STACK #261 July 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Stylus lifespan A stylus won't last forever.

mount, which uses two screws to attach the cartridge to the headshell. The other is the P-mount system,

Depending on its profile and how well records are maintained, most styli deliver between 500 and 2,000 hours of playback before wear begins to affect sound quality.

found on some entry level and plug-and-play turntables. As the name suggests, it simply plugs

Often, the unsung hero in your vinyl journey is the cartridge. It can make the difference between an album sounding good and sounding outstanding. Words Paul Jones Needle Knowledge

into the tonearm, making

installation quick and easy.

Why upgrade your cartridge?

If you're looking to improve your turntable's sound, a cartridge upgrade can deliver one of the biggest gains without replacing the entire deck. A better cartridge can reveal more texture in vocals, improve instrument separation, and create a wider, more immersive stereo image. High frequencies become cleaner, bass gains definition, and records often sound quieter because the stylus tracks the groove more accurately. It's one of those upgrades that's immediately

noticeable – the moment the needle drops, your favourite records can sound more detailed, dynamic, and alive. Choosing the right cartridge Compatibility should always be your starting point. Your turntable's mounting system and tonearm characteristics will determine which cartridges are suitable. Stylus profile also plays a major role. Conical styli are the most forgiving and affordable, making them ideal for casual listening. Elliptical designs offer improved detail and tracking performance, while advanced profiles such as MicroLine or Shibata can retrieve even more information from the groove while typically offering Think of them as good, better, and audiophile-grade options. The final word

Before diamond became the standard stylus material, record players relied on steel needles that often wore out after a single play. Manufacturers experimented with sapphire, bamboo, and even cactus thorns before diamond's durability and superior performance made it the material of choice. Back in the beginning

What does a cartridge actually do?

compatible with most phono stages. Another advantage is that the stylus can usually be replaced without changing the entire cartridge, making them a practical long-term choice. Moving Coil cartridges sit at the more specialised end of the spectrum. Favoured by audiophiles, they're capable of extracting greater detail, nuance, and dynamics from a record. The trade-off is cost. MC cartridges are generally more expensive, often require a dedicated phono preamp, and when the stylus wears out, the whole cartridge typically needs replacing.

A turntable cartridge might be small, but it's one of the most important components in your record setup. Mounted at the end of the tonearm, it houses the stylus—the tiny diamond tip that rides the grooves of your records. As the stylus traces those microscopic

grooves, the cartridge converts the resulting vibrations into an electrical signal. That signal is then amplified

and sent to your speakers as music. In other words, the cartridge is the crucial link between your records and

what you hear. The better the cartridge, the more accurately it can reproduce the information hidden in the groove. MM and MC: What's the difference? Most cartridges fall into one of two categories: Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC). Moving Magnet cartridges are the most common and are found on most turntables. They're affordable, reliable, easy to install, and

longer lifespan.

Think of MM as the dependable daily driver and MC as the high-performance sports car. For most listeners, a quality MM

cartridge is the ideal place to start. How do they attach?

The best cartridge is one that matches both your equipment and your expectations. Installing a

There are two common mounting systems. The most widespread is the standard half-inch

high-end Moving Coil cartridge on an entry-level turntable rarely makes sense, just as a serious hi-fi enthusiast may find an entry-level cartridge limiting. Ultimately, choosing the right cartridge comes down to compatibility, budget, and listening habits. Get it right and you'll unlock more of what's already sitting in your record collection – a richer, more engaging sound that brings you closer to the music.

Cleaning your stylus

To clean a stylus, gently brush from back to front using a dedicated stylus brush or cleaning gel. Avoid brushing side-to-side or toward the cartridge, as this can damage the delicate cantilever. Regular cleaning helps maintain sound quality and tracking performance.

42 JULY 2026

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