When it comes to producing sounds from your turntable, there are some crucial parts that will play an important role in this. Specifically, then turntable cartridge, as well as the stylus itself, have an important role to play. Now, what exactly is the turntable cartridge and what is it used for? Similarly, what is the exact role of the stylus? Let’s find out!
What Is A Turntable Cartridge
The turntable cartridge, otherwise also known as the phono cartridge, acts as a pickup. When the stylus in the phono cartridge moves across the groove, it will vibrate a cantilever, which in turn move around a magnetic field that is generated in the process. This entire movement will produce an electric signal. Normally, the electric signal by itself is useless. It will need to be converted to another signal by using the Phono Preamp, which will then connect to a receiver or an amplifier before a sound is being produced.
There are actually two types of cartridge, namely the moving magnet (MM) cartridge or the moving coil (MC) cartridge. Each of them is different in its own way
Moving magnet cartridge: The stylus moves across the moving magnet, which will cause an induction, thus producing a voltage in the wire that is placed near it. This movement creates the signal that is being picked up by the phono preamp.
Moving coil cartridge: For this case, the coils are the one that moves, and the magnet does not. Since coils are lighter than the magnet, you can expect the MC cartridge to be much lighter. This means that most of the time, MCs are much more expensive than the MM cartridges.
Best Turntable Cartridge Under $300
Now that we know the differences, why not let’s dig a little deeper to find out which is the best turntable cartridge that will cost under $300.
#1: Clearaudio Concept MM Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge
#2: Grado Prestige Gold2 Cartridge – Standard Mount
#3: Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
#4: Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
#5: Audio-Technica AT95E
Clearaudio Concept MM Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge
The Clearaudio Concept MM Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge
Clearaudio’s expertise in creating phono cartridges dates back to the late 70s. As such, they are widely respected in the turntable industry, and they are able to consistently produce high-quality items at a fraction of its price.
At least for the case of the Clearaudio Concept MM Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge, Clearaudio has created a unique MM phono cartridge that can dampen vibrations. This is made possible by the layer of ceramic that envelopes the entire phono cartridge itself.
Here are the key stats of the Clearaudio Concept MM Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge
| Type | MM Phono Cartridge |
| Mass | 4.8 ounces |
| Removable Stylus | No |
| Mount | Standard |
| Cantilever: Aluminium Weight | 10.0 g |
The perfectly balanced weight, as well as the cantilever, is attractive to many. However, one downside is that it does not allow yourself to replace the stylus if it is being damaged.
Grado Prestige Gold2 Cartridge – Standard Mount
One of the lightest phono cartridges that you can find, the Grado Prestige Gold2 Cartridge is a standard mounted, and it works on most turntables too.
We all know how popular the Grada brand is, given that it is highly popular in the inner circles as being renowned for designing products of the highest of quality. An MM cartridge, the entire design is specifically catered to producing low vibration and hence lesser resonance.
Indeed, this phono cartridge that costs less than $300 is perfect for tonearm that is low in weight. This makes listening on the turntable an incredible one, given that the production of sound is smooth, and the sound itself is so rich!
In fact, the Gold2 is completely assembled by hand, and the tone itself is extremely balanced. You will be able to hear all the instruments in the orchestra clearly. This is possible due to its own unique coil winding techniques as well as using copper wires that are ultra high in purity.
Here are some stats of the Grado Prestige Gold2 Cartridge.
| Type | MM Phono Cartridge |
| Mass | 0.8 ounces |
| Removable Stylus | Yes |
| Mount | Standard |
Should you ever need to replace your phono cartridge, you can never go wrong with the Grado Prestige Gold2 Cartridge!
Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
An upgrade to the OM Series of Moving Magnet cartridges, the 2M MM cartridge is able to intergrade the latest technology into this small little package. While it is touted as the best entry level turntable cartridge, it will still fit well into most high end Hi-Fi set up too.
The design of the cartridge enables a super flat frequency response, hence literally mimicking the MC cartridge. The E stylus is able to track the grooves accurately, and the weight and size of this cartridge will be able to fit into most turntables.
Here are some stats of the Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
| Type | MM Phono Cartridge |
| Mass | 0.32 ounces |
| Removable Stylus | Yes |
| Mount | Standard |
For a budget turntable cartridge, the Ortofon 2m Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
The Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
Shure has constantly produced high-quality items, and the M97XE never disappoint us either. It has a smooth tracking cartridge that does not distort sound at all. In particular, it is able to produce sounds at the high-frequency range without breaking up at all. And this is possible because of Shure’s unique Type II aluminum alloy cantilever which is extremely low in mass. Together with the dynamic stabilizer, you can expect to have close to zero vibrations on the turntable itself.
