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The Cartridge & Stylus Guide
MM vs MC, stylus profiles, and the first upgrade that actually matters.
How cartridges recover sound, why the stylus profile matters as much as the badge, and where a cartridge upgrade pays off versus where it’s wasted on the deck beneath it. The single most upgrade-sensitive part of the chain.
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Asked & answered
MM vs MC — which cartridge for me?
Start with moving magnet (MM). It’s cheaper, has a user-replaceable stylus, and works with any phono stage. Moving coil (MC) can resolve more detail but costs more, needs a higher-gain MC input, and isn’t user-repairable. MC is an endgame move, not a first step.
What’s a good first cartridge upgrade?
From a bundled or entry cartridge, the Ortofon 2M Red or Nagaoka MP-110 is the classic first step — a clear jump in detail and tracking, in a standard half-inch mount that fits most decks. Upgrade the cartridge before the deck.
How often should I replace a stylus?
Rough rule: a conical or elliptical stylus is good for around 500–1,000 hours, finer profiles (microline, Shibata) longer. Watch for rising sibilance, distortion on inner grooves, or visible wear under magnification. When in doubt, a fresh stylus is cheap insurance for your records.
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