We all love the turntables. If not, why would you be on this site? In any case, turntables itself is good, but only if they are being paired with the correct components. One such component is the phono cartridge. For those who are not in the know, a phono cartridge is a device that helps to convert vibrational energy to an electric signal. This will, in turn, be responsible for the sound that you hear from the turntable.
While some turntables do come with a phono cartridge, not all of them are good enough to produce sweet sounds that can reverb through the hall. As such, manufacturers have ensured that these phono cartridges be allowed to be changed out to another phono cartridge that is deemed better by its user.
Understanding Phono Cartridges
A phono cartridge consists of a stylus (needle) that sits in the record’s grooves and a body that holds the stylus and generates the electrical signal. There are two main types of phono cartridges: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC).
MM cartridges are more common and affordable. They have a replaceable stylus and a higher output, which makes them easier to match with most phono preamps. MC cartridges, on the other hand, have a lower output and require a specialized phono preamp or step-up transformer. MC cartridges are typically more expensive and require more maintenance, but they offer superior sound quality.
However, it is a pity that not all phono cartridges are cheap. Indeed, there are quite a bit in the expensive range. Of course, there are still some phono cartridge that will not cause too much damage on the pockets and still be able to produce sounds that will wow you. If your budget is below 200, then you have come to the correct place.
Best Phono Cartridge Under 200
#1: Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
#2: Audio-Technica VM520EB
#3: Audio-Technica VM530EN
#4: Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
#5: Ortofon – Super OM10 MM Phono Cartridge
Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
The Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge is truly a godsent phono cartridge that will bring most audiophiles to their knees. The sound that it produces is extremely smooth and sweet to the ears, and you can expect non-distorted sound throughout the whole time. Time to bring out your old records for a good time!
The reason why the playing can be this smooth is that of the precise tracking ability that this phono cartridge has. Also, with its own unique Type II low mass thin wall aluminum alloy stylus cantilever, you can expect that the tracking across the record is smoother than a baby’s skin.
If you are looking at playing records that have notes in the higher frequency, then this will be the best phono cartridge under 200 for you.
Audio-Technica VM520EB Dual Moving Magnet Elliptical Bonded Stereo Turntable Cartridge
The Audio-Technica VM520EB may seem pretty normal, but the sound that can be produced by this phono cartridge is truly pleasing to the ears. Of course, with a price below 200, you can expect that the sound cannot rival that of the more expensive phono cartridges. Except not.
The VM520EB uses dual magnets to match the left and right channels, hence being able to produce stereo-like sound. Also, there is an excellent channel separation as well as having the ability to reproduce sounds of varying frequencies. In order to do this, it uses the elliptical bonded stylus that helps to track the record. Given its material, the entire process is smooth. Hence, you can expect a smooth playing of your favorite records.
Did we not mention that the VM520EB produces one of the lowest rumbling sounds that you can find for phono cartridges under 200? This will ensure that the playback of the records is as smooth as possible.
Audio-Technica VM530EN Dual Moving Magnet Elliptical Stylus Stereo Turntable Cartridge
While the Audio-Technica VM530EN is very similar to the VM530EB, you will notice that the main difference is the stylus itself. The VM530EN uses a nude stylus that helps to smoothen the entire playback process.
Indeed, the nude stylus is key in ensuring that the execution mass of the vibration system is reduced to a level that it is barely noticeable at all, hence giving you the fullest of sound. For phono cartridges lower than 200 dollars, you can never find one with this quality in it.
Of course, other than the stylus, the rest of the specs are pretty much the same for both phono cartridges.
Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
We all know the quality of Ortofon products, so it is inevitable that we had to include the Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Ortofon 2M Red is one of the top-selling moving magnet cartridges that you can find on Amazon itself. It is touted as the best entry level phono cartridge because of its affordability yet having the ability to play sounds that are fitting for most turntables.
We love the design of this phono cartridge as well as its ability to read the grooves accurately. This is enabled by the elliptical diamond stylus that tracks through the record effortlessly like the ballet dancer on ice!
Ortofon – Super OM10 MM Phono Cartridge
Last but not least, we have the Ortofon – Super OM10 MM Phono Cartridge
The body, as well as the internal structure, is standard across the super OM series of phono cartridges. The main difference here will be the stylus. For the case of the OM10 cartridge, it uses an elliptical stylus that will be able to smoothly glide through the record and recording each grove accurately to convert the energy to sound waves.
Truly an amazing product, and it is also the cheapest of the entire lot that we had reviewed!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phono Cartridge
When shopping for a phono cartridge, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key considerations:
- Compatibility: Make sure the cartridge is compatible with your turntable’s tonearm and mounting system.
- Stylus Shape: The shape of the stylus affects the way it tracks the grooves of the record. Elliptical and Shibata styli offer better tracking and fidelity than conical or spherical styli.
- Tracking Force: The amount of weight the stylus exerts on the record’s grooves is known as tracking force. It’s essential to use the correct tracking force for your cartridge to prevent damage to your records and ensure optimal sound quality.
- Output: The output level determines how much voltage the cartridge generates. A higher output level is easier to match with most phono preamps, while a lower output level requires a specialized phono preamp or step-up transformer.
- Sound Quality: The most critical factor in choosing a phono cartridge is sound quality. Look for a cartridge that delivers accurate, detailed, and balanced sound across the frequency range.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a phono cartridge that’s more expensive than my turntable?
A: Yes, you can. However, it’s important to make sure that the phono cartridge is compatible with your turntable and that your turntable’s tonearm can handle the weight and tracking force of the cartridge.
Q: How often should I replace my phono cartridge?
A: It depends on how often you use your turntable and how well you take care of your records. In general, a phono cartridge should be replaced every 500-1000 hours of use.
Q: Can I upgrade my phono cartridge without upgrading my turntable?
A: Yes, you can. Upgrading your phono cartridge can make a significant difference in the sound quality of your turntable setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of excellent phono cartridges available for audiophiles on a budget. Whether you’re looking for clarity, warmth, balance, or detail, the five phono cartridges we’ve covered in this article are all great choices.
While there are certainly more expensive phono cartridges available that offer even higher levels of performance, these options offer excellent value for their price point. So if you’re looking to upgrade your turntable setup without breaking the bank, be sure to check out the best phono cartridges under $200.
