How to Replace Your Phono Cartridge | Crutchfield

[@Bowie2765]

Great video. Just one little detail. You’ll need to check the tracking force again you moved the cartridge when you adjusted the overhang.

[@mercury8180]

That is the first tonearm that I have seen where the cartridge tags can be removed and replaced by hand. Normally the cartridge is unscrewed from the headshell first as that way the cartridge tags are more accessible and therefore more easily removed with the benefit of less pressure on the tonearm. Cartridge tracking weight and bias are the very last things to be done once everything is correctly positioned and torqued. You almost nearly got it right.

[@SpeakerBuilder]

Two important details missing here: first, when using the protractor, be sure the needle sets on the center line before checking and setting the cartridge angle in each of the two positions, and second, and this was a MAJOR BLUNDER, once the cartridge has been aligned using the protractor, as is often the case, the cartridge had to be shifted forwards or rearwards on the tonearm, and this changed the stylus pressure and so this needs to be set at the end, and did not need to be done beforehand except for a rough setting just to get the tonearm to fall to the platter for setting the cartridge angle with the protractor. Looks like another viewer noted this below.

[@brownjonathan86]

This was the most important hands on video with the Ultradeck I’ve seen for beginners. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome, Jonathan. Are you using a Mobile Fidelity UltraDeck? How are you liking it?

[@campmark50]

Do not attempt this unless you have the hands of a surgeon. Quite possibly the single most frustrating task on earth. Aligning and balancing is easy. Getting the cartridge on the head shell? Forget it. Call a surgeon.

[@BUF-vr5cr]

Definitely nerve wracking :)

[@golds04]

If you have the hands of a surgeon- I strongly suggest: you return them. 😂

[@noelwiggles9788]

Finally a good explanation of stylus overhang and how to adjust it

[@kasenahmir3143]

you all probably dont give a damn but does any of you know of a way to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot my account password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@mordechaisage4947]

@Kasen Ahmir Instablaster :)

[@kasenahmir3143]

@Mordechai Sage thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@kasenahmir3143]

@Mordechai Sage It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out !

[@mordechaisage4947]

@Kasen Ahmir No problem =)

[@jmad627]

Okay I’m 0:29 seconds into this video and have decided I’m going to have a professional change mine.

[@allansh828]

Great video to talk me out of getting a turntable.

[@redish_tomato5833]

yeah i got one and it's really paying hundreds for something less convenient than Spotify. Tho it's like driving manual, its just fun even if its more "gimmicky". Boy, if watching a black circle turn aint fun !

[@clubmidnightsun]

Good info, great help. I too bought the 540 ML and it sounds great. First play is Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush Real Live Vol 1. I choose to put the nuts under the shell head with the screw heads on top, looks great. Thanks Crutchfield and Philip.

[@kennyrogers3919]

You can run things backwards and it will still sound the same. This is for nerds. 😂😂

[@kermitbq]

this is very usefull

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! We are glad we could help

[@BalanBro2]

Thanks for the informative video. It seems to be very doable. I am very new to this, but intuitively, wouldn't it make more sense to align the cartridge first, then adjust the tracking force? For example, you had to shift the cartridge back to align it with the second grid. Effectively, this would move the weight of the cart. closer to the fulcrum point of the tonearm. I would expect then, that the measured tracking force in this new position would be slightly lower than it was when you first set it.

[@richardhaylock9641]

Nice square front to the cartridge. This will be an important criterion with my next cartridge. Hours of fun with the curved front of a Audio Technica AT-OC9XML

[@MrMuldry]

Thanks, it looks great. Remember to check the balance force one more time at the end of the process since you translated the head.

[@laika25]

All that pressure on the arm! I'd be freaking out!!

[@MedalionDS9]

The VM540ml is an amazing cartridge

[@_Vinyl-zs8fe]

Great video on how to install a cartridge. The illustrations for the overhang made it super easy. Thanks!

[@Groover71]

I have a Music Hall USB-1 and want to replace cart/stylus. But this looks hard 😭

[@rsvecp1234]

The colored cables on my cartridge are glued to the back part of the stylus. There's like a small blue glue keeping the cable into the metal part. Do you reckon is okay if I removed the glue and change the cartridge?

[@crutchfield]

Sounds like delicate work and it is likely some damage could occur. What brand and model is the turntable?

