AT-VM95SH Turntable Cartridge

Best Turntable Cartridges for Superior Sound Quality in 2024

Welcome to our post on the top 6 turntable cartridges for superior sound quality in 2024. If you are a vinyl enthusiast or an audiophile looking to elevate your listening experience, choosing the right cartridge is crucial. In this article, we will be highlighting the most exceptional options available on the market, ensuring that you can enjoy the highest level of audio fidelity from your turntable. Whether you are a seasoned vinyl collector or just starting your journey into the world of analog music, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the top 6 turntable cartridges that are set to deliver an unmatched sonic experience in 2024.

1
AT-VM95SH Turntable Cartridge
✯ High-quality option ✯
Buy Now Amazon.com
9.6
2
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Recommended Upgrade
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9.3
3
Numark CC-1 DJ Cartridge - Premium & Ultra-Robust
Overall, the Numark CC-1 offers professional performance
Buy Now Amazon.com
9.1
4
AT-VM95E/H Combo Kit Green
9.1
5
Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Cartridge
Conclusion: Excellent choice
Buy Now Amazon.com
9.1
6
Gemini HDCN-15 Turntable Headshell and Cartridge
8.9
1

AT-VM95SH Turntable Cartridge

Amazon.com
9.6
High-quality option
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge in Brown offers a solidly built and easy-to-install option for turntable enthusiasts. With its Shibata diamond stylus, silky smooth highs, great bass, and clean and detailed sound, it provides a wide and deep soundstage. While it may be slightly finicky to set up and the treble may be slightly shy compared to other cartridges, overall it offers a high-quality listening experience.
High-quality Sound
  • Shibata diamond stylus
  • Silky smooth highs
  • Great bass
  • Clean and detailed sound
  • Wide and deep soundstage
  • Solidly built
  • Easy mounting and alignment
Disadvantages
  • Slightly finicky to set up
  • Treble may be slightly shy compared to other cartridges

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge in Brown is a high-quality cartridge that offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. With its 2.7 x 0.26 mil Shibata stylus, it provides a clear and balanced sound for any type of music. The cartridge features a durable, low-resonance housing with threaded inserts that make it easy to mount to the headshell with just two screws. Additionally, it is compatible with six interchangeable AT-VMN95 replacement styli, allowing for easy stylus replacement. Overall, this cartridge is a great option for both beginners and experienced vinyl enthusiasts looking for an upgrade.

High-performance audio cartridge
  • Dual Moving Magnet design
  • Brown color
  • Compatible with turntables
  • Easy installation with included screws
2

Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge

Amazon.com
9.3
Recommended Upgrade
The Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge is a universal fit upgrade for stock cartridges, providing an open, dynamic sound with a touch of warmth. It offers improved sound quality, easy installation, and solid build quality, although it may be a bit challenging to install and lacks some of the most intricate details. Nonetheless, it is forgiving to older records and is suitable for a variety of turntables.
Advantages
  • Improved sound quality
  • Easy installation
  • Solid build quality
  • Low noise floor
  • Forgiving to older records
  • Excellent mid-range
  • Suitable for a variety of turntables
Drawbacks of Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
  • Difficult installation
  • Not the most detailed cartridge

The Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge is a versatile and high-quality upgrade for most turntables. With its elliptical diamond stylus, it delivers open, dynamic sound with a touch of warmth. The cartridge can be further enhanced by upgrading to the Ortofon Stylus 2M Blue. Users have praised its solid build quality, easy installation process, and impressive sound quality, making it a highly recommended choice for its price point. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast or a beginner in the world of vinyl, the Ortofon 2M Red is a reliable and rewarding cartridge option.

