How to Mount a Phono Cartridge

Check out our detailed written review here 📚 audioadvice.io/mountphonocart...
Subscribe! 🔔 audioadvice.io/YTsubscribe
Chat with us online 💻 audioadvice.io/aa-chat ☎️ Call for sales and support: 888.899.8776
If you watching this video, you are probably trying to figure out the best way to get your brand new phono cartridge mounted on your turntable. For those of you new to the vinyl hobby you might be wondering what you got yourself into. Those wires can look pretty tiny and the connections fragile, which they are. But, with some detailed instructions, patience, and good lighting, you will soon be a pro.
As an audio store that has been in business for over 4 decades, we have mounted thousands of phono cartridges on all kinds of turntables. The steps to take are very similar for almost all types of turntables with the only variable being how the cartridge attaches to the tonearm or headshell. That is the easy part though, it’s those tiny wires and connectors you need to be careful with, then getting the cartridge aligned is another step that requires patience.
Shop phono cartridges here: audioadvice.io/PhonoCartridges
Shop turntables here: audioadvice.io/turntables
More tips & tricks: • Setup Guides, Tips & T...
#phonocartridge #howto #turntable
Chat with us online 💻 audioadvice.io/aa-chat ☎️ Call for sales and support: 888.899.8776

[@davidgoodman6538]

Wow! A model of simplicity and clarity. As good as it gets. Bravo! 👍

[@AudioAdvice]

Many thanks!

[@EugeneKrall]

hands down the best cartridge setup video I've seen. So many small and hugely useful thinks I wouldn't have thought of myself.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks very much! We appreciate your comments

[@shanejohnson495]

Fantastic demonstration! Thank you for taking the time to produce this!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you!

[@michaelglenn548]

Excellent video! Really love the detail put into this video.

[@AudioAdvice]

Much appreciated!

[@harrisonlainhart9876]

Excellent video on this subject. Breaks it down perfectly and I definitely think I can do this on my own now!

[@AudioAdvice]

You can do it!

[@dlcphoto]

I love the practical approach here, with great tips on how to get the job done right. In an increasingly digital world, I can definitely understand the appeal of the 'tactile' nature of vinyl, and the sense of satisfaction that comes from getting all of the gear tweaked just right! Thanks!

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Totally agree 👍. The only (depending on how you view it! 😉) thing about tweaks is it's possible to get a tad addictive 😉 😂 😂. Please feel free to see and hear some results of my tweaking, on my wee KZbin channel. In the descriptions of each of my videos the parts and modifications that are relevant to each video are listed. Happy listening. 😉

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you very much!

[@BuzzGoddard]

Fabulous!!! Clear, concise and non-intimidating. Bravo!

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@martybrazill7935]

I followed this video when installing my new cartridge and it went very well. Thanks very much for taking the time to make this tutorial Leon!

[@AudioAdvice]

Great to hear!

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

Probably the best video on this for the simple fact that you tell us how to adjust the pin connection size. Super useful. Just my 2 cents, but if you have any vented amplifiers underneath your table, like on a lower shelf, put a towel over it. I've dropped those stupid headshell screws and had them fall into my amp like, 5 separate times. Maybe I just had bad luck.

[@AudioAdvice]

Good tip or move the table to another area and put a towel under it to catch those roving tiny screws. Thanks for watching

[@martybrazill7935]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@AudioAdvice]

Our pleasure!

[@FelixtheMetalcat]

I figure if I could do this as a teenager with very little knowledge I sure can do this today ! Great overall presentation that included the VTA, something I knew nothing about many years ago...

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you so much. All it takes is patience

[@mikerosevear3264]

the best video post ive seen on this subject yet thabkyou

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks very much!

[@chrisgargiulo304]

Well Done! Great step by step video.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad it was helpful!

[@taylorrasmus1905]

Very thorough! Thank you!

[@AudioAdvice]

Very welcome!

[@lukespencer6314]

Great demonstration!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks! We appreciate you watching!