[@rsvecp1234]

@@crutchfield it's the Marley Stir Up. I saw another video of someone replacing the cartridge, with the coating and all, for a ortofon cartridge and it works. But I'm still a bit hesitant of doing it myself haha

[@crutchfield]

I can totally understand. I actually have the same Marley Stir it Up deck in my office. I took a close look at it appears as though the blue material could be adhesive or an anti-corrosion compound, but I am not certain. You can replace the cartridge on this deck with great results, and you will get a new set of leads (small colored wires) with your replacement cartridge. The Sumiko Ranier below is modestly priced and a major upgrade over the included cartridge with the Marley turntable! www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_782RAINIER/Sumiko-Rainier.html

[@rsvecp1234]

@@crutchfield I'll definitely try that! thank you so much for the detailed answered

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Glad we could help

[@williammarcus665]

Very informative video, will this work with really high end gear, high end turntable, and high end MC cartridge? Thank you

[@crutchfield]

Hi William. we do carry moving coil cartridges. Did you need help choosing one?

[@Marc-if4yj]

You did not balance your tonearm before setting tracking force.

[@simonbomberharris]

I don't have the protractor is there a way of aligning without one?

[@crutchfield]

Absolutely. If you do not have a protractor, you can also use the Pro0Ject Align it S Cartridge tool below! Properly aligning your cart/stylus is crucial for sound quality. www.crutchfield.com/I-rYALc166/p_252ALINS/Pro-Ject-Align-it-S.html

[@jacknjill3000]

The nut on top or bottom or both. Also, I have the screw off cartridge and head shell so I don’t have to work where the tone arm is stationed and where the wires are. I think it harder when you can’t take the Headshell off. The needle adjustment is tough when you don’t have that paper that you put on the spindle to measure. I know some newer TTS have a market on the platter.

[@jacknjill3000]

Also I put the cartridge on and screwed down before i put the wires on and that was a bad idea. So now I’m going to put the wire on the back of the Headshell and then put behind the cartridge.

[@crutchfield]

Setting up a turntable can take some extra time and effort for sure! Hope you're all set and enjoying the rewards of your time with some happy listening soon!

[@philipdeady2301]

Can I use a audio-technic phono cartridge w/ Kenwood kd-21R t-table

[@crutchfield]

Hi Philip, looks like you can replace the cartridge on that model. Do you have a specific Audio-Technica cartridge in mind?

[@m0mango0]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@crutchfield]

Thank you for enjoying and commenting!🥰

[@ZacharyBoylston]

What about VTA?

[@laika25]

Can i have pre-set cartridges, like mounted on the shells?

[@crutchfield]

We do offer some options for replacement cartridges already mounted on a headshell, such as this popular Audio-Technica model: www.crutchfield.com/I-rFBKc928/p_057VM520H/Audio-Technica-VM520EB-H.html?tp=71663

[@jacknjill3000]

Wow and that looks tough when you have to removed the cartridge on the arm. Mine has a twist off, so you can twist the whole cartridge off to replace the needle or cartridge. Alignment at what point to screw it is the tricky part that you need the paper guide. Oh yeah and the tracking force and adjusting that.

[@jacknjill3000]

Where do you get that paper guide that you line up the needle with? Does it come with the stylus /cartridge box when you box a new cartridge?

[@crutchfield]

If it’s not included with your turntable, you can use purchase an alignment protractor like the Pro-Ject Align it S: www.crutchfield.com/I-rIGRc921/p_252ALINS/item.html

[@austinjacobsonfr]

Where did you get the nuts? I seem to not have any from my old turntable or new cardtrige, is there a way to buy some

[@crutchfield]

We do not sell them separately. I've have pretty good success taking screws to the local hardware store, using their fit tool to find the size and thread count I needed.

[@BUF-vr5cr]

Check to see if your new cartridge is threaded. Many are nowadays. If not, many online stereo retailers will have them. Amazon also carries them.

[@robertculp9189]

I have a Pro-ject Carbon Debut Esprit turntable and want to try another brand cartridge other than Ortofon just to experiment with the sound. The Pro-ject has a pretty detailed procedure on setting the counterweight and tracking force. Would I still need a stylus pressure gauge to do this? Also, I've read some horror stories on dealing with the pins on these tables. Evidently they're extremely delicate and subject to being pulled out...

[@SSSweeper]

Dealt with it yesterday, aslo have the Esprit. The pins on 2M cart are PITA indeed, the clips from the tonearm wires were very tight on them. Make sure to grab the clips between the solder joint and the connecting pin part. If they would be still hard to pull off, try to use something sharp to create some space between the clip and the pin.

