2 best cartridge phonos

Cartridge phonos, often referred to as phono cartridges, are essential components in vinyl record playback systems, particularly in the world of DJ equipment and high-quality audio setups.These cartridges are crucial for converting the physical grooves on vinyl records into electrical signals that can be amplified and played through speakers. Here's what you need to know about cartridge phonos:

Cartridge Types: There are two primary types of phono cartridges: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC).
- Moving Magnet (MM) Cartridges: MM cartridges are more common and typically more affordable. They have a replaceable stylus (needle) and are known for their ease of use and durability. MM cartridges are compatible with most consumer turntables and offer a good balance between quality and price.
- Moving Coil (MC) Cartridges: MC cartridges are considered higher-end and are preferred by audiophiles and DJs who demand the utmost audio quality. They have a fixed coil and a smaller, lighter stylus, which results in more precise tracking and audio fidelity. MC cartridges require specialized phono preamps due to their lower output voltage.
Stylus Types: Phono cartridges have a stylus or needle that comes into direct contact with the record grooves. The shape and material of the stylus can greatly affect sound quality and record wear. Common stylus shapes include conical, elliptical, and line contact (shibata). Elliptical and line contact styli are often preferred for their ability to trace the grooves accurately and reduce record wear.
Tracking Force: Cartridge phonos require proper setup, including adjusting the tracking force (the downward pressure exerted by the stylus on the record). Correct tracking force ensures optimal audio quality and prevents excessive wear on records.
Phono Preamps: Most turntables require a phono preamp (also known as a phono stage) to amplify the weak electrical signal produced by the cartridge to a line-level signal that can be connected to a receiver or amplifier. Some turntables have built-in phono preamps, while others require an external one.
Compatibility: When choosing a phono cartridge, it's important to ensure compatibility with your turntable's tonearm and mounting style. There are standard mounting types like the popular "half-inch mount," but some turntables may require specific cartridge styles.
Upgrades: Audiophiles and DJs often consider upgrading their phono cartridges to improve sound quality. The choice of cartridge depends on personal preferences, budget, and the specific audio characteristics desired.
Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance of the stylus and cartridge are essential. Regular cleaning and stylus replacement (when worn) help maintain optimal audio quality and prevent damage to your vinyl records.

In summary, cartridge phonos (phono cartridges) are critical components in vinyl playback systems, allowing the conversion of record grooves into electrical signals. The type of cartridge you choose depends on your audio preferences, budget, and the equipment you have. Proper setup and maintenance are key to ensuring the best possible sound quality and the longevity of your vinyl records.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cartridge phonos on the market

Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Blue

Audio-Technica

Based on 568 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This VM95 Series cartridge with 0.6 mil conical stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. The cartridge's special coil design delivers a powerful output level of 4.0 mV. It also offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. The durable, low-resonance Housing includes threaded inserts that enable the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws - no nuts required. And since all VM95 Series share the same body, the stylus can be replaced with any of the six interchangeable at-vmn95 Replacement styli.

VM95 Series dual Magnet cartridge with 0.6 mil Conical stylus
Aluminum cantilever
Specially wound coils increase output voltage
Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws - no nuts required

User questions & answers

Question:	would this fit a Yamaha tt300u
Answer:	It should technically. However I would first check if the counterweight is adjustable. It is hard to see it in pictures online. If yes, then it fits. If no, then you need to check in manual, if the fixed weight fits this cartridge. Hope that helped
Question:	Is this a good replacement for my Denon 59l table need a moving magnetic cartridge to match Denon avr 3600 phono stage
Answer:	To my knowledge a cartridge isn’t designed to match a phono stage or vice versa. Do some sound better or worse with certain ones? Possibly. It’s really dependent on all kinds of things such as the rest of your equipment, listening environment, etc. This is a cool conical stylus that sounds pretty darn good for a conical stylus and the cartridge is upgradeable simply by replacing the stylus with another one from the same series, which I did after a few months and it made a huge difference. Do yourself a favor and go ahead and buy the orange one that’s two steps above this one. It has a nude elliptical stylus that really shines.
Question:	How does this sound on 45 rpm 12" vinyl? Is there any noticeable difference? Is it just as good, or is elliptical better? Thanks
Answer:	I just played a new 45 rpm 12” record with the AT VM95c and it sounded great. Of course there are better sounding cartridges and stylus but they are more costly.
Question:	Will this work on a sl-230 technics turntable
Answer:	Yes absolutely so long as the tumtable is in working order and complete with tonearm and headshell. Best regards, LP GEAR

Product features

Audio-Technica AT-VM95C

This VM95 Series cartridge with 0.6 mil conical stylus fits half-inch mount turntables. The cartridge’s special coil design delivers a powerful output level of 4.0 mV. It also offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. The durable, low-resonance housing includes threaded inserts that enable the cartridge to be mounted to the headshell with just two screws – no nuts required.