[@brazillm10]

This is such a useful video for new vinyl enthusiasts. Very well done!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you kindly!

[@calinchaud5056]

Excellent Video! Thank you so much. I will do the job tomorrow without fear!

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad we could be helpful!

[@CmJr328]

Love this video!

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SteveGasque]

Great video! I learned a lot! Crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions, great videography, and a great voice on the host. Ten out of ten!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@jimwilliamson7798]

Makes it simple. I think I could do this. Thanks.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it, thank you for watching!

[@maxcoletto8225]

Great video thank you so much for the help

[@AudioAdvice]

You got it. Thanks for watching!

[@garysalamone6588]

Very informative and relevant with no excessive chat.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@globerstein1]

😎 This was the most helpful video!!! Thank you Leon for sharing the "what to do if things go bad" such as the crimping of the connectors to fit the larger sized posts on the new cartridge...proper tools (toothpick) teaching and tech get's it done! Again, very helpful-if I lived nearby I would be in your store...always...I may visit in the near term when I visit my old buddy in Aiken...Thanks again.

[@AudioAdvice]

Our pleasure! Thanks so much for watching and sharing 😁 We will be sure to pass along your kind words to Leon!

[@Pumpkin_Fart]

Thanks for this. Just got an Ortofon Red and many years ago I really tore up the lead wires on a cheapo Panasonic TT.

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad it was helpful

[@paullemmens9056]

Always looking forward to see a new video by Audio Advice, unfortunately not living in the USA anymore 👍

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you Paul, we appreciate you watching!

[@Vic-ng8if]

Very concise mate. Thanks for that. I'm fitting an Ortofon Blue to my RP3 next week. Wish me luck lol...

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad we could be helpful

[@carmelo007]

Thank you so much.. Auto subscribe.. 👍

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for the sub!

[@edwardgonczy3170]

Excellent!

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it!

[@scottbartlett4853]

Thanks much!

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@ErnieChartier]

Hmmm...maybe I CAN do that! You certainly make it less scary.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks!

[@barthvos845]

For adjusting the VTA I recommend to use the backside of a copy of Joan's Armatrading How Cruel. The backside of that record has no music on it and it's perfectly smooth so you won't damage any grooves while working with the ruler. That record is also perfect for testing and adjusting anti-skating.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for the tip!!

[@thseeker1]

Well done. Very clear and covers the bases. But I do which you included tonearm/tracking force set up in this video so the whole process is in one place. You did mention that is in another video but belongs here don't you think?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for the input. We will take this into account as we shoot new videos like this.

[@MrShogun25]

thanks

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad yo liked it!

[@richarddefrese4484]

Best ruler is the clear plastic from hobby lobby (cheap)... use Centimeter lines... more lines to better to gauge. For the Rega fans "Origin Live" has your pivot to spindle distance and "Conrad's Free Stuff" has an arc protractor app. You must be level! Get the magnifying hat with light. Also I ran into unlevel subplatter on my P3-24.... so Measure platter height on left side then right side. I used a feeler gauge to slide under the spindle bearing unit to level it out.

[@AudioAdvice]

We agree on the plastic ruler, we just used a wooden one that was handy and yes, the more lines the better. Any Rega made in the last few years should have a level platter.

[@johnmichaelrichards]

I use a mini spirit level when setting VTA.

[@AudioAdvice]

That can work as long as it’s super light and your tone arm has no taper. If you put it on the head shell you risk compressing the cantilever and changing what is really level. Thanks for watching

[@K_Tech64]

Thanks for the video, very clear and concise. But what do you do if the stylus isn't aligned perfectly in the cartridge? Is there a way to check for that?

[@AudioAdvice]

You could use a test record or look at it under a microscope. www.audioadvice.com/ortofon-test-record Thanks for watching

[@jonday49]

This is so simple, who knew!?!? I would have imagined this was much more difficult.

