartridge and replacing it alone may not give you the best possible sound.
If you’re using an old turntable and replacing a stylus that’s been sitting unused for years, chances are that your cartridge is also worn out. This means that even with a new stylus, you may not be getting the full potential out of your records. In fact, replacing just the stylus on an old cartridge could result in a 40% return on a 100% investment.
It’s also important to note that not all styli are created equal. A conical shaped sapphire stylus, which is commonly found on older turntables, can cause minimal contact with the record groove and create a pressure point on the sides of the groove, damaging your records over time. On the other hand, an elliptical diamond stylus is much better matched to the shape of the record groove and creates immensely more contact with the groove, resulting in more musical information and far less record wear.
Upgrading your phono cartridge can be one of the most effective ways to improve your music listening experience. It’s worth investing in a high-quality cartridge from a reputable brand like Ortofon, Rega or Audio Technica, as this will bring life to your enjoyment of playing records. Remember to check if your turntable allows for cartridge replacement or if only the stylus can be replaced before making any purchases. Overall, replacing your phono cartridge is an important step in getting the best possible sound out of your vinyl collection.
How Often Should You Replace Your Phono Cartridge?
The lifespan of a phono cartridge can vary depending on how often it’s used and how well it’s maintained. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cartridge after around 1,000 hours of playing time, which translates to about 2-3 years of regular use. However, some higher-end cartridges can last up to 5,000 hours or more.
It’s important to note that the stylus (the needle that actually touches the record) is a separate component from the cartridge. While the stylus may need replacing more frequently (usually after around 500 hours of playtime), the cartridge itself should last longer.
If you’re using your turntable regularly (for example, playing records for several hours a day), you may need to replace your cartridge more frequently than someone who only uses their turntable occasionally. Signs that your cartridge may need replacing include a decline in sound quality, skipping or jumping during playback, or visible wear and tear on the cartridge itself.
Ultimately, the lifespan of your phono cartridge will depend on a variety of factors. Regular maintenance (such as cleaning your records and stylus) can help extend its lifespan, but if you notice any signs of wear or damage, it’s best to replace your cartridge sooner rather than later to avoid damaging your records and compromising your listening experience.
Choosing The Right Phono Cartridge For Your Turntable
When it comes to choosing the right phono cartridge for your turntable, there are a few things to consider. One of the most important factors is the compatibility between the cartridge and your turntable. Not all cartridges are universal, so it’s important to make sure that the cartridge you choose is compatible with your turntable or record player.
Another important factor is the stylus shape. The shape of the stylus affects how it makes contact with the record groove, which in turn affects the accuracy and quality of the sound. The two most common shapes of styli are conical and elliptical. Elliptical shaped styli have a smaller contact radius than conical styli, which allows them to trace grooves more accurately and extract more musical information, especially high frequencies.
The cantilever is also an important factor to consider. In order to effectively transfer vibrational energy from the stylus tip to the magnet or other generating element, 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.
Trackability is another spec that should be considered when choosing a phono cartridge. 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.
Finally, it’s important to consider the generator type. 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.
Installing And Maintaining Your New Phono Cartridge.
Once you’ve decided to replace your phono cartridge, it’s important to know how to properly install and maintain your new one. The method you will use to replace a turntable cartridge depends on the mounting style of your tonearm and phono cartridge.
There are two common types of mounting styles: P-Mount and Standard Mount. P-Mount cartridges are designed for plug-and-play convenience. All you need to do is plug the cartridge into the end of the tonearm and secure it with a single screw. However, the downside is that you’re limited in choice compared with the abundance of standard mount cartridges. Standard (or half-inch mount) cartridges have four terminal pins at the back connected via four individual wires at the end of the tonearm (or using a half-inch mount headshell). They are attached to the end of a single-piece tonearm or a tonearm with a half-inch headshell using two screws that are spaced 1/2 an inch apart.
To install your new cartridge, start by using a flat-head screwdriver to loosen the headshell screws on your current cartridge. Next, gently unplug each of the four tonearm wires, making sure to hold the wires by the plastic sleeve (not pulling on the wire itself). Now you’re ready to install the new cartridge! Begin by attaching the tonearm wires, ensuring that each colored tonearm wire has a corresponding colored pin on the cartridge. Since the stylus is fragile, it’s best to leave the stylus guard on during installation.
Now insert the headshell screws into the slots on the headshell and then through the slots on the cartridge housing. Using your finger, hold the headshell nut in place and turn the screw until the threads catch. Repeat with both screws, ensuring they are snug but not tightened all the way just yet.
With the cartridge mounted, use a protractor or alignment tool to make sure that your cartridge is properly aligned for optimum tracking performance. Adjust cartridge alignment by adjusting the positioning of the cartridge along the headshell slots. 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.
It’s best practice to replace your stylus every 2000 hours or so. Replacement styli are easy to install and typically “pop” into place with no further adjustment or calibration needed.
In conclusion, replacing your phono cartridge can greatly improve sound quality and ensure optimal performance from your turntable. By following these installation and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your new phono cartridge is properly installed and maintained for years of enjoyment.
