Best Cartridges for Turntable Review

Searching for the best turntable cartridges with half-inch mount catering? You’ve come to the right place! Here, we’re discussing the top-rated models today’s market has to offer. Plus, I’ll explain what characteristics and specs to consider when shopping around so that you can choose the right gear for your needs.

Ok, but what is a record player cartridge? In short, it’s a central element in the signal chain that significantly influences the sound quality your player delivers. It means that if you want to improve your listening experience, you don’t need to buy a new TT – all you have to do is to upgrade a cartridge. This tiny component can do wonders for your player’s sonic characteristics! A high-quality cartridge tracks the record grooves with great precision and produces more open, clear, engaging, and dynamic audio. This way, you’ll enjoy more real vocals, tighter bass, and better instrument separation.

So, without further ado, let me introduce my champions!

Best cartridge for turntable reviews

Phono cartridges under $50

Audio-Technica AT-VM95C

I’ve included several products made by Audio-Technica into my list, and for a good reason – this brand specializes in manufacturing high-performing cartridges.

Their AT-VM95C is the best budget cartridge for turntable available on today’s market – it boasts decent sound quality and durability at a fraction of the cost of more expensive models.

The AT-VM95C features a conical tip, and while this stylus type is not capable of picking up every intricate tick and pop, it still provides low distortion and great channel separation, resulting in superb tone quality. The sound is surprisingly rich for such a cheap cartridge!

The next thing I love about this product is its specifically configured coils that improve output voltage, making it perfect for use with high-output vinyl players. Finally, the cartridge has robust low-resonance polymer construction that ensures its long life.

Phono cartridges under $100

Ortofon 2M Red – best under $100

Ortofon 2M Red is the best turntable cartridge under $100, and here’s why. First off, this all-purpose device fits most record players and provides excellent sound quality for a wide range of genres. Its elliptical diamond stylus tracks your records with precision, and the split pole pins minimize interference from external vibrations. Plus, the copper wire used in the construction helps deliver clear and accurate audio reproduction. Compared to the more affordable Audio-Technica AT-VM95C, the 2M Red produces more volume in mid to high frequencies and tighter bass.

However, I’d like to pay more attention to the cartridge’s sound quality. I must admit it truly stands out in its price range. The 2M Red is particularly notable for its clear, crisp treble that contributes to a spacious and airy sound profile. The midrange, while open and clear, is shaped by the treble, adding a textured layer to the vocals. Next, the cartridge delivers a robust and well-articulated bass that, although not as dominant as in some models, certainly doesn’t lag behind. Overall, the 2M Red provides an expansive and immersive listening experience that’s full of life. However, keep in mind that on bright or edgy recordings, the sound might sometimes come across as a bit too strong or fatiguing.

The cartridge’s body is made of Hopelex material, which ensures its durability and longevity. Finally, you can upgrade this model with an Ortofon Stylus 2M Blue for an even better listening experience.

The Ortofon 2M Red is an excellent choice that provides great value for money, and while it may be brighter in sound, it offers a lively, detailed sonic experience that should satisfy most vinyl enthusiasts.

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is an entry-level phono cartridge that features all perks of the VM95 Series – durable low-resonance polymer construction with threaded inserts for easy installation, aluminum cantilever, and powerful output. This results in excellent channel separation and lower distortion for exceptional tone quality.

But what makes AT-VM95E stand out against its siblings is the 0.3×0.7 mm elliptical bonded tip which ensures both excellent tracing of high-frequency detail and remarkable stereo imaging, resulting in more transparent, accurate sound.

Phono cartridges under $200

Nagaoka MP-110 – best under $200

The Nagaoka MP-110 is a cool moving magnet cartridge featuring a well-machined elliptical needle. The combination of the strong samarium cobalt magnet and the light aluminum alloy cantilever gives it excellent tracking capabilities. Furthermore, the strengthened carbon composite pole shoe reduces vibration, resulting in better sound quality. In addition, the Nagaoka MP-110 incorporates an anti-ferromagnetic permalloy protective housing, which decreases noise interference.

Speaking about the sound, while the cartridge delivers a well-rounded performance with decent bass, smooth midrange, and beautiful highs, what truly sets it apart is its exceptional clarity. This clarity results in a pleasant, fatigue-free listening experience that audiophiles can appreciate.

I installed the MP-110 and reviewed it on a Thorens TD-147 turntable, a model known for its low-mass tonearm. Despite this, the cartridge performed admirably, delivering a sound that was both forward and detailed. The cartridge is particularly skilled at minimizing surface noise, a crucial aspect as records age. This ability enhances the overall listening experience and aids in preserving the integrity of the record.