[@AudioAdvice]

Its not so bad if you take your time, yes

[@ptg01]

Very NICE ! Cartridges with threaded slots are so much easier to mount.. Dealing with the nuts is NUTS ! I have a slight preference to using removable head shells as it is so much easier to work with. Also, I’ve always wondered about how critical VTA’s are as there are so many different thicknesses of LP’s (up to 200 grams?? ) . How about azimuth adjustments, if available ? Is that critical ? If installing a totally different cartridge, then one has to deal with the counterweight which can be problematic too due to limitations of the turntable in the type of cartridge size and weight it can accept.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks so much! VTA is a debatable subject as you are right, there is some variance in record thickness. However, there can be significant differences in cartridge height where you should pay attention. Azimuth is something to look at if available, we did not want to get this deep on a more basic video. On the counterweight issue, you are right. We may do a more deeper dive on how to actually match the right cartridge to your tonearm as you need to look a the mass of the arm in relation to the cartridge compliance. This video was meant for the hundreds of people who ask us every month how to mount their new $100+ cartridge that upgraded a very basic one. Please let us know if you think a level 202 video would be helpful for you and others. Thanks again!

[@ptg01]

@@AudioAdvice Thanks for your feedback. I would think a more advanced video can be helpful if you have the customer demands for it. In my case, I struggled with finding out what cartridge heights are as several manufacturers do not provide this info. Cartridge weights are also another challenge due to counterweight limitations. Some TT's allow for additional or optional counterweights, some do not.

[@AudioAdvice]

@@ptg01 Thanks you for letting us know. Yes, you are exactly right, the height is a spec you do not typically see. Most do give the weight and our advice would be to know the weight of your cartridge that works well on your table and stay within 25% of it and you should be ok.

[@ptg01]

@@AudioAdvice As far as figuring out the weight of compatible cartridges is concerned, I used my calibration weight set and added weight on top of the headshell and try to see how far back the counterweight can go net of recommended counterweight setting. Since I know the weight of the attached cartridge, I can just do the math. It worked !

[@shs747]

Great video. What happens if you don't get a plank to adjust the VTA. I read this is a highly debated topic.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you. This was meant to be more of a 101 level video. VTA is debatable, you do want to try and get your tonearm close to parallel to the record surface. If your arm is not adjustable, perhaps you have a Rega, there are spacers you can use. Or try to find a cartridge that is close to the same height as the one that came with the turntable. Thanks for watching

[@stanleycostello9610]

I got a mono cartridge and headshell which I had to put together. My hand was shaking and I was sweating. It took me several sessions to get it right.

[@AudioAdvice]

Hopefully this video was helpful!

[@marvarv]

Thanks for your work. Would you recommend a Denon DL-103R on the pro-ject?

[@AudioAdvice]

Glad you liked it, that should work as it is about the same height as the cartridges they come with.

[@andiman45]

thanks, I did not know cartridges need breaking in

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for watching

[@Madjed2024]

Could you please send a link to where I can purchase the same plier ? Thank you

[@romerolemstra8747]

That geo disc Alignment thing you used for the cartridge, can it also work with turntables that have a s shaped tone arm like Technics SL-1200 turntables?

[@AudioAdvice]

yes, it works with all arms. But your 1200 should have come with a little piece you use with the headshell for alignment. Thanks for watching

[@scotth9594]

Hi, did this method also count as adjusting overhang?

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes, that is where we showed the Geodisc and talked about using the turntable alignment gauge. Thanks for watching

[@marianotonelli]

Hi. What about the cartridge overhang? How much should the cartridge/stylus portrude from the tonearm? I guess you could have mounted the cartridge far backward in the headshell and still be able to set it right with the protractor.

[@AudioAdvice]

Call or chat with our team at audioadvice.com and they can help you be sure it's set up correctly!

[@ejshelby5460]

How far forward vs back should the cartridge be positioned along the two screw slits/openings? I see some Ortofon are positioned way at the front end, some AT are in the middle?

