The Best Value Turntable Cartridge For 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Of The Best: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge
This dual Magnet cartridge with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, Aluminum cantilever, and specially wound coils increase output voltage for powerful, accurate sound reproduction. The durable low-resonance polymer housing provides robust tracking ability that won't wear out or warp in the heat. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Numark CC-1 | Premium, Ultra-Robust DJ Cartridge for Turntables
If you're looking for a premium and highly-versatile DJ cartridge, the Numark CC-1 is the perfect choice. Its professional, highly-versatile design is suitable for every DJ style. With a consistent high quality and enhanced fidelity, this cartridge is ideal for spinning and scratch enthusiasts alike. The CC-1 allows you to focus on your performance without worrying about the quality of your music. Read Review
3. Best Easy To Use: Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge is a high-end cartridge that has been designed with the demanding audiophile in mind. The cartridge features the new 2M Series, which includes a number of advancements in sound. As well as the improved performance, this cartridge also includes a stylus that is easier to use than previous models. Read Review
4. Best Convenient: Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit
Audio-Technica VM95E Elliptical Stereo Cartridge, Preassembled with AT-HS6BK Headshell and Elliptical Bonded Stylus. The Audio-Technica VM95E is a high-performance stereo cartridge that features an ellipse shaped stylus. Designed for use with most straight tonearms, this cartridge features a low tracking force for more accurate and precise playback. Read Review
The first thing you need to get your turntable working is a good quality cartridge. A standard turntable doesn’t have an audio output, so you need an external speaker or an amplifier to hear it. That’s why a good turntable cartridge is essential.
Most people believe that the only way to get a great sound from your vinyl collection is to invest in expensive equipment and high-end speakers. But that’s not entirely true; there are some budget-friendly ways of making sure that your records sound as crisp as possible. There are also several affordable options that will help you get started with vinyl without breaking the bank.
This article highlights the Best value turntable cartridge you can find on the market today.
As the result, we found some top trending models on the market that many customers tend to search for. In addition, we believe that the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge is one of the best options available to you. We have provided you with a detailed buyer's guide and many other good choices so that you can decide which one is the best for your requirements.
RELATED: Our staff and experts compiled a list of 7 best high end turntables in 2024 based on 5,480 reviews from customers.
Our Top Picks
- Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to headshell with just two screws - no nuts required
- Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
- Aluminum cantilever
- Specially wound coils increase output voltage
- VM95 Series dual Magnet cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical stylus
Best Bang For The Buck
Numark CC-1 | Premium, Ultra-Robust DJ Cartridge for Turntables
- Style-Driven Design - Sleek, slim-line design that's robust and easy-to-handle
- Ready for Anything - Professional, highly-versatile cartridge suitable for every DJ style
- Hear Every Detail - Full range frequency response from 20-20,000 Hz
- Consistent Quality, Enhanced Fidelity - High-output and enhanced tracking ideal for spinning and scratch enthusiasts alike
- Robust, Reliable - Precision-engineered circular diamond stylus tip
- The Ortofon 2M Red is an all-purpose cartridge that delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth
- Can be upgraded with an Ortofon Stylus 2M Blue
- Upgrade from stock cartridges
- Universal fit for most turntables
- The Ortofon 2M Red features an Elliptical diamond
- Specially wound coils increase output voltage and Aluminum cantilever
- Note: This part of the stylus is extremely delicate and can bend from any slight force
- Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
- VM95 Series dual Magnet cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7 mil Elliptical stylus
- Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- This is a single cartridge with pre-mounted stylus
- The new generation of Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ cartridges are tailored uniquely to the demands of modern turntable DJs
- Will fit all DJ turntables with a removable headshell
- A groovy all-rounder
- Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
- Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
- M dual Magnet cartridge with 0.6 mil Conical stylus
- Aluminum cantilever
- Specially wound coils increase output voltage
- Cartridge features dual magnets to match the left and right channels in a stereo record groove for outstanding channel separation and extended frequency response
- Center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk.Durable low-resonance polymer cartridge housing
- MicroLine stylus traces record grooves with incredible accuracy, resulting in nuanced audio reproduction that elliptical and conical styli simply can't match
- Stylus's multilevel shape also wears better than other styli, while reducing the wear on your records
- Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency
- 4OurEars is the exclusive Authorized US Dealer of Grado on Amazon - Manufacturers Warranty applicable in US only
- Latest enhancements provide improved performance - Twin magnet system
- Turntable Cartridge - compatible with most turntables - standard mount
- Outer housing dampening technique - 4 high purity copper wire coils
- THIS IS A STANDARD MOUNT, it connects with 4 WIRES - NOT PMOUNT - See image for connection
- Aluminum cantilever
- Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
- Specially wound coils increase output voltage
- M dual Magnet cartridge with 3.0 mil Conical stylus
- Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
- Stylus upgreadeable to Olympia or Moonstone
- Moving Magnet architecture compatible with nearly any phono stage
A Simple Way To Choose The best value turntable cartridge For You
Would you like to know how to select the best value turntable cartridge to purchase in 2024? We have a straightforward solution for you. First, consider your own requirements. For instance, should you need something that could be used during workouts, look for products that are made of high-quality materials and are resistant to water.
