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Product category

Cartridge

A cartridge turns movement in a record groove into an electrical audio signal. It sits on the tonearm; its stylus, the small tip touching the groove, follows the recorded movement.

Fit comes first

Check the mounting type and cartridge weight against your tonearm’s requirements. Compliance means the flexibility of the stylus suspension; it needs to suit the arm’s effective mass. Follow the cartridge maker’s tracking-force guidance rather than assuming the old cartridge’s setting will work.

Match the electronics

Moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) are common magnetic cartridge types. Match the output level and specified electrical loading (input resistance and capacitance) to your phono input. Some high-output MC cartridges work with MM inputs, so the type alone does not decide compatibility. Optical cartridges need a compatible dedicated equalizer to supply power and correct their frequency response; a normal MM/MC input will not do.

Plan for wear

Before buying, check whether you can replace a worn stylus yourself or whether the cartridge needs the maker’s service.

Required capabilities

Other catalogue tags

These tags occur on some products in this category. They do not confirm built-in features or compatibility.

Specifications

This list covers specifications tracked for the category. A specification may describe several functions; follow the capability label that matches your use. A listing does not confirm a feature on an individual product.

Sources