Ortofon VNL TRIX Premounted on SH-2 (DJ System)

The Ortofon VNL TRIX Premounted is a DJ cartridge with a spherical stylus that comes factory-mounted on the new Ortofon SH-2 headshell and is built for scratching and back-cueing.

The white stylus glows under UV light – in the half-dark of a DJ booth you'll find your cue point faster than with a phone torch clamped between your teeth.

Why the VNL TRIX?

Because it's made for work on the platter. The spherical stylus on a rigid aluminium cantilever and Ortofon's rubber suspension take hard punishment, and 100 µm trackability keeps the stylus in the groove even during fast movements. 10 mV output delivers plenty of level – handy with loud club and stage systems. The SH-2 headshell is designed for stability and durability, and its mounting screws have Torx T8 heads.

What you get

A strong, assertive signal and a cartridge that doesn't get nervous when you scratch. With a total weight of 17 g including headshell, it sits firmly in the tonearm. When the stylus eventually wears out, you only swap the insert (Stylus VNL TRIX) – body and headshell stay as they are.

Who is the VNL TRIX for?

For scratch DJs, turntablists and anyone who back-cues a lot. Straight talk: The spherical tip is optimised for durability, not for the last bit of detail. If you mainly play long mixes or listen attentively at home, the VNL DANCE is the better choice – it costs a little more but sounds more refined.

Our verdict

The workhorse of the new VNL generation, ready mounted on the SH-2: lots of level, lots of groove hold, no airs and graces. At a fair price for anyone who'd rather have their hands on the vinyl than on a screwdriver.

Technical specifications

• Type: DJ cartridge, premounted on headshell (bayonet/SME connection)
• Headshell: Ortofon SH-2, black (mounting screws with Torx T8 head)
• Stylus tip: spherical diamond, radius 18 µm
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Coil system: quad coils, OFC wire
• Output voltage: 10 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended tracking force: 4.0 g
• Trackability: 100 µm (315 Hz)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (±3 dB)
• Channel separation: 22 dB (1 kHz)
• Compliance (dynamic, lateral): 12 µm/mN
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
• Weight: 17 g (cartridge incl. headshell)
• Colour: black body, white stylus (UV-fluorescent), black headshell
• Replacement stylus: Stylus VNL TRIX
• In the box: VNL TRIX cartridge, factory-mounted on SH-2 headshell

Frequently asked questions

Is the VNL TRIX suitable for scratching?

Yes, that's exactly what it's designed for. The spherical stylus with rigid aluminium cantilever and 100 µm trackability stays reliably in the groove even during scratches and back-cueing. With 10 mV output, it also delivers enough level so that your mixer input doesn't have to work flat out.

What is the SH-2 headshell?

The SH-2 is Ortofon's new universal headshell in black, designed for stability, durability and broad compatibility with common turntables. It attaches to the S-shaped tonearm via the standard bayonet (SME) connection. The screws holding the cartridge have Torx T8 heads – a suitable T8 screwdriver is all you need.

Can I also listen to records at home with the VNL TRIX?

Yes, Ortofon explicitly recommends it for everyday playback and relaxed listening as well. It runs on any ordinary MM phono input at 47 kOhm. If fine detail is your main priority at home, though, the VNL DANCE with its elliptical stylus is the better choice – the TRIX is primarily tuned for durability.

Why buy the VNL TRIX Premounted from HD Zürisee?

Because you can ask someone before you order: does the headshell suit your tonearm, is the level right for your mixer, TRIX or DANCE? The HD Zürisee team in Wädenswil advises you personally – by phone on +41 44 680 22 00 or via WhatsApp on 076 534 22 00.

Goes well with

More cartridges for your second deck, a phono preamp for your hi-fi system and useful turntable accessories.