[@r.f.4280]

Tonearm wires on pro-ject carbon debut are very delicate as I’ve just found out, tried to change the cartridge from a ortofon red to a Goldring E3 and the red and white wires snapped from the cartridge plugs, the plugs were very tight on ………. Bummer

[@jozsefelenes]

Hi there. I bought a used device. He came without that protractor table. Can you suggest a location on the net, where I could download for a Rega RP1? Thx in advance

[@crutchfield]

We do not know where you will be able to find the table for your Rega model. You might check with the manufacturer to see if they can help

[@bobbybyerly1023]

I am not one to question or criticize someone’s DIY videos, but I would think that you would want to square the cartridge on the head shell first. After that is done, you would want to rebalance the tone arm since you are installing a new cartridge that may not be the same weight as the old one. After that, set the tracking force and anti skate. Just my .02.

[@jacknjill3000]

Oh and did he not do that and did the adjusting without the cartridge? I need to watch it again and went right into the comments,

[@ddaniell7526]

Do I need to use the provided leads when installing a new cartridge or can I just use the ones that are already hooked to my tonearm? Where do the washers that are provided go?

[@ddaniell7526]

Well I got my VM540ML installed last night. Kind of a pain, but I managed to do it. It was actually my first time replacing a cartridge. I did not use the provided leads or the washers for my Pro-Ject headshell. I only used the longest screws and the nuts at the top. Will this matter? I think this is the way he did it in the video but it is hard to tell.

[@BUF-vr5cr]

The washers are usually just to prevent scratching the top of the arm where you are turning the screws.

[@jacknjill3000]

Do you put the connector covers on the back or the front part of the cartridge? I see it on the back and I had installed mines on the front wires.

[@crutchfield]

Hi Aaron, what model cartridge are you planning to use?

[@billthestinker]

excellent info thank you

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@LLNYRN]

I know it may be sacrilege among most Audiophiles. But can someone recommend a good "P-MOUNT" Cartridge? I have an old PIONEER DD Turntable from the late 80s that I inherited a few years ago. It just has the P-Mount headshell. And though I bought a cheap Audio-Technica for it, I want something better.

[@georgedoughly8682]

Audio Technica makes great sounding P-Mount cartridges. I used to have a Technics SL-BD20 turntable that had a P-Mount tonearm and My favorite cartridge for it was an Audio Technica AT-92ECD. Unfortunately that model has been discontinued.

[@davelopan8952]

LP gear Sells P mount cartridge

[@johnnytoobad7785]

Watching this video makes me glad I ALWAYS use tonearms with removable head-shells..🧐

[@crutchfield]

That definitely makes things a bit easier! 🙂

[@deanfeldman2505]

How do I know which one will fit?

[@crutchfield]

Hi Dean, finding the right fit does take some time and research. What brand and model is your turntable? We can check to see if we have specs. From there, the manual should specify. If you don't have that, online forums can be helpful too.

[@deanfeldman2505]

@@crutchfield Hi, my turntable from the 70s is an ADC 1510 FG, It served me well over many years. It still has the original cartridge and stylus. I saw one opinion suggesting that for these old units it may be best to just swap out the stylus. Not having the manual any longer its challanging to know which stylus or cartridge can be set up. Thanks for your reply.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Dean. I'm sorry to tell you we don't have any specs on that turntable and were not able to verify online the correct fit for the replacement. A good option in this case will be to reach out to a company who specializes and sells replacements for various turntables www.lpgear.com/CTUS.html. They can help you determine the best fit. I hope that helps! And if you do need further assistance, please let us know.

[@deanfeldman2505]

Thank you

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome!

[@jedi-mic]

You need to really have the cartridge twisted slightly in the headshell inwards a bit roughly a millimeter depends on how the cantilever looking and anti-skate people use too much anti skate. Wally has found Zenith is out by about 78% and this doesn't matter what type or how expensive the cartridges is you can always get his tool to measure it. Just make sure the outer screw in slightly over hung and the inner screw is under hung half a millimetre for each will give you the correct overhang better than using a protractor they're not accurate, all depends how long that arm tube is and they never to measurement best to measure overhang to spin yourself, a chart on the internet tells you what it should be for the given length of arm

[@CTP8585]

Are are forgetting to adjust the VTA, the height of the tone arm ??

[@crutchfield]

We didn't cover that as not all turntables have this adjustment but you are correct that if the height of the tonearm can be adjusted, then it is best to make sure that the tonearm is level to the record.

