| Model | Mount | Freq. Resp. | Stylus | Tracking | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ortofon Concorde Night Club | integrated | 20-22kHz | E=elliptical S=spherical | 2-5 g | US $100 |
| Ortofon OM Night Club | standard | 20-22kHz | E=elliptical S=spherical | 2-5 g | US $80 |
| Stanton 500AL | standard | 20-17kHz | spherical | 2-5 g | US $25 |
| Stanton 680EL | standard | 20-18kHz | elliptical | 2-5 g | US $70 |
| Stanton 890AL | standard | 20-20kHz | spherical | 2-7 g | US $80 |
| Stanton Trackmaster AL-1 | integrated | 20-20kHz | spherical | 2-5 g | US $80 |
| Stanton Trackmaster EL-1 | integrated | 20-20kHz | elliptical | 2-5 g | US $100 |
DJ turntables, including the Technics 1200 series, come with blank headshells that fit on the end of the universal S-shaped tonearms. Standard mount cartridges are wired and bolted onto the headshells. Newer style cartridges, like the Ortofon Concorde, have integrated headshells that fit directly into the tonearm, free of any wiring or bolting.
The sound quality of a cartridge is usually measured by its frequency response specs. When a record is playing, the stylus vibrates in the groove and the cartridge generates small output voltage that gets amplified by the rest of the sound system. A cartridge capable of playing back a larger frequency range will sound better than one that has a more limited range. Stylus shape also affects how a cartridge sounds and how it rides the groove. In general, choose elliptical for better sound, and spherical for better tracking and a little less record wear. Tracking force denotes the weight range that can be properly applied to the cartridge and stylus.
Prices will vary depending upon what sort of package you buy and where you shop. All cartridges come with at least one stylus. If a cartridge doesn't come with an extra stylus, consider buying a spare for any emergency situations. Stanton 500, 680, and 890 cartridges also come in matched pairs (apparently matched in tonal quality & output) and 3-packs too. Most stores that carry turntables and other DJ equipment will have some selection of cartridges for sale. Needle Doctor claims to have the world's largest selection of needles and cartridges.
(If your browser doesn't show the table above, see the text version.)
Info mixed by Gerry Villareal, gerryv@massive.com.
Welcoming corrections, additions, and comments.
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