Collection: Cartridges

A cartridge is the system with the stylus that tracks the groove of a record and converts that motion into an electrical signal.

It's the most direct contact with the music in the groove and shapes the sound of a vinyl setup more than almost any other component.

Why the cartridge is so crucial

Because this is where the music is literally traced: any nuance the stylus doesn't capture is lost afterwards. A good cartridge extracts more resolution, dynamics and quietness from the record while also being gentler on it, when correctly aligned.

What matters

Design – MM or MC – stylus profile, and the match to tonearm and phono stage all play a role. You'll find cartridges from Ortofon, Audio Technica, Clearaudio and more at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, professionally mounted and aligned. Because a cartridge without clean alignment stays below its potential.

Which cartridge suits whom? (Plain talk)

MM systems are uncomplicated, cheaper and easy to change the stylus on; MC systems resolve more finely but cost more and need a matching phono stage. Plain talk: an expensive MC on a simple system is wasted. We recommend based on your setup, not on prestige.

Our verdict

The cartridge is the single biggest sound lever in vinyl, and the one that demands the most care. Tell us your tonearm and phono stage, and we'll find the cartridge that matches, then mount and align it professionally.

Common questions

What's the difference between MM and MC?

MM stands for Moving Magnet, MC for Moving Coil. MM systems are cheaper, more robust and their stylus is usually replaceable. MC systems resolve more finely but are more expensive and need a matching phono stage. What makes sense for you depends on the whole setup.

Does every cartridge fit my tonearm?

Not every one. Weight and stylus compliance need to match the tonearm's effective mass so the resonance frequency is right. Otherwise the sound suffers. Tell us your tonearm and we'll recommend a cartridge that harmonises with it, and align it to match.

When do I need to replace the cartridge or the stylus?

The stylus wears down, depending on the type after roughly a few hundred to over a thousand hours. A worn stylus sounds worse and damages the record. With MM systems you often just replace the stylus, with MC the whole system. We'll check that for you.

Does a cartridge need to be aligned?

Yes, and carefully: tracking force, overhang, azimuth and anti-skating determine sound and how gently the record is treated. Over time, a skewed alignment shows – both audibly and visibly on the record. With us, the cartridge is professionally mounted and set up.

Why buy a cartridge at HD Zürisee?

Because a cartridge only shows its potential with the right matching and precise alignment, and that's exactly our craft. We choose to match tonearm and phono stage, mount and align, with our own technician. Honest advice by Lake Zurich in Wädenswil, listening sessions where possible.

Goes well with

Find the matching tonearm and turntable with us, and the necessary amplification at the phono preamps. The full overview is at All Sources.