However, while the MP-110 offers superior performance compared to other cartridges in the same price range, it’s worth noting that it lacks the richness offered by more expensive moving coil cartridges. For those seeking additional detail and precision in their audio, this model could be a satisfactory choice, but those preferring a more relaxed sound may lean toward alternatives like Denon DL-110 or Denon DL103-R.

Overall, Nagaoka MP-110 is a standout cartridge under $200 – the build and performance it offers are rarely matched in this price category. It is a fantastic choice for regular use, offering a distinct sound quality that doesn’t compromise on value.

Audio-Technica VM530EN

Love Audio-Technica’s overall quality? Want a cartridge that will significantly improve your audio game, but not ready to ruin your family budget? Then, Audio-Technica VM530EN will be the right pick for you!

This high-performance vinyl cartridge features dual magnets and an elliptical nude stylus, providing exceptional sound quality. Additionally, the paratoroidal coils and center shield plate between the left and right channels create a more stable sound field, while the low-resonance polymer cartridge housing reduces unwanted vibration. Plus, the aluminum cantilever ensures superior tracking ability. Thanks to such smart construction, the VM530EN delivers a transparent, well-balanced sound. The highs are crisp, the mids are warm, and the lows are punching – just what you would expect from a quality product.

Phono cartridges under $300

Denon DL-110 – best under $300

Denon DL-110 is the finest high output moving coil cartridge under $300 the market has to offer. Actually, this model goes above and beyond its peers in terms of design and performance.

The DL-110 features a well-integrated, special elliptical diamond stylus that provides outstanding sound quality. In addition, the aluminum cantilever and flat frequency response create a smooth, natural sound that will take your music listening experience to the next level.

Although the setup process was slightly marred by the Japanese instructions, I navigated this minor hiccup with a quick online search for an English manual. That said, mounting the cartridge did test my patience, but after investing in a stylus force pressure gauge and a stylus alignment protractor, the process became significantly easier.

Once set up, I was impressed by the exceptional soundstage the DL-110 offered. The bass was solid yet didn’t overshadow the vocals, resulting in a well-rounded, balanced sound. It was remarkable how well the cartridge handled challenging records such as Cowboy Junkies’ “The Trinity Sessions” and Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean” from “Thriller”, reproducing them with sharp clarity and zero sibilance.

Denon DL-110’s sleek design and sound quality have reaffirmed my belief that this babe is a worthwhile addition to any turntable setup. The cartridge swings when it needs to and sways when it should, making the whole vinyl listening experience truly immersive and enjoyable.

Ortofon 2M Blue

Audio perfection doesn’t come cheap. But with the Ortofon 2M Blue, you get gorgeous sound quality without breaking the bank. This cartridge is designed to deliver exceptional dynamics and resolution, with a rich, open sound that reproduces all the details of your music. Furthermore, the nude elliptical diamond stylus tracks even the slightest groove variations for accurate playback, while the replaceable stylus means you can keep this baby sounding great for years to come. So, give your music the Ortofon treatment and enjoy audio nirvana!

Phono cartridges under $500

Denon DL-103R – best under $500

The DL-103R moving coil cartridge is an upgraded version of the award-winning DL-103. Many audiophiles love this great model for its outstanding sound quality.

This cartridge will take your listening experience to the next level thanks to its unique construction, with 6N copper coils accurately included on the cantilever pole. While testing, I was enjoying hefty low-end, forward and sweet mid-range, and crisp yet not harsh nor fatiguing highs. A casual listen to Citizen Cope’s ‘One Lovely Day’ turned into an exhilarating rediscovery of the album’s previously overlooked bass nuances and the subtly amplified high notes. What’s more, even bothersome crackles on older records seemed less intrusive with this cartridge, further enhancing my listening pleasure.

Many knowledgeable vinyl enthusiasts consider Denon DL-103R the greatest cartridge under $500, and I do share their opinion. This device will definitely transform your player into a state-of-the-art machine!

Audio-Technica VM750SH

The VM750SH is perfect for audiophiles looking to get the most out of their vinyl collection. This cartridge features dual magnets, ensuring more pronounced channel separation and fantastic sound reproduction. The high-end Shibata stylus and paratoroidal coils provide superior tracking and handling, while the center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces interference. This little device adds plenty of crispness and spaciousness to the music! And last but not least, die-cast aluminum alloy housing and aluminum cantilever add durability and style. So crank up your tunes and enjoy the good vibes with the Audio-Technica VM750SH!

Nagaoka MP-150

The Nagaoka MP-150 is a high-end MM cartridge that delivers excellent sound quality.

The cartridge features premium components such as a superfine polished elliptical diamond needle, solidified yet lightweight aluminum alloy cantilever, and a strengthened carbon shaft shoe. This ensures accurate tracking and retrieval of the vinyl record’s grooves for an immersive listening experience. When using this cart, the audio dimension expands to the point where you feel the musicians are in the room. Additionally, the anti-ferromagnetic permalloy shielding case protects the delicate internal components from external interference.

