Every turntable has a phono cartridge that enables the results to be a success. However many people only concentrate on the turntable and forget that a phono cartridge plays a major role in the best results. With a good phono cartridge you able to have the best frequency and get clear information that is very precise and accurate. Therefore here are the best cartridges in the market that you can use to add or either replace to tour turntable and get the best. With so many brands in the market, the in-depth guide and the top ten best reviews of the phono cartridge will help you make the most informed decision.
List of Best Phono Cartridge in 2024
#10. Audio-Technica Cartridge
Audio-Technica Cartridge gives you the best solution for all your turntable needs. If you love the clear and precise sound you will pick this cartridge for it will never let you down. The cartridge has a load impedance of 47k ohms and a frequency of 20Hz to 20,000Hz thereby ensuring you get the best results.
Additionally, the cartridge is lightweight tipping the scale at 2.4 pounds. It is also durable and comes with full mounting hardware as a package. The cartridge has evolved a long way over 50 years and therefore you can be sure that this is one of the best that the company is giving you for the best audio.
- Type: VM
- Load impedance: 47k ohms
- Frequency response: 20 to 20,000Hz
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Cantilever: Aluminum pipe
- Stylus: bonded conical 0.6mil
- Low resonance housing
#9. Clearaudio Phono Cartridge
Are you searching for a durable and elegantly made phono cartridge? Clearaudio is the ultimate solution you are looking for and without a doubt; you have landed to the best product for your lovely turntable. The cartridge is coated with ceramic for the coating purges high-frequency vibration transfer.
Additionally, it is durable and well made and therefore will give you a long time services. Furthermore, it is one of the most lightweight cartridges in the market weighing 4.8 ounces. Clearaudio, as its name suggests, gives the best audio for it has all the necessary features to give the best sound.
- Weight: 4.8 oz
- Dimensions: 6.8 by 5.4 by3.4 inches
- Coated with ceramic to eradicate high rate of recurrence vibration conveyance
- Frequency response: 22 Hz to 20 kHz
- Load Impedance: 47Kw
- Cantilever Weight: 10.0g
#8. Audio-Technica Cartridge
Audio-Technica Cartridge is more stable and balanced for it has a special line touching stylus and therefore you got every reason to have it for your turntable. It has a neodymium magnet to help get the most efficient sound. Additionally, the Audio-Technica Cartridge tips the scale at 0.32 ounces and therefore qualifies to be one of the most lightweight cartridges in the entire market.
Despite its lightweight aspect, it is one of the most purposed cartridges in doing what it is best designed for. It works well and gives the softest and clear sound for it has been greatly improved from the previous models. The frequency of the cartridge is great and gives a high-quality sound effect
- Cartridges VC mold give much more stability
- Rugged body
- Neodymium magnet
- Weight: 0.32oz
- Dimensions: 4 by 2 by 4 inches
- Special line touching stylus
- Improved frequency
#7. Ortofon 2M Cartridge
In blue color is the Ortofon 2M Cartridge which gives your turntable the best experience. As a result, you find that the best audio is produced out of this cartridge. The Ortofon 2M Cartridge gives you a dynamic sound from the high quality nude elliptical stylus tip. The cartridge has an S-shaped tonearm and thus being very efficient.
The cartridge is easy to use for all you need to do is to plug and play and there is no other connection needed after that. The cartridge weighs 2.24 ounces and thus very lightweight for use. Additionally, the stylus tip is very durable for it has been made using high-quality material.
- Color: Blue
- Designed for accurate possession of information
- High resolution and dynamic sound
- Nude Elliptical diamond stylus tip
- S-shaped tonearm
- Plug and play cartridge
- Weight: 2.24oz
#6. Audio-Technica Cartridge
Over 50 years ago Audio-Technica Company has been producing phono cartridges of different resolutions as well as designs. Of late they have produced the best cartridge in the market which is an improvement of AT91. As an improvement, they have added more features and improved the design too making it look really elegant and eye-catching. The cartridge has an aluminum cantilever and has a conical 0.6 mil stylus.
The cartridge has a frequency of 20Hz to 20,000Hz thereby making it one of the high-resolution sound products to use in the entire market. It is exceptional for it has upgraded features and comes with great channel separation. Finally, it is a professional quality cartridge and therefore can be used for professional tasks.
- Improvement of AT91 phono cartridge
- Aluminum cantilever
- Stylus shape: 0.6mil conical
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- Low distortion
- Exceptional tonal features
- Brilliant channel separation
- Over 50 years of experience in music
- Professional quality
#5. Denon DL-301MK2 Cartridge
Denon DL-301MK2 Cartridge gives more response than dl-301. The main reason behind this is because it is an improvement or either the upgraded version of dl-301. The cartridge has an output of 0.4 mV and weighs 0.16oz making it one of the most lightweight cartridges in the entire market. With a tracking force of 1.2 to 1.6, it gives the best and precise audio sound.