VM95 Series Conical Stereo Cartridge

The AT-VM95C, the new Audio-Technica entry model Conical cartridge will replace the legendary AT90 Series models such as AT91, AT91R and CN5625AL. Also, the AT-VM95C is a “budget” cartridge featuring a conical stylus, the compatibility in the range will allow to upgrade with any of the 4 other LP styli of the Series such as Elliptical, Elliptical Nude, Microlinear and Shibata.

Conical Bonded Stylus

The benefit of conical styli, even if the cartridge is "lean", is the ball surface of the stylus touches the groove of vinyl records precisely.

No Use of Nuts

VM95 Series cartridges features two M2.6 threaded inserts allowing the installation of the cartridge onto tonearm or removable headshell without the use of nuts.Each cartridge is provided with one pair of 8mm M2.6 screws, one pair of 11mm M2.6 screws and two plastic washers.

VM95 Series - Styli Compatibility

Every cartridge diamond stylus becomes worn after a period of play. Around 500 hours for a conical stylus, 300 hours for an Elliptical stylus, 1000 hours for a Microlinear stylus, and 800 hours for a Shibata stylus.

Our VM95 Series dual moving magnet cartridges can be used almost forever by replacing the interchangeable stylus. It is no longer necessary to purchase a complete cartridge when your diamond is worn out, you can simply buy the matching replacement stylus, but also enjoy the experience of upgrading your cartridge with a different stylus.

The six models of VM95 Series cartridges all use the same electromagnetic engine-body, therefore each of the six replacement styli are perfectly compatible.

AT-VM9E Series Compatibility with the AT-XP Series DJ Cartridges

The electromagnetic engine-body of XP-Series, is fully compatible with all replacement styli of VM95 Series and will deliver more output voltage than VM95 Series cartridge. So providing improved compatibility with phono inputs of Professional DJ Mixers.
VM95 Series electromagnetic engine-body is also compatible with the three replacement styli of the DJ cartridge AT-XP Series, nevertheless, the electromagnetic engine-body of XP-Series, will deliver more output voltage than VM95 Series cartridge in order to provide better compatibility with phono inputs of Professional DJ Mixers.
Note that typical tracking force when using XP Series styli is three grams as opposed to two grams for VM95 Series styli.
The suspension design and compliance of XP-Series styli have been optimized for intensive DJ’ing, including possible manual cueing and back-cueing.
The VM95 Series suspension design and compliances of VM95 Series have been designed for optimum audiophile reproduction.

Audio-Technica AT85EP Turntable Cartridge with Elliptical Stylus P Mount

Audio-Technica

Based on 663 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This 0. 3 x 0. 7 mil elliptical cartridge fits P-Mount turntables. It features precision engineering and many other features found in the more expensive Audio-Technica cartridges.

0. 3 x 0. 7 mil elliptical cartridge designed specifically to fit linear format P-mount turntables
Features Audio-Technica’s unique dual moving magnet construction
Para-toroidal coil construction assures an excellent sonic clarity and wide channel separation
Compatible with linear tracking turntables with T4P plug-in connectors, no matter the brand

User questions & answers

Question:	Could you inform me if it works for a Marantz 6170 turntable? Thank you
Answer:	That particular turntable has a 1/2 inch mount headshell. You should have no problem finding an Audio Technica cartridge to fit it. It's the most common type of cartridge mount.
Question:	Will this work on a jvc al-a
Answer:	I’m looking at pictures of that tt online and it looks like a rebadged replica of the Technics deck I use this cart on. It’s pretty clear it takes a p-mount cart. Not only will it work; it’ll sound good too.
Question:	will this work on Technicd sl bd
Answer:	Yes. Is turn table requires a P mount cartridge and the AT85 is a P mount cartridge.
Question:	Will this work for my technics sl-j
Answer:	Yes, thank you.

Product features

Audio-Technica AT85EP

This 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical cartridge fits P-mount turntables. It features precision engineering and many other features found in the more expensive Audio-Technica cartridges.

The AT85EP allows owners of Technics, Hitachi, Pioneer and similar linear tracking turntables with T4P plug-in connectors to enjoy the high-fidelity sound that only Audio-Technica can offer.

Designed specifically for the linear format, the AT85EP features Audio-Technica’s unique dual moving magnet construction. The dual magnet system is combined with the para-toroidal coil construction to assure an excellent sonic clarity and wide channel separation.