If you’re looking for superior sound quality and performance, then the Nagaoka MP-150 is definitely worth consideration.

Phono cartridges under $1000

Audio-Technica AT-OC9XSL

The Audio-Technica AT-OC9XSL is an audiophile cartridge that boasts a dual-moving coil design and a PCOCC copper body. It has been designed to offer the finest possible sound quality, with clear, accurate audio reproduction. The reverse V-shaped alignment of the coils helps to reduce distortion and ensure faithful reproduction of the original recording. The cartridge also features a pro-level nude special line contact stylus and boron cantilever for accuracy and clarity, as well as an aluminum body for reduced resonance.

If you’re looking for the best premium phono cartridge that will help your player reach its maximum potential, the Audio-Technica AT-OC9XSL is a great option.

Turntable cartridge buying guide

Types of turntable cartridges: MM and MC

There are 2 main types of cartridges: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). Audioholics have a never-ending debate about which one sounds better! But let’s take a closer look at both types so you can make your own choice.

An MM cartridge contains a metal cantilever with a small magnetic component on its end, which interacts with your phono stages’ magnets to generate an electrical signal.

This cartridge type has two main advantages:

• Its constant and powerful output makes it compatible with almost all preamps.
• Broken or worn needles in the MM cartridge can be easily changed. This is an essential factor to consider because needles usually require frequent replacement.

However, there is also a significant drawback: the heavier weight of the MM cartridge limits how quickly its stylus can traverse the record, meaning it’s less precise at higher frequencies and cannot reproduce the same amount of detail. So do avoid buying a poor-quality MM cartridge – you may end up with a muddy sound.

An MC cartridge features a stationary magnet, but its coil vibrates around the stylus as it follows record grooves. Due to the lower coil thickness and overall lighter mass, the stylus can recognize more low-level frequencies and features a wider melodic impulse bandwidth from the grooves. That’s how the MC cartridge significantly improves sound clarity and precision.

But there are spots upon the sun! MC cartridges are pretty expensive; plus, they require a standalone amp and additional connectors, both of which are pricey and need professional handling.

Stylus shapes

Nowadays, you can find several different stylus shapes on the market: Shibata, Microlinear, Elliptical, Conical, and Spherical. Of course, the choice of a stylus shape is highly personal, but still, there are some general tendencies you can consider.

• Shibata and Microlinear styluses have a fine, long tip that can read minor details in the record grooves. These are among the finest-sounding options, but they also require extra care while handling records – the slightest damage to the grooves may cause a terrible sound.
• An Elliptical stylus has an oval shape that lies somewhere between Shibata and Conical shapes. This type provides an excellent balance of detail retrieval and tracking ability.
• Conical styluses, as their name suggests, have a cone-like shape with a small contact area with the record surface. Due to the wide angle of the contact patch, Conical styluses have great tracking ability but usually sound less articulate than elliptical or Shibata-tipped options.
• Spherical styluses have a round tip that offers the widest angle of contact with the record surface. These are the cheapest and most robust options, but they don’t produce the highest quality sound.

Important specifications

Here we’ll take a look at the cartridge’s most important characteristics that significantly impact its overall functioning. However, you shouldn’t only rely on numbers! Before making a purchase, do read reviews and customer reports to understand what level of sound a particular cartridge is capable of delivering.

Frequency response

The frequency response is the range of frequencies a cartridge can reproduce. It’s usually stated in Hertz (Hz) and measured in decibels (dB).

As a rule of thumb, a wider frequency range means better sound quality. But remember that different music genres require different amounts of detail – for instance, classical music sounds excellent with wide frequency response, while rock may sound just fine with a narrower one. So, choose a cartridge with a frequency response that suits your musical preferences better.

Channel separation

The channel separation is a degree to which a cartridge can reproduce left and right stereo signals. It’s usually stated in decibels (dB) and measured at a particular frequency (usually 1kHz).

In general, a higher channel separation means better sound quality. But again, it all comes down to personal preferences – some people may prefer a wider soundstage, while others may find it artificial-sounding.

Load impedance

This parameter indicates how much current the cartridge pulls from your phono stage. The lower the impedance, the more current is required, which may negatively impact the sound quality. As a rule of thumb, an MM cartridge should have an impedance between 47k and 100k ohms, while MC cartridges usually require a load impedance of 10-47k ohms.

Tracking force

The tracking force is the amount of pressure the cartridge’s stylus puts on the record surface. It’s measured in grams and usually ranges from 1.5 to 3 g. A higher tracking force means that the stylus will be more securely attached to the record grooves and less likely to jump out of them. But at the same time, a too high tracking force increases wear and tear on both records and styluses. That’s why it’s crucial to find a happy medium – not too high, not too low.

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