Top-quality sound reproduction
  • Universal fit
  • Upgrade from stock cartridges
  • Open, dynamic sound
  • Slight touch of warmth
  • Elliptical diamond
  • Compatible with Ortofon Stylus 2M Blue upgrade
3

Numark CC-1 DJ Cartridge – Premium & Ultra-Robust

Amazon.com
9.1
Overall, the Numark CC-1 offers professional performance
The Numark CC-1 is a professional and versatile DJ cartridge with excellent workmanship, easy installation, increased volume, sturdy construction, and good sound quality. However, it may not reach the same quality levels as leading brands, particularly at low frequencies.
Exceptional Performance
  • Excellent workmanship
  • Easy installation
  • Increased volume
  • Sturdy construction
  • Good sound quality
Cons
  • Compared to leading brands, it may not reach the same quality levels
  • The deficit in quality may be more noticeable at low frequencies

The Numark CC-1 is a premium, ultra-robust DJ cartridge designed for turntables. This professional cartridge is built with durability and reliability in mind, making it the perfect choice for DJs who demand the best. With high-output and superior tracking, the CC-1 is suitable for every DJ style, whether you’re spinning or scratching. Its sleek and slim-line design not only looks stylish but is also robust and easy to handle. With a full range frequency response from 20-20,000 Hz and a precision-engineered circular diamond stylus tip, this cartridge ensures that you hear every detail of your music.

Key Features
  • Professional and versatile cartridge suitable for all DJ styles
  • High-output and enhanced tracking for superior sound quality
  • Sleek and slim-line design for ease of handling
  • Full range frequency response from 20-20,000 Hz
  • Precision-engineered circular diamond stylus tip for durability and reliability
4

AT-VM95E/H Combo Kit Green

Amazon.com
9.1
Great value
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit in Green offers improved sound quality, easy installation, and compatibility with older turntable models. It provides clear highs, amazing mids, and punchy bass, making it a versatile upgrade option. The kit also comes with excellent packaging for safe storage. However, some users may find the headshell to be heavy, and the needle may be flimsy. Overall, it is a good value for the price.
Benefits of AT-VM95E/H Combo Kit Green
  • Improved sound quality
  • Easy to install
  • Compatible with older turntable models
  • Provides clear highs, amazing mids, and punchy bass
  • Good value for the price
  • Versatile upgrade options with interchangeable stylus replacements
  • Excellent packaging for safe storage
Disadvantages of AT-VM95E/H Combo Kit Green
  • Heavy headshell
  • Flimsy needle

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit Green is a high-quality kit that includes the AT-VM95E dual moving magnet cartridge pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK headshell. The cartridge features a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus and specially wound coils that increase output voltage. The aluminum cantilever ensures accurate tracking and precise sound reproduction. The threaded inserts in the cartridge body enable easy mounting to the headshell with just two screws, eliminating the need for nuts. This universal 1/2″-mount headshell is compatible with most 4-pin turntable cartridges. The kit offers excellent sound quality, making it a recommended option for upgrading your turntable setup.

Exceptional Performance and Value
  • Dual magnet cartridge
  • 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus
  • Specially wound coils for increased output voltage
  • Aluminum cantilever
  • Threaded inserts for easy mounting to head shell with just two screws
  • Universal 1/2″-mount head shell for 4-pin turntable cartridges
5

Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Cartridge

Amazon.com
9.1
Conclusion: Excellent choice
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Blue offers easy installation, improved sound quality, and good value for the price. Although installation may be tedious for certain turntable models and the rounded front of the cartridge may present some challenges for overhang/tracking setup, it is a versatile and compatible option with low surface noise.
Superior Sound Quality
  • Easy installation
  • Improved sound quality
  • Good value for the price
  • Low surface noise
  • Versatile and compatible with various turntables
Cons
  • Installation can be a bit tedious for certain turntable models
  • The rounded front of the cartridge may make it more challenging to set up the overhang/tracking

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Blue is a versatile and high-quality cartridge that is perfect for upgrading or restoring your turntable. With its 0.6 mil conical stylus and special coil design, it delivers a powerful output level of 4.0 mV and offers excellent channel separation and low distortion for outstanding tonal quality. The durable, low-resonance housing includes threaded inserts, making it easy to mount the cartridge to the headshell with just two screws. Plus, the cartridge is compatible with six interchangeable replacement styli, providing you with added flexibility. Reviewers have praised the easy installation process and the improved sound quality compared to other cartridges. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast or looking to revive your old turntable, the Audio-Technica AT-VM95C is a solid choice.

