Cartridge Body Height
Cartridge body height is the vertical distance from the top mounting surface to the stylus tip in its playing position, usually given in millimetres (mm).
The figure excludes the stylus guard, headshell, mounting plate and spacers. Check the manufacturer’s drawing before comparing figures: a height including those parts is not the same measurement.
Cartridge Body Height — Cartridge
A taller or shorter replacement changes the tonearm’s angle relative to the record. Check whether your arm can accommodate that height through its adjustment range or manufacturer-specified spacers.
Follow the cartridge and turntable instructions. With the stylus on a record at the recommended tracking force, check the specified arm or headshell position; a common starting point is parallel to the record. The cartridge body must clear the surface. If it touches, stop playback and correct the setup before playing again.
Sources
- Cartridge mounting dimensions — Ortofon
- Adjusting tonearm height — Audio-Technica
- Cartridge installation and clearance — Audio-Technica
- Tonearm level and cartridge height compatibility — Ortofon