Consider the price range next. Some people prefer low prices, while others prefer to invest additional money on better quality items, so weigh both choices once making a decision.
Eventually, reading reviews is a simple way to select the best value turntable cartridge to buy. Please read our research below before purchasing anything and follow that guide to select your best value turntable cartridge.
Styluses And Cartridges
The stylus, or "needle", is what sits inside the grooves of the record. It is crucial to choose the right shape for the stylus. An elliptical stylus will pick up more information than one that has a conical surface because it touches more records. Audiophiles also believe that conical styluses work better with old records because they take up more space after the groove has been expanded through repeated plays.
The stylus is held in the cartridge, which converts its movements into electric signals. The most popular cartridge types are moving magnet (MM), and moving coil (MC). Most turntables will use MM cartridges because they areer and more convenient to change needles. However, MC cartridges can be lighter and pick up more groove changes than MM cartridges. They are also more costly.
Tracking Force
Adjusting the track force can be delicate, but this is worth it to improve sound quality. You also have a lower chance of damaging your records by too much downward force.
Adjusting the counterweight at the back of your tonearm can change the tracking force. First, balance the tonearm horizontally. Next, twist the counterweight to get the right downforce (as indicated in the instruction).
Record Speeds
Fully Automatic
The extra electric signals along the tonearm and the mechanical movement are what audio purists believe affect the sound. Full-auto, however, is the best option if you don't want to have to stand up for half an hour every time.
Anti-skate Force
Drives
Models with direct drive motors are mounted beneath the platter. In a belt drive, the motor is attached to one end by a rubber belt. The turntable can be spun at higher speeds and is compacted by direct drives. Belt models, on the other hand, isolate any extra noise from the motor.
Pre-amps
Some turntables come with switchable preamps that can be switched on and off depending on the plugging device.
FAQs
Do I Need A Preamp For My Turntable?
Both yes and no. A preamp is necessary for every turntable to convert its sounds into something your record player can hear, as well as other audio devices.Because most turntables have their preamp built in, it's not necessary. If this is the case then you don't need a separate preamp.
However, we understand that not everyone wants to improve their sound and decide to purchase a preamp separately. For more information, if you are one of these people, please see our next question.
What’s An Automatic Turntable?
A turntable that is automatic uses a combination of automatic features and a tonearm to lift itself from its resting place and position itself above your record for playback. After the track has finished, the device will automatically lift from its resting place and go back to the original position.This is a preferred method by some users as it reduces the amount of effort required to stop and play your turntable. However, this does not mean you can't manually lift the tonearm. It's still possible.
What Makes One Turntable Sound Better Than Another?
You need to take into account many factors. The quality of both the stylus and cartridge is important. Some turntables simply have more features, which allow for better accuracy and less vibration.How To Make The Turntable Louder?
If the phonostage isn't connected correctly or not properly, your turntable might play slowly. A properly sized, wired and connected phonostage is the best way to unlock your turntable's potential.Can You Connect A Turntable Directly To Speakers?
It all depends on whether the connectors in your device can accommodate your speakers. Most of them will. It shouldn't be a problem connecting your turntable and its speakers.Is It Bad To Leave A Record On The Turntable?
It is. It is a habit that even certified audiophiles sometimes forget to put their records in their jackets, but it's important to always do this.Your record will be more likely to get damaged or dirty if it is not kept out in the open. You're guilty of this habit, but at the very least you should not forget to close the dust cover.
How Many Times Can You Listen To A Vinyl Record?
The vinyl record is a great resource for work. The record can be listened to over 100 times with no loss of sound quality.Conclusion
We hope this blog has provided you with useful information about selecting the best value turntable cartridge to buy. If you're still unsure, consider why you're purchasing a product in the first place.
Here you can select the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit if you are unable to select one of the available items above. Consider whether any of our suggestions aided you in deciding which products to purchase. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!
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