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.
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.
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.
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.