It has a frequency of 20Hz to 60,000Hz and therefore qualifies to be one of the best cartridges in the market. The cartridge has a special elliptical stylus tip that gives the best high-quality audio. Additionally, the stylus tip is durable for it has been made using high-quality material that will last for a long time.
- Dimensions: 4.5 by 3 by 2
- Weight: 0.16oz
- Output: 0.4 mV
- Improved version of dl-301
- Special elliptical stylus tip
- 1.2 to 1.6 tracking force
- Frequency: 20 Hz to 60000Hz
- Impedance: 33 ohms
#4. Audio-Technica AT-MONO3/LP / Cartridge
Audio-Technica AT-MONO3/LP / Cartridge weighs 3.52 ounces. It is a lightweight cartridge that has a frequency of 20Hz to 20,000Hz. The cartridge has a direct current resistance of 40 ohms with a load impedance of 400 to 47000 ohms. Additionally, the cartridge comes as a package with full hardware that ensures you able to install it the right way.
The phono cartridge is easy to use for it is a plug and play device and no software installation is required. The stylus is durable for it has been made using high-quality materials and gives you guaranteed satisfaction.
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- Weight: 3.52oz
- DC resistance: 40ohms
- Load impedance: 400 to 47000ohms
- Comes as a package
- Tracking force: 1.5 to 2.5g
#3. Ortofon – 2M Cartridge
Ortofon – 2M Cartridge uses a fine line stylus tip and produces less noise compared to other cartridges in the market. It has a load resistance of 47kOhm and a tracking ability of 315Hz. Like all other phono cartridges in the list, it is a high-frequency cartridge that will give you the best service in a long time. Unlike many other cartridges, it uses moving magnet to read out information and thus qualifies to be one of the best cartridges you can use for professional projects.
The cartridge gives your turntable the best and notable sound. Among the many requirements, you need to know about the cartridge is that it is supposed to be installed by a professional for maximum performance and efficiency.
- Load resistance: 47kOhm
- Weight: 0.32oz
- Installation should be done by a professional
- Tracking ability: 315Hz
- Uses fine line stylus
- High frequency
- Low noise
- Moving magnet cartridge
#2. GRADO Prestige Cartridge
GRADO Prestige Cartridge uses twin magnet coordination. Additionally, it has a purity copper wire coil that gives the cartridge high-efficiency performance. It weighs 0.8 ounces and therefore very lightweight.
It has a dimension of 2.5 by 1.5 by 1.5 inches with an elegant and eye-catching design. It is easy to mount cartridge and give you the best resolution sound for professional projects and tasks. It has a durable stylus made of high-quality material.
- Twin magnet coordination
- Warranty applicable to US citizens only
- Purity copper wire coils
- Weight: 0.8oz
- Dimensions: 2.5 by 1.5 by 1.5 inches
#1. NAGAOKA MM Cartridge
Are you searching for a low noise cartridge for your home or business turntable? NAGAOKA MM Cartridge is the best with a channel separation of 23Db. The stylus tip to this cartridge is made of aluminum alloy and therefore can be used for a long time.
Additionally, the cartridge weights 6.5 grams and therefore very lightweight and convenient to use. The cartridge has a frequency of 20Hz to 20,000Hz and therefore very efficient to use for professional purposes.
- Voltage: 5Mv
- Frequency: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- Stylus tip: Aluminum alloy
- Cartridge Weight: 6.5g
- Channel separation: 23Db
- Dimensions: 2.2 by 1.8 by 2.8 inches
Phono Cartridge Buying Guide
- Frequency: The frequency of the cartridge is a factor you need to consider for it will determine how clear and precise your audio will be. Get the phono cartridge with a high-frequency rate to get the best results.
- Type: Before buying the best one that solves your needs, ensure you are aware of the type of phono cartridge that your turntable uses. There are two types and that is the standard and the p- mount. Pick the best that suits your turntable for maximum performance and longer lifespan. To fast note, the type p-mount uses a horizontal screw while standard uses a special vertical screw.
- The shape of the stylus: There are different shapes of the stylus and this is brought about by the advancement of technology. There are elliptical, conical and Shibata. The depth and the preciseness of the sound are determined by the stylus. Therefore, before buying keep in mind to check on the best shape for maximum efficiency.
- Warranty: A product with a warranty has the assurance that in case there is a quality issue within the specific period; you can get a replacement or money-back guarantee. Therefore before buying a check on the quality assurance of the cartridge. In case there is no warranty, the cartridge should have good customer support that you can rely on in case you need some questions answered.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 best phono cartridges in 2024. They come from different brands and have many differences in making as well as material and quality. However, despite the many differences, they have one common prime similarity and that ensuring they convey the best high-quality information to your ears. They are priced differently and for this reason, ensure you buy the best one within your budget. Additionally, pick the one with all the specifications you need for the fulfillment of your purpose.