Best Phono Cartridges and Styluses (and When to Upgrade)
The cartridge is the part that actually reads the groove — and upgrading it is often the cheapest way to make a turntable sound dramatically better.
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When to replace a stylus
Styli wear out. As a rough guide, many last around 1,000 playing hours; if your records sound harsher than they used to, or you've bought a used deck, a fresh stylus is the first thing to try. On many cartridges you can replace just the stylus, not the whole cartridge.
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Moving magnet is the place to start
Most beginner and mid-range turntables use moving-magnet (MM) cartridges, which let you swap the stylus and are far cheaper to live with than moving-coil. Stick with MM unless you're well down the hi-fi road.
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Names worth searching
Audio-Technica's VM95 family, Ortofon's 2M and OM ranges, Nagaoka, Goldring and Sumiko are the usual recommendations. Check your tonearm's mounting (standard half-inch is most common) before you buy.
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Frequently asked questions
When should I upgrade my cartridge?
When your turntable's tonearm is better than its stock cartridge — common on entry and mid decks — a cartridge upgrade is often the most cost-effective way to improve sound. Also replace the stylus once it's worn, to protect your records.
How long does a stylus last?
As a rough guide, a typical stylus lasts somewhere in the region of several hundred to around a thousand hours of play. A worn stylus sounds harsh and can damage records, so replace it rather than pushing it too far.
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