David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesSarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesSarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
Fitting a cartridge onto a headshell is important in setting up your turntable for optimal performance. A well-installed cartridge ensures accurate tracking and sound reproduction while minimizing wear on your vinyl records. In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to properly fit a cartridge on a headshell, a table comparing different cartridges, and some statistics related to turntables and vinyl records.
- Tools and Materials Needed
- Types of Cartridges
- Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting a Cartridge on a Headshell
- Comparison Table: Popular Cartridge Types
- Turntable and Vinyl Record Statistics
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting the installation process, gather the following tools and materials:
- Turntable with removable headshell
- Cartridge and stylus
- Small flathead screwdriver or hex key (depending on the cartridge and headshell)
- Cartridge alignment protractor (optional for fine-tuning alignment)
- Scale (optional for setting tracking force)
Types of Cartridges: There are two main types of phono cartridges
Moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). Both types have pros and cons, with MM cartridges being more common and affordable, while MC cartridges generally provide better sound quality at a higher price.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting a Cartridge on a Headshell
- Remove the headshell from the turntable’s tonearm if it is not detached.
- Carefully hold the cartridge, making sure not to touch the stylus.
- Align the mounting holes of the cartridge with the slots on the headshell.
- Insert the screws provided with the cartridge through the headshell slots and into the mounting holes of the cartridge. Do not tighten the screws completely yet.
- Connect the four colored headshell wires to the corresponding pins on the back of the cartridge. The colors and pins typically correspond as follows: red (right positive), white (left positive), green (right ground), and blue (left ground).
- Once the wires are connected, gently tighten the screws to secure the cartridge to the headshell. Do not overtighten, as this may damage the cartridge.
- Reattach the headshell to the turntable’s tonearm and lock it in place.
- Adjust the tracking force and anti-skate settings according to the cartridge manufacturer’s recommendations.
- If desired, use a cartridge alignment protractor to fine-tune the cartridge’s alignment for optimal tracking and sound reproduction.
Comparison Table: Popular Cartridge Types
Cartridge Type
Sound Quality
Price
Compatibility with Turntables
Moving Magnet (MM)
Good
Affordable
Widely compatible
Moving Coil (MC)
Better
Expensive
Requires compatible preamp
Turntable and Vinyl Record Statistics
As previously mentioned, vinyl record sales in the United States increased by 28.7% from 2019 to 2020, reaching $619.6 million in revenue. The continued growth of the vinyl market has led to increased interest in turntables and related accessories, such as cartridges and headshells. While limited statistical data is available on the sales of cartridges and headshells specifically, the rising popularity of vinyl records suggests a growing demand for these components.
Summary
Fitting a cartridge onto a headshell is essential in setting up your turntable for optimal performance. The process involves:
- Aligning the cartridge’s mounting holes with the headshell slots.
- Attaching the wires.
- Securing the cartridge with screws.
Moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges are the two main phono cartridges, with MM being more common and affordable, while MC typically offers better sound quality. The growth of the vinyl market has led to increased interest in turntables and related accessories, such as cartridges and headshells. Proper cartridge installation ensures accurate tracking and sound reproduction, as well as preserving the condition of your vinyl records.