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Best Phono Cartridges

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
#1

Winner

Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Phon

Ortofon

14%OFF

Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

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#2
Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono

Ortofon

Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

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#3
Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono

Ortofon

Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

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#4
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving

Audio-Technica

25%OFF

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical Stylus

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#5
Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Headshell/

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

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#6
Denon DL-103R Moving Coil Cartridge

Denon

10%OFF

Denon DL-103R Moving Coil Cartridge

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#7
Ortofon Concorde Music Black Phono

Ortofon

Ortofon Concorde Music Black Phono Cartridge | Tool-Free Installation on S-shaped Tone Arms | Black/Black

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#8
Audio-Technica AT85EP Turntable Car

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT85EP Turntable Cartridge with Elliptical Stylus P Mount

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#9
Denon DLA110GS 110-year Anniversary

Denon

Denon DLA110GS 110-year Anniversary Edition MC Turntable Cartridge with Premium Headshell - Silver Graphite

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#10
Denon DL 103 Moving Coil Cartridge

Denon

Denon DL 103 Moving Coil Cartridge

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Buying Guide for the Best Phono Cartridges

Choosing the right phono cartridge is essential for getting the best sound quality from your turntable. A phono cartridge is the component that holds the stylus (needle) and converts the vibrations from the grooves of a vinyl record into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through speakers. The right cartridge can make a significant difference in the clarity, warmth, and overall enjoyment of your vinyl records. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a phono cartridge.
Type (MM vs. MC)Phono cartridges come in two main types: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges are generally more affordable, have replaceable styli, and are compatible with most phono preamps. They are a good choice for beginners and casual listeners. MC cartridges, on the other hand, offer superior sound quality and detail but are more expensive and require a compatible phono preamp. They are ideal for audiophiles and serious vinyl enthusiasts. Choose MM if you are looking for ease of use and affordability, and MC if you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in additional equipment.
Stylus ShapeThe shape of the stylus affects how well it tracks the grooves of a record and the level of detail it can extract. Common shapes include conical, elliptical, and microline. Conical styli are the most basic and affordable, providing decent sound quality but less detail. Elliptical styli offer better tracking and more detail, making them a good middle-ground option. Microline styli provide the highest level of detail and tracking accuracy but are also the most expensive. Choose a conical stylus for casual listening, an elliptical stylus for a balance of quality and cost, and a microline stylus for the best possible sound quality.
Tracking ForceTracking force is the downward pressure the stylus exerts on the record. It is measured in grams and affects both sound quality and record wear. Too little tracking force can cause the stylus to skip, while too much can damage the record. Most cartridges have a recommended tracking force range, typically between 1.5 and 3 grams. For optimal performance, set the tracking force within the manufacturer's recommended range. If you are unsure, start in the middle of the range and adjust as needed based on sound quality and tracking stability.
ComplianceCompliance refers to the flexibility of the stylus suspension and affects how well the cartridge can track the grooves of a record. High-compliance cartridges are more flexible and better suited for low-mass tonearms, while low-compliance cartridges are stiffer and work better with high-mass tonearms. Matching the compliance of the cartridge to the tonearm is crucial for optimal performance. Check your turntable's tonearm specifications and choose a cartridge with a compliance rating that matches. If you are unsure, consult the turntable's manual or seek advice from a knowledgeable dealer.
Output VoltageOutput voltage is the electrical signal strength produced by the cartridge and is measured in millivolts (mV). Higher output voltage cartridges produce a stronger signal, which can be beneficial for reducing noise and improving signal-to-noise ratio. MM cartridges typically have higher output voltages (4-6 mV) compared to MC cartridges (0.2-0.5 mV). Ensure that your phono preamp can handle the output voltage of your chosen cartridge. If you have a standard phono preamp, an MM cartridge with higher output voltage is a safe choice. For MC cartridges, make sure your preamp has sufficient gain to amplify the lower output signal.