[@CTP8585]

@@crutchfield How can a turntable be designed without the capability for TONEARM VTA adjsutment ? I find it totally unacceptable but there are many, many turntables on the market without this feature and selling at high prices and calling themselves the BEST turntables !!!

[@Antonio-sd5yn]

@@CTP8585 ehm, my Kenwood from 1977 hasn't VTA adjustment.

[@CTP8585]

@@Antonio-sd5yn In the past cartridges sold in the 60s and 70s came with shim which can tilt the phono cartridge to achieve the correct VTA in case the TONE ARM does not have this capability. For what ever reasons, phono cartridges sold in the 80s and thereafter omitted this feature. Therefore VTA adjustment depends solely on the TONE ARM. I strong believe all turntable should have this feature BUILT INTO the turntable as a standard feature. What is the point of selling a turntable without the VTA adjustment. Many customers are not knowledgeable about this requirement for adjusting the cartridge and many of them would buy very expensive turntable without the TONE ARM VTA capability.

[@laika25]

Mission Impossible, if you ask me 😂😂😂

[@simonboudrou5084]

Thanks !!

[@marcvought]

Well done. Thanks

[@crutchfield]

thank you! 🥰

[@karabennemsi1923]

Good explantation. By the way: Isn't the MoFi cartridge the one to have in comparison to the Audio-Technica?

[@andmoreagain]

its made by AT and just branded MoFi

[@karabennemsi1923]

@@andmoreagain I love the sound signature of this MoFi cartridge, even if it is produced by AT. 😀

[@andmoreagain]

@@karabennemsi1923 yes they make great carts so im sure it sounds awesome, was just attempting to answer your question effectively. what led you to surmise that the mofi is somehow better than the at im not sure. they are both moving magnet carts, the mofi has an elliptical stylus while the AT at 50 dollars more, has a nude square shank, id imagine its apples and oranges.

[@karabennemsi1923]

@@andmoreagain I think it's one thing to take a closer look at the technical specifications, and in this case, you are perfectly right - the AT cartridge seems to be better. But there is a second aspect - the way we hear. As far as I know, were the MoFi cartridges developed by Allen Perkins (Spiral Groove) but produced by AT. Perhaps there are similarities. But they do sound different in a way, at least to my ears. The MoFi StudioTracker fits exceptionally well with the MoFi turntable. I like this combination - to me, it is a convincing team play. At the end of the day, your personal preferences are relevant. So have fun with your setup! 🎵👍

[@andmoreagain]

@@karabennemsi1923 again, not arguing for one or the other being "better". was simply pointing out the differences and more or less asking you what led to your assumption that the mofi was somehow more desirable than the at - as they are fitted with completely different styli, thats all. again, im sure it sounds awesome - i have not heard the mofi so i cannot comment as to how it sounds to my ears and did not attempt to do so.

[@robertpopescu9652]

That's why I'll get an Ortofon Concord.

[@crutchfield]

What type of turntable are you adding your new cartridge to?

[@lazarus822]

I am newly returned to the vinyl realm (used to play with records as a kid), but shouldn't you adjust the tone arm balance and weight after changing out cartridges? Maybe this demo assumes that you are replacing it with the exact same cartridge?

[@crutchfield]

The counter weight used to set the tracking force to give the tone are the proper balance is covered starting around 4:14. Since the counterweight was already installed, there was no need to balance first and then set tracking force.

[@scratchback2001]

One thing I hate is having the screws underneath. It looks Awful.

[@milanulrich]

I just do not understand. Why did you balance the weight of cartridge at first and than made the alignment? If you move cartridge, you will change the balance. I'm the newbie, but I think you should start with alignment at first.

[@crutchfield]

Hi Milan, great question! It's a good idea to get the tracking force fairly close to make things easier with balance when making other adjustments. And, if the stylus is uncovered, it will keep it from pressing too hard on the protractor if the force is too great. You are correct that those additional adjustments could change the tracking force slightly, so it's never a bad idea to make one final adjustment with the scale at the end. I hope this helps!