[@AudioAdvice]

It depends on the tonearm. You need to use the alignment gauge that came with the turntable to get that part right. Thanks for watching

[@ejshelby5460]

@@AudioAdvice Hi, "alignment gauge", you are referring to the paper protractor? This is what Fluance customer support told me too but it simply doesn't make sense. "Overhang" is the positioning of the cart along the screw slots, it is a separate adjustment than the "twisting" positioning with regard to alignment. You can position the cart anywhere along the headshell and still get the alignment right but each TT brand has their overhand number, but so far, only TECHNICS seem to supply a plastic overhang gauge....

[@AudioAdvice]

@@ejshelby5460 We are not a Fluance dealer, but we will try to help you out here. The plastic piece Technics supplies is just an ingenious way to get to the same point. If the tonearm is properly mounted from a geometry standpoint in relation to the center spindle, you should never have to twist the cartridge in the headshell. You should be able to work with the protractor to get the cartridge body parallel to the grid by moving it back and forth. It just takes a little time. Some tonearms have an azimuth adjustment that allows you to turn the headshell in a clock rotation but that is different than alignment. Hope this helps

[@troyarmatti7167]

How do you find the pivot point? And how far off can you be on overhang?

[@AudioAdvice]

You can normally just look at the bearing and figure it out. If you are concerned the Pro-Ject set up jig uses two points and does not rely on finding the pivot point www.project-audio.com/en/product/align-it-ds2/ Thanks for watching

[@blutryforce762]

So I tried to expand the headshell wire with a toothpick as you suggested, but instead I got wooden toothpick shavings in it. Is there any way to clean it safely? Or should I just get new headshell wires?

[@AudioAdvice]

Interesting, we have never seen that, you should be able to clean them out with a small straight pin or just get new wires.

[@nickgamma]

Would you be able to share a link to the pliers? Thanks!!

[@AudioAdvice]

Any good set will do, spring loaded is nicer. Thanks for watching

[@paulc5358]

I do have a question, What do you think of Wooden head shells? I recently bought a wooden head shell, l lined it all up with my protractor everything looked good but the cart looked off center when I put it on over hang gage & looked directly at it? I then took my calipers measures the 2 slots from side to side & noticed there was a 0.0020 thousands difference from each side. The records sound great when I play them, & it all lined up good with my protractor. But is it ok that the cartridge is off Center? is my question Any help would be great Thanks..

[@AudioAdvice]

Just go by your overhang gauge if it is precise one, sometimes using a mirror helps. Anything wooden will add its own flavor of resonance.

[@russyJ20]

From about the point 6:19 onward Reading glasses are recommended, whether you need them or not. It's tricky to say the least for a first timer like I was just now, afraid of snapping that weak spot`as mentioned Also avoid caffeine before attempting this. Went fine though, thanks. Live and learn :)

[@AudioAdvice]

Haha, yes that is a great point! It can involve some steady hands! If our video helped, please consider subscribing to help support us :) audioadvice.io/YTsubscribe

[@afinley11]

I happen to live in Raleigh, I watched this and was like "I've got to go get one of those discs!" but I realize I can't tell if they are in stock in the store or not looking online

[@AudioAdvice]

You can order for local pickup. The Raleigh store is only a mile from our warehouse. We hope to see you soon

[@jerrycoffey1782]

Hi, I was thinking of buying a Bluetooth record player, how good is the sound from Bluetooth players and would you recommend I buy one

[@AudioAdvice]

Great question. If you are getting into vinyl because you want to enjoy the sound of pure analog, BT obviously makes everything digital. However most records done past the early 80's are recorded digitally. BT offers another way for a lot of people to get the sound into their system and if that is your only way, you can still have fun collecting and listening to vinyl. We have several choices , this one is a popular model www.audioadvice.com/turntables/all-turntables/pro-ject-juke-box-e-turntable

[@jameskelly5685]

I wish Pro-Ject would install a Screw on headshell like Audio Technica and Technics.