Key Features
  • Dual Magnet cartridge
  • 0.6 mil Conical stylus
  • Aluminum cantilever
  • Specially wound coils increase output voltage
  • Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
  • Threaded inserts in cartridge body for easy mounting
6

Gemini HDCN-15 Turntable Headshell and Cartridge

Amazon.com
8.9
Final Thoughts
The Gemini HDCN-15 Turntable Headshell and Cartridge (Silver) is a fantastic deal and provides great sound quality with its elliptical stylus. It is an affordable and easy to install option that is compatible with Technics turntables, making it a good value for the money. However, some users may need to ensure the cartridge is rewired correctly, and it is unclear whether the stylus is sapphire or diamond.
Superior Sound Quality
  • Fantastic deal
  • Great sound quality
  • Elliptical stylus
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to install
  • Compatible with Technics turntables
  • Good value for the money
Limitations
  • Some users reported that the cartridge may need to be rewired correctly
  • It is unclear whether the cartridge has a sapphire or diamond stylus

The Gemini HDCN-15 Turntable Headshell and Cartridge (Silver) is a sturdy silver DJ headshell with a cartridge and elliptical stylus needle. It features a rubber washer for a snug fit to the tone arm and a stylus cover for an extended lifespan. This package is a fantastic deal, offering excellent sound quality at an affordable price. It is compatible with various turntables and is easy to install. The cartridge and stylus provide strong tracking and produce great sound, making it a suitable choice for both casual listeners and DJs.

Enhance Your Vinyl Experience
  • Sturdy silver body with tracking arm
  • Rubber washer for snug fit to tone arm
  • Elliptical stylus for strong tracking
  • Stylus cover for extended life span

Comparing Turntable Cartridge Options

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Turntable Cartridges

  • First, ensure that the turntable is properly set up and connected to a power source
  • Gently remove the protective cover from the turntable cartridge, taking care not to damage the stylus or any other delicate components
  • Align the cartridge with the tonearm, making sure it is securely attached. Some cartridges may require specific alignment instructions, so refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines
  • Adjust the tracking force of the turntable cartridge according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This is crucial to ensure proper playback and to prevent unnecessary wear on your vinyl records
  • Once the cartridge is properly aligned and the tracking force is adjusted, carefully lower the tonearm onto the desired record, ensuring that the stylus makes contact with the record’s surface
  • After playback, gently lift the tonearm and return it to its resting position. Avoid dragging the needle across the record as this can cause damage
  • Finally, clean the stylus regularly to remove any accumulated dust or debris, which can affect the sound quality and cause premature wear. Use a stylus brush or a specialized cleaning solution, following the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Remember, proper care and maintenance of your turntable cartridge will help preserve the quality of your vinyl records and ensure optimal audio performance

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Turntable Cartridge

  • Tracking Ability: One crucial aspect to consider is the cartridge’s tracking ability. This refers to its ability to accurately follow the grooves of your vinyl records without skipping or distortion. Look for a cartridge with a low tracking force, as this can minimize wear on your records and provide better sound quality. A cartridge with good tracking ability will allow you to enjoy your vinyl collection without compromising the audio
  • Sound Quality: The second item to consider is the sound quality produced by the cartridge. Different cartridges have varying characteristics that can significantly impact the audio reproduction. Look for a cartridge that provides clear and accurate sound reproduction, with a balanced frequency response. It is also essential to consider the type of music you typically listen to and choose a cartridge that suits your musical preferences
  • Compatibility: Lastly, ensure that the turntable cartridge you are considering is compatible with your turntable’s tonearm. Cartridges come in different shapes and sizes, and not all of them will fit every turntable. Check the cartridge’s specifications and ensure it is compatible with the tonearm’s mounting system on your turntable. It is also advisable to verify if the cartridge is pre-mounted or requires additional assembly

