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Phono Cartridges

10 Best Phono Cartridges 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Ortofon

9.9 score

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The Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their vinyl listening experience. One of its standout features is the Nude Elliptical diamond stylus, which allows for improved dynamics and detail in sound reproduction compared to the Ortofon 2M Red. This cartridge is designed for universal fit, making it compatible with most turntables, which adds to its appeal for both beginners and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Stylus Shape
The Blue stylus enhances the listening experience by reducing surface noise and providing a more lush and responsive sound, especially in the mid and high ranges.
#2
9.8 score

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

9%OFF

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Audio-Technica

9.8 score

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The Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit offers a notable performance for vinyl enthusiasts. As a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, it provides easier compatibility with a wide range of phono preamps and headshells. The MicroLine stylus stands out in its ability to trace record grooves with high precision, yielding detailed and clear playback. This stylus shape is particularly adept at minimizing wear on records and enhancing longevity, which is a significant advantage for collectors and frequent listeners alike.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Stylus Shape
This stylus completely eliminated inner groove distortion, making records sound smoother, clearer, crisper, and more alive.
Tracking Force
Installing the cartridge was simple, and with a quick recalibration of the tonearm balance and tracking force, it transformed a midrange turntable into a high-end performer.
#3
9.7 score

Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Ortofon

9.7 score

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The Ortofon 2M Red is a Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridge, making it suitable for a wide range of turntables and a great choice for those looking to upgrade from stock cartridges. Its elliptical diamond stylus is designed to deliver precise sound reproduction, with an open and dynamic character and a slight touch of warmth that many users appreciate.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Stylus Shape
The highly polished elliptical stylus offers a smoother, quieter ride, especially forgiving on older records with groove wear and grunge.
Output Voltage
The increased voltage of 5.5 volts provides serious volume, especially beneficial if you don't have a very strident amplifier.

Top 10 Best Phono Cartridges 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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Ortofon

Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Type (MM vs. MC): Moving Magnet
Stylus Shape: Nude Elliptical
Output Voltage: 5 Millivolts

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Chosen by 1468 this week

#2

9.8 score

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Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Type (MM vs. MC): MM
Stylus Shape: MicroLine
Tracking Force: 2.0 grams
Output Voltage: 4.0 mV

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9% OFF
#3

9.7 score

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Ortofon

Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Type (MM vs. MC): MM
Stylus Shape: elliptical

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#4

9.5 score

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Ortofon

Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Type (MM vs. MC): Moving Magnet
Stylus Shape: Shibata diamond

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#5

9.3 score

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Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT85EP Turntable Cartridge with Elliptical Stylus P Mount

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#6

9.1 score

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Ortofon

Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Type (MM vs. MC): Moving Magnet
Stylus Shape: Nude Fine Line

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#7

8.9 score

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Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Orange

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7% OFF
#8

8.6 score

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Ortofon

Ortofon Concorde Music Red Phono Cartridge | Tool-Free Installation on S-shaped Tone Arms | Red/Black

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#9

8.4 score

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Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge with 0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical Stylus

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17% OFF
#10

8.2 score

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Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Brown

Type (MM vs. MC): MM
Stylus Shape: Shibata

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Buying Guide for the Best Phono Cartridges

Choosing the right phono cartridge is essential for getting the best sound quality from your turntable. A phono cartridge is the component that holds the stylus (needle) and converts the vibrations from the grooves of a vinyl record into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through speakers. The right cartridge can make a significant difference in the clarity, warmth, and overall enjoyment of your vinyl records. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a phono cartridge.
Type (MM vs. MC)Phono cartridges come in two main types: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges are generally more affordable, have replaceable styli, and are compatible with most phono preamps. They are a good 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 serious vinyl enthusiasts. Choose MM if you are looking for ease of use and affordability, and MC if you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in additional equipment.
Stylus ShapeThe shape of the stylus affects how well it tracks the grooves of a record and the level of detail it can extract. Common shapes include conical, elliptical, and microline. Conical styli are the most basic and affordable, providing decent sound quality but less detail. Elliptical styli offer better tracking and more detail, making them a good middle-ground option. Microline styli provide the highest level of detail and tracking accuracy but are also the most expensive. Choose a conical stylus for casual listening, an elliptical stylus for a balance of quality and cost, and a microline stylus for the best possible sound quality.
Tracking ForceTracking force is the downward pressure the stylus exerts on the record. It is measured in grams and affects both sound quality and record wear. Too little tracking force can cause the stylus to skip, while too much can damage the record. Most cartridges have a recommended tracking force range, typically between 1.5 and 3 grams. For optimal performance, set the tracking force within the manufacturer's recommended range. If you are unsure, start in the middle of the range and adjust as needed based on sound quality and tracking stability.
ComplianceCompliance refers to the flexibility of the stylus suspension and affects how well the cartridge can track the grooves of a record. High-compliance cartridges are more flexible and better suited for low-mass tonearms, while low-compliance cartridges are stiffer and work better with high-mass tonearms. Matching the compliance of the cartridge to the tonearm is crucial for optimal performance. Check your turntable's tonearm specifications and choose a cartridge with a compliance rating that matches. If you are unsure, consult the turntable's manual or seek advice from a knowledgeable dealer.
Output VoltageOutput voltage is the electrical signal strength produced by the cartridge and is measured in millivolts (mV). Higher output voltage cartridges produce a stronger signal, which can be beneficial for reducing noise and improving signal-to-noise ratio. MM cartridges typically have higher output voltages (4-6 mV) compared to MC cartridges (0.2-0.5 mV). Ensure that your phono preamp can handle the output voltage of your chosen cartridge. If you have a standard phono preamp, an MM cartridge with higher output voltage is a safe choice. For MC cartridges, make sure your preamp has sufficient gain to amplify the lower output signal.

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