[@AudioAdvice]

It is more convenient, but there is an argument that it degrades the sound some if not properly done. They do offer it on a couple of models in their Signature series, but those are 7k+ Thanks for watching

[@TheAgeOfY]

I had a poor connection on the blue cable, so i unplugged it and resoldered it. While i pulled it the pin went with it. If i am assuming right, the pin is connected to a small wire which i probably broke if it isnt there anymore. Also is it okay to solder this wires?

[@AudioAdvice]

Contact our team of experts by chat or phone at audioadvice.com and they can help you out with all your questions :)

[@jacknjill3000]

Where do ppl. get that alignment thing that you put on the of the record player to see if it’s hitting the mark? I’ve see some other cartridge demos and they use and ttat other thing the measures the weight or force of the needle.

[@jacknjill3000]

Glad I have a technics turntable and the whole head shell screws off. So the wires are not connected to the time arm, so if you break one, it’s easy to replace and just put another one on. And you don’t have to work where the tone arm is positioned and you can after taking off move everything and work with anywhere.

[@AudioAdvice]

It will be different for each turntable. You can buy a generic one here that will work for any table www.audioadvice.com/shop-by-brand/ortofon/ortofon-cartridge-alignment-tool and this is a very good value pressure gauge www.audioadvice.com/shop-by-brand/ortofon/ortofon-stylus-pressure-gauge Hope this helps

[@jacknjill3000]

Great and thanks for the help! Well, I already installed the cartridge before getting the alignment tools. But I think I put the tube connector covers on the front 4 posts instead of the back 4 posts. I don’t think it matters that much, but I’ll switch them.

[@maynardewm]

What about the counterweight? Why wasn’t that covered?

[@AudioAdvice]

This was about how to mount a cartridge. Balancing one is more turntable specific. We do have set up videos on almost every turntable we carry. You can find those on our channel.

[@rickc661]

late here. Great stuff. impossible to overemphasize the fragile Nature of both the tiny wires and the connecting clips. Tonearms SHOULD have an easily replaceable system like the sme / technics. I know the bit about fewer connections = lighter , better sound. BUT - break one of the tiny wires or clips, a fairly expensive T'table instantly becomes worth about 2 cents. mine didn't even have the insulating tubes that at least provide as bit of extra strength. ( I know this ) and good electronic repair shops have pretty much gone the way of dinosaur. >> actually by now cartridges should be a standard, plug direct into end of T' arm design.

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes you are right! Thanks for sharing

[@loboptlu]

I find that people are making it more difficult than necessary if the headshell is amovible, you can without problems take off the wires and put em on after unscrewing the head. I specifically said when amovible , when fixed like example you have to suffer;).

[@AudioAdvice]

Yes it is much easier when the head shell is removable but that does come with its own set of audio problems. Thanks for watching

[@marcb8874]

merci , mais normalement les fiches femelles allant sur les mâles des cellules doivent avoir le bon diamètre, ce qui n'est pas avec différentes platines qui mettent des fiches trop petites . je vois que votre plateau de réglages n'a qu'un point par rapport au réglage règle papier ou il y a deux point soit A & B . Ce n'est pas très sérieux d'utilisé une simple règle pour la hauteur du bras alors qu'il existe des règles spéciales pour . le réglage du surplomb se fait direct avec votre plateau ??

[@NoEgg4u]

Everything in this video was clearly explained. But not all steps were covered. For example: -- the cartridge's weight. -- the anti-skating -- the overhang -- the offset -- the zenith angle -- the azimuth

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you, we did go over tracking force, antiskate and overhang in the video but we did not get into the more esoteric things you can do as we wanted to put out something more 101 level. The reason we did this is we could not find a good video on the subject where they were not using huge pliers to move the wires or a large screwdriver to change the cartridge. We wanted to give the person who was just learning a good resource. Anyone who knows what azimuth is, does not need this video. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@NoEgg4u]