Price Range and Options

  • Entry-level turntable cartridges: These cartridges are typically priced between $50-$100 and are perfect for beginners or those on a budget. They offer decent sound quality and are suitable for casual listening
  • Mid-range turntable cartridges: Priced between $100-$300, these cartridges provide a significant improvement in sound quality compared to entry-level options. They offer better tracking, more detail, and a more refined sound reproduction
  • High-end turntable cartridges: These cartridges are priced above $300 and are designed for audiophiles or professionals who demand the highest level of sound quality. They utilize advanced technologies, such as better stylus shapes, improved magnet systems, and higher-quality materials, resulting in exceptional audio fidelity and accuracy
  • Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges: MM cartridges are usually more affordable, ranging from $50-$300. They are known for their versatility and compatibility with a wide range of turntables. MM cartridges generate a voltage output, making them easier to match with phono preamps
  • Moving Coil (MC) cartridges: MC cartridges tend to be more expensive, starting from $300 and going up to several thousand dollars. They offer superior sound quality, thanks to their low mass and high output voltage. They require a phono preamp with a dedicated MC input
  • Specialized cartridges: Certain cartridges are designed with specific purposes, such as DJing or archiving vinyl records. These specialized cartridges may have unique features or stylus shapes, and their prices can vary depending on the brand and functionality offered

Frequently Asked Questions about Turntable Cartridges

Are there any compatibility issues between turntable cartridges and different turntable models?

Yes, there can be compatibility issues between turntable cartridges and different turntable models. Turntable cartridges have different specifications, such as cartridge type, tracking force, and output voltage. These specifications need to be compatible with the turntable’s tonearm and phono preamp in order to ensure optimal performance and sound quality.

For example, some turntables have fixed tonearms with specific cartridge mounting options, while others have adjustable tonearms that can accommodate a wider range of cartridges. Additionally, the tracking force and anti-skating settings on the turntable should be properly matched to the cartridge’s requirements to prevent tracking errors and excessive wear on the vinyl records.

It is important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or seek advice from experts to ensure that the turntable cartridge you choose is compatible with your specific turntable model. This will help avoid potential issues and ensure the best audio experience.

What factors should be considered when selecting a turntable cartridge?

When selecting a turntable cartridge, there are several factors you should consider. These include:

  1. Compatibility: Ensure that the cartridge you choose is compatible with your turntable’s tonearm. Different turntables may require cartridges with specific mounting styles or tracking forces.
  2. Sound quality: Consider the sound characteristics you prefer. Some cartridges are known for producing warm, rich tones, while others offer more detailed and analytical sound. Research and read reviews to find a cartridge that suits your listening preferences.
  3. Stylus type: Decide between a moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridge. MM cartridges tend to be more affordable and have replaceable stylus, while MC cartridges often deliver superior sound but may require more precise setup and have non-replaceable stylus.
  4. Tracking force and compliance: Check the recommended tracking force range for the cartridge and ensure that your turntable’s tonearm can accommodate it. Also, consider the cartridge’s compliance, which refers to its ability to match the tonearm’s resonant frequency.
  5. Budget: Determine your budget and look for cartridges within that range. Cartridges can vary significantly in price, so it’s important to find a balance between your budget and desired sound quality.
  6. Upgrade potential: If you plan to upgrade your turntable system in the future, consider whether the cartridge you choose allows for easy cartridge replacement or if it can be upgraded to a higher-end model within the same brand.
  7. Cartridge lifespan: Take into account the expected lifespan of the cartridge and whether replacement styli are readily available. Some cartridges may last longer than others, and availability of replacement styli is important to ensure continued use.

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5 Comments

  1. I’ve been using one of the cartridges mentioned here and I can vouch for its superior sound quality. Highly recommended!

  2. I’ve been a fan of turntables for years and this list is spot on. These cartridges are definitely worth considering.

  3. This article is a great resource for anyone looking to upgrade their turntable setup. Thanks for sharing!

  4. I appreciate the variety of options mentioned in this article. It’s helpful to have different choices depending on my budget.

  5. Great article! I’m always on the lookout for the best sound quality. Can’t wait to try one of these cartridges.

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