Here are some stats of the Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
| Type | MM Phono Cartridge |
| Mass | 0.32 ounces |
| Removable Stylus | Yes |
| Mount | Standard |
We particularly like the fact that there is a Dynamic Stabilizer Brush that really helps to reduce resonance in the turntable itself. As every audiophile will know, this will help to produce sounds that is extremely smooth.
Audio-Technica AT95E
The Audio-Technica AT95E is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge designed for use with turntables. It is a very popular cartridge among audiophiles and is highly regarded for its excellent performance, affordability, and versatility.
One of the key features of the AT95E is its elliptical stylus, which is designed to track the grooves of a record accurately and with minimal distortion. The stylus is made from diamond and is mounted on a sturdy cantilever, which helps to reduce resonance and improve tracking ability.
The AT95E also features a dual-magnet design, which helps to produce a high output and a wide frequency response. This means that the cartridge is capable of reproducing a wide range of music with excellent clarity and detail.
The cartridge has a recommended tracking force of between 1.5 and 2.5 grams, which makes it compatible with a wide range of turntables. It also has a relatively low output impedance of 47k ohms, which means that it can be used with a wide range of amplifiers and preamps.
One thing to keep in mind is that the AT95E is not the most durable cartridge on the market. It is relatively sensitive and can be damaged if mishandled or improperly installed. However, with proper care and maintenance, it should last for many years.
Here are some stats of the Audio-Technica AT95E.
| Type | Moving magnet (MM) cartridge. |
| Mass | 5.7 grams |
| Removable Stylus | Yes |
| Mount | Standard |
Overall, the Audio-Technica AT95E is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality phonograph cartridge at an affordable price. It is versatile, reliable, and capable of delivering excellent sound quality across a wide range of musical genres.
Tips On Choosing Turntable Cartridge
When it comes to choosing a new turntable cartridge, there are actually several things that you would need to consider. Also, you might need to figure out if you need to change the cartridege itself, or you need to change the stylus. in some of the cartreidges, you are able to change the stylus!
Mass Of Turntable Cartridge
If you intend to change the entire cartridge, you will need to find another cartridge whose mass is completely compatible with the tonearm on the turntable itself. Typically, when you purchase the turntable or the tonearm, it will indicate the maximum and minimum weight that the tonearm can take. The mass of the turntable cartridge is important in maintaining a correct balance, so that the stylus will be able to track the grooves on the vinyl records
MC Or MM Cartridge
Of course, you will need to decide the exact type of turntable cartridge that you will need, which is either the MC or MM turntable cartridge. Note that for MC cartridges, they usually do not have the option of replacing the stylus. Hence, if ever the stylus gets damaged, you will need to purchase an entirely new turntable cartridge. Always check the turntable itself, as they sometimes have a very specific type of turntable cartridge that will work with it.
Stylus
If your intention is to change the stylus itself, then you will need to check out the shape of the stylus. There are various shapes, and one particular example is the spherical tip stylus in the cartridge itself. While it might be the cheapest of all the removable stylus, it won’t be able to track the grooves on the vinyl as well as the line or elliptical stylus. However, due to the concept behind the design, the spherical tip stylus does have the longest lifespan. Usually, you will need to find the correct balance between more surface contact vs longevity of the stylus itself.
FAQs
Q: What is a turntable cartridge?
A: A turntable cartridge is a component of a vinyl player that houses the stylus (needle) and converts the vibrations of the stylus into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through speakers.
Q: What is the difference between a moving magnet and a moving coil cartridge?
A: Moving magnet cartridges use a magnet to generate the electrical signal, while moving coil cartridges use a coil. Moving coil cartridges are generally more expensive and offer higher fidelity, while moving magnet cartridges are more affordable and easier to set up.
Q: How often should I replace my turntable cartridge?
A: It depends on how often you use your turntable and the quality of the cartridge. On average, a turntable cartridge can last anywhere from 500 to 1000 hours of playing time. However, it’s important to keep an eye (and ear) on the sound quality and replace the cartridge when you notice a decline in performance.
Q: Can I upgrade my turntable cartridge?
A: Yes, you can upgrade your turntable cartridge to improve the sound quality of your vinyl player. However, it’s important to make sure that the new cartridge is compatible with your turntable and tonearm before making any changes.
Conclusion
Finding the best turntable cartridge under $300 can be a challenging task, but with the options we’ve highlighted, you can rest assured that you’ll get excellent sound quality without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a versatile and natural sound or a high-end cartridge with exceptional clarity, there’s a cartridge on our list that will suit your needs. Remember to take care of your cartridge and replace it when needed to ensure that you get the best sound from your vinyl player.