​@@AudioAdvice"...we did go over tracking force, antiskate and overhang in the video but we did not get into the more esoteric things you can do..." @0:29 "...and I'm going to go over all the tips on how to do it... (referring to mounting a cartridge)" Based on the title of your video, and based on the above quoted remark, I expected to see *all* of the steps. What you call "esoteric" is the crux of what needs to get done. For example, you disabled and later enabled the anti-skating. However, you neither set it nor mentioned how to set it. That setting is not esoteric. It is a necessity (well, assuming your goal is sound quality). People learning how to do this will do what you did, and their anti-skating will be mis-set. Tracking force: Yes, you mentioned to get it in the right range, without showing how it is done. "Anyone who knows what azimuth is, does not need this video." No where in the title of your video nor your narration of your video did you imply that this is a partial set-up. You could just go with connecting the wires and screwing in the cartridge. That would fulfill the meaning of the title of this video. I know what root canal is. Yet I could not perform it. And so it is with mounting a cartridge and getting all (not some) of the vectors properly set. I know that the effective length of the tone-arm needs to be set, and the zenith angle needs to be set. But I do not know how to do it. You video, based on its title and your narration looked to hold the visual answers that I was seeking. Alas, it was not. I wonder how many people that never heard of zenith angle and azimuth and overhang will remain in the dark, because they watched this video and assumed that it contained all of the necessary steps? Everything you wrote in your reply to me is fine and fits a need for beginners -- and that is what you should have stated in your video. Had you have said that, and mentioned that there are more steps for fine-tuning the set-up, I would not have made my comment. Viewers should know that this video does not cover all of the steps, and should not be left with the impression that it does. Cheers!

[@AudioAdvice]

@@NoEgg4u We appreciate your comments, we do have a bit more information in the written review, but we did state to check your turntable manual for how to do the alignment. And we tell you at the end to set tracking force and anti-skate to the manufacturer's recommended specs. Then we also cover VTA which is not available on many turntables. It is our belief if your turntable does have azimuth (which is pretty rare for most turntables until you get in the high end and then many still do not) this will be mentioned in the setup section of your manual. If you go over your manual and this video you should have everything you need. www.audioadvice.com/videos-reviews/how-to-mount-a-phono-cartridge/

[@markvelber8664]

It Must be a cheaper turntable, normally you would just have to pull out the head -shell attached to the tonearm whilst cartridge attached to the head-Shell itself.

[@AudioAdvice]

Actually all high performance tonearms have a solid one piece arm with no detachable shell. Detachable tonearms are popular with DJ's as you can quickly swap out a damaged cartridge or change to a different one on the fly. Thanks for watching

[@markvelber8664]

@@AudioAdvice I am sorry but I am not agreed with you on this that’s only a lower ends turntable have detached head-shells I would give just one example Yamaha GT-5000 is the Yamaha flagship high ends turntable which has a detached able head-shell. In would cost in UK over £5500 don’t know how much it would be in the USA Peace ✌️.

[@kodek1234]

Why show an ortofon red 2m in the tumbnail and then not use it?

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for the feedback, we normally shoot the video, then our marketing team pics out a thumbnail.

[@vinylexperience77]

Why would you not talk about and show overhang?

[@AudioAdvice]

We did at about 10 minutes in, using the MoFi Geodisc. Thanks for watching

[@ethr95awd]

leave it to grado to not follow the rules

[@AudioAdvice]

Actually quite a few higher end brands just have the letters on, we are mounting an 8K Koetsu right now that is the same way. Thanks for watching

[@bernardmueller5676]

Pro-Ject aren't cool. They hum. I know because I have one.

[@AudioAdvice]

If you purchased your Pro-Ject turntable from Audio Advice we would be happy to help you troubleshoot any hum as that is not normal. Thanks for watching

[@leon9021]

50 - 100 hours for break in is ridiculous.

[@luton_gmanrock]

can't see anything with your arm in the way dude...lol amateur