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Best Audio Technica Cartridges
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
#2
Audio-Technica
Audio Technica AT33PTG/2 Dual Moving Coil Cartridge (Black/Silver)
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#3
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT 33 Sa Cartridge dual moving coil
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#4
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica VM740ML Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus Red
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#5
Audio-Technica
7%OFF
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML VM95 series Microlinear stereo cartridge Red
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#6
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica VMN60SLC Replacement stylus for VM760SLC Black
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#7
Audio-Technica
22%OFF
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E VM95 series Elliptical stereo cartridge Green
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#8
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red
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#9
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica AT-XP5/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo DJ Cartridge with Headshell Red
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#10
Audio-Technica
6%OFF
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH VM95 series Shibata stereo cartridge Brown
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Buying Guide for the Best Audio Technica Cartridges
Choosing the right Audio-Technica cartridge for your turntable is crucial for achieving the best sound quality and performance. Cartridges are responsible for converting the grooves on your vinyl records into electrical signals, which are then amplified and played through your speakers. The right cartridge can make a significant difference in the clarity, detail, and overall enjoyment of your music. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an Audio-Technica cartridge, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.Type of CartridgeCartridges come in two main types: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges are generally more affordable, have replaceable stylus, and are compatible with most phono preamps. They are a great choice for beginners and casual listeners. MC cartridges, on the other hand, offer superior sound quality and detail but are more expensive and require a compatible phono preamp. They are ideal for audiophiles and those seeking the highest fidelity.
Stylus ShapeThe shape of the stylus (needle) affects how well it can track the grooves of a record. Common shapes include conical, elliptical, and microlinear. Conical styli are the most basic and affordable, providing decent sound quality. Elliptical styli offer better tracking and sound quality, making them a good middle-ground option. Microlinear styli provide the best tracking and sound quality, capturing the most detail from your records, but they are also the most expensive. Choose a stylus shape based on your listening preferences and budget.
Tracking ForceTracking force is the downward pressure the stylus exerts on the record. It is measured in grams and can affect both sound quality and record wear. Too much tracking force can cause excessive wear on your records, while too little can result in poor tracking and sound quality. Most cartridges have a recommended tracking force range, typically between 1.5 to 2.5 grams. It's important to set the tracking force within this range to ensure optimal performance and longevity of both your records and stylus.
Output VoltageOutput voltage, measured in millivolts (mV), indicates the strength of the electrical signal produced by the cartridge. Higher output voltage cartridges (4-5 mV) are easier to match with a wider range of phono preamps and are less prone to noise. Lower output voltage cartridges (0.2-0.5 mV) often require specialized phono preamps with higher gain. If you have a standard phono preamp, a higher output voltage cartridge is generally more convenient. If you have a high-end system with a compatible preamp, a lower output voltage cartridge can offer superior sound quality.
ComplianceCompliance refers to the flexibility of the cartridge's suspension system and affects how well the stylus can track the record grooves. High compliance cartridges are more flexible and work best with low-mass tonearms, while low compliance cartridges are stiffer and pair well with high-mass tonearms. Matching the compliance of the cartridge with the tonearm mass is important for achieving optimal tracking and sound quality. Check your turntable's tonearm specifications to choose a cartridge with the appropriate compliance.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response indicates the range of frequencies a cartridge can reproduce, typically measured in Hertz (Hz). A wider frequency response range means the cartridge can reproduce more of the audio spectrum, resulting in better sound quality. For example, a cartridge with a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz can reproduce the full range of human hearing. Consider your listening preferences and the type of music you enjoy when evaluating frequency response. A wider range is generally better, but it's also important to consider other factors like stylus shape and compliance.