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Cartridge tales from stylus to speaker

Audio-Technica explain the vinyl cartridge

Audio-Technica explain the vinyl replay cartridge

Senior Technical Product Specialist at Audio-Technica, Darcy Archer, answers questions on the role of the cartridge in a record player.

For those new to vinyl playback, could you explain what a turntable cartridge is and its role in the overall sound quality? 

The cartridge is where our vinyl experience begins. It houses what people may know as the stylus or ‘needle’, along with components sometimes referred to as the generator. The stylus sits in the groove of the record, picks up physical vibrations and movements, and the generator converts this sound into electricity. This mirrors our speakers or headphones – a cartridge turns analogue vibrations into electricity, and at the other end of the process, a speaker turns electricity back into vibrations.

Regarding its importance, the ultimate performance potential of any record playing system is defined by the capabilities of its phono cartridge. Tonal balance, response range, clarity on musical peaks, stereo separation, and imaging, along with freedom from noise and distortion are all affected at the outset. The selection of this first component is critical to the full enjoyment of the rest of your system. Your choice of cartridge can also strongly affect the life of your records and with vinyl records becoming more and more difficult to replace, it’s an important point to keep in mind when selecting or replacing a cartridge.

Audio-Technica explain the vinyl cartridge
Darcy Archer

What factors should consumers consider when selecting a turntable cartridge for their record player? Are there specific models tailored to different types of music or playback preferences? 

Each cartridge and diamond tip design will provide a different tonal experience. However, it is not simple enough to say that one type works for one kind of music. It much rather the same as with headphones: which cartridge is right for you depends on personal preferences when listening to them.

Our microlinear diamond shape is a great choice for those looking to listen to older stereo vinyl or those who want an extremely detailed sound experience. Microlinear styli sit deeper in the record groove than any other diamond shape. Therefore, on old records, this allows it to access deeper parts of the groove that remain untouched from previous use, enabling you to hear the music as if brand new.

One important thing to mention is 78rpm shellac records. These are a particular kind of record produced from the beginning of the 20th century through to 1959. These records are mono and feature larger record grooves, and as a result they require a special cartridge design. For this very specific purpose, we produce the AT-VM95SP, VM670SP and AT-MONO3/SP.

Audio-Technica explain the vinyl cartridge

Can you walk us through the process of installing and setting up a turntable cartridge? Are there any tips or best practices you would recommend? 

Installing a turntable cartridge is a process best explained with the help of a form of visualisation. We’d therefore recommend a step-by-step guide in form of a video, for example. In addition, we do recommend the following tips and steps for when exchanging a cartridge:

Keep the stylus guard on during removal and fitting to avoid accidents.
Carefully remove the screws in the old cartridge.
Before removing any cables, take a photo of the cable connections on the tonearm and back of the old cartridge. Make sure that you know which wires go to which pin on the new cartridge.
Remove the cables on the old cartridge, then carefully fit them to the new cartridge and screw into place.
Balance the tonearm and apply recommended downforce.

Use a cartridge alignment protractor to check alignment; this is very important, particularly for Shibata (SH), Microlinear (ML) and Special Line Contact (SLC) styli. Adjust the cartridge’s position on the headshell to align. Best alignment requires listening to records and experimenting, not just visual adjustment.

How does the choice of turntable cartridge impact the overall sound reproduction and listening experience? 

The cartridge is where the sound reproduction happens. So, the entirety of what we hear is the direct result of the cartridge and its attributes. As a result, the cartridge you choose has a significant impact on the sound quality of your turntable, affecting the clarity, frequency response, and stereo separation of your vinyl.

Audio-Technica explain the vinyl cartridge

Can you provide an overview of how cartridges have evolved over the years?  

The first stereo vinyl records appeared in 1958, and Audio-Technica began with the release of our AT-1 moving-magnet cartridge in 1962.  So, from very early on, one of our priorities was to ensure the regular updates and upgrades for our customers in the realm of cartridges. When we released the innovative AT-35X in 1967, it featured our patented VM dual-magnet phono cartridge design, mirroring the vinyl cutting head, and bringing the home listening experience closer to the master, so how the recording was intended to sound.

In the 1970s, we explored the convenience of the replaceable styli on a moving coil cartridge, including the AT30 series. It saw the launch of a range of ‘Disco’ cartridges, with a higher output and stiffer suspension to allow for back cueing, responding to the music trends of the time.

In the 1980’s we started using Super PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) in our cartridges, giving the greatest purity and connectivity possible, as well as releasing the highly advanced AT1000, using a diamond cantilever for the first time.

We continued to explore new cartridge technology even after the CD gained in popularity, with products such as the AT-OC30 moving coil stereo cartridge launching in 1991, and into the 2000s with classics of our MC range such as the AT33 series.

Since the 2010s, when vinyl began to boom again, we renewed our focus on moving-magnet cartridges with the release of our VM and VM95 Series, making the application and upgrade of styli and cartridges easier to understand for the new vinyl audience, and well as the XP series DJ cartridges, continuing our journey of constantly improving, exploring and innovating.

What advancements or innovations have there been recently in the realm of turntable cartridges? 

Our AT-ART1000 (top of page) features the innovative Direct Power System, the only cartridge of its kind to achieve this engineering feat. The direct power system delivers unsurpassed transient response, resulting in reproduction of even the most subtle sonic details. Visually, this can be seen by looking at the stylus – unprecedentedly, the coils of the generator are positioned on the stylus very close to the diamond tip.

Audio-Technica explain the vinyl cartridge
Stylus before and after cleaning

How can customers prioritise durability and longevity when buying a cartridge? 

The most important part is to make sure that the cartridge you’re buying fits the sound system or the turntable you want to integrate it into. Once you have your new cartridge, make sure to:

Take care of your records, clean them regularly.
Take care of your cartridge, treat it with respect, clean it carefully. Put on the stylus guard between uses.
Ensure the tonearm is balanced and that downforce has been set correctly.

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