[@milanulrich]

@@crutchfield thank you very much. I do understand the basics little bit better now. 👍🏻

[@Raellives]

Think imma just replace the entire headshell

[@crutchfield]

That can definitely be a bit easier. 🙂

[@rickc661]

good basic steps. but - the 4 tiny wires and connect clips are VERY fragile - at least these clips had a insulation tube over each providing more strength . ( to me ) more important than the electrical insulation.... the other end , are the tiny wires replaceable some are, around 2 inches long, clips on both ends. but some wires go straight thru and are not replaceable. ( fewer connections, better sound in theory BUT... ) danger - very fragile, don't ask how I know this but I broke one of the 4 tiny connects/wires and a fairly expensive t'table is now worth about 2 cents. try finding an electronic service repair shop nowadays. ha ! just a pathetic product design. many T'tables have the SME / technics design with an easily removable head shell and sets of the 2 inch long tiny wires are avail for $ 25. or so. BIG +. to me that feature is a buy / no buy aspect.

[@dukesanddaggers]

It’s not that difficult. Just take your time pulling out the cables.

[@tonyfei472]

Great Video, however after watching this, I am sticking to CD.... At the top of surface noises, swap sides, cartridge changes looks taking so much effort and tools, to think it is going to be changed once every few hundred hours, I just failed to see why mordern people loves vinyl records....

[@dariomonefeldt1464]

I feel the same. I myself am very excited to get into the vinyl but seeing the amount of money+work involved, I feel hesitant. I am afraid that when all is said and done, you start to think "hmm maybe the room has shitty acoustic". Or maybe do "the speakers/cables/amp/my ears suck". When the true problem maybe lies in the mastering of the record that you are trying to listen to...

[@JamesSmith-qy3eu]

Vinyl sounds amazing, that's why.

[@tonyfei472]

@@JamesSmith-qy3eu Emotional response, understandable but lack of evidence to back up the logics here. I agree records can sound great, but not as good as CDs or 24 bit FLAC these days: the physical limitation of capturing sound frequencies and on disc real estate that caused the recording quality drops the longer the contents are recorded, have added to many flaws of this format apart from costs etc. What I am interested is, as a record fan, what makes you think that Vinyl sounds amazing, given, in 2023, many other formats are more convenient and better quality to be obtained, at much cheaper prices. Was it beacuse psychological emotion of nostalgia, or it is self-hint on the format due to previous ownership and money cost spent, that there should have been a purpose of such, which leads to the conclusion that Vinyl sounds amazing hence I spent this much on it?

[@Android811]

@@tonyfei472 Some things just can't be quantified. For me, it's the little imperfections in the sound that make it better! Kinda like watching a band live. The song they recorded separately, mastered and put on CD sounds perfect.... But hearing it played live is just something else.

[@salmonline]

Step1: Have turntable with removable head-shell.

[@dmnddog7417]

Even if the whole headshell is removable, it doesn't mean the cartridge in the replacement headshell kit is aligned to your table. For example, Audio Technica recommends that you align the VM540ML cartridge (used in this video) even when it's part of the replacement headshell kit and you're using it to replace the headshell on one of their own turntables. At the very least, it's a good idea to have the protractor to check if it's pretty much aligned out of the box. You can then adjust it if you need to.

[@BUF-vr5cr]

Removable head shell is a well recognized degrader of sound quality. Most high definition tone arms avoid this. Go unipivot and you can usually lift off the whole tonearm.

[@salmonline]

@@therealchickentender Except Rega, etc.

[@BUF-vr5cr]

@@therealchickentender Seriously. Research. I've been in this game since the early 70's. That connection at the head shell is only for convenience it is a needless design flaw to over come. You still need to do all the adjustments with it attached to the arm. Why add another break in the wiring?

[@BUF-vr5cr]

@@therealchickentender Rega, Kuzma, AMG, TW Acustic, Reed, Audio Origami, Pear Audio, VPI, Klaudio, Graham Engineering, Audio & Design, Sorane, Acoustic Signature....... Do we need to go on. All the modern arm designs eschew the removable head shell. There are many designs that are very good using old design techniques but any of those arms would probably sound better with the head joint replaced with a solid connection. It is time to move on from know flaws.

[@campmark50]

This is missing a KEY step... Take the needle off before mounting the cartridge. If you do that, it's really easy.

[@Skyshakerrrr]

If you are careful that's no need only if you are not paying attention.

[@jerryandlisa27]

You did not balance the tone arm

[@stevenclarke5606]

He didn’t need too ,because the use of the scales used to measure the tracking force. Which was set to 2g , if you don’t have the luxury of the scales then you would need to balance the tone arm and then dial in the tracking force.

[@BUF-vr5cr]

Balancing the tonearm is only for when you are using a gauge built onto the counter balance. These really only get you into the ballpark, a scale is exact because you are measuring at the actual point of the diamond where it contacts the vinyl.