What Makes a Cartridge Good? | The World of Styli

In this final video, Leif Johannsen guides us through the fascinating world of styli-a delicate yet indispensable part of the cartridge that plays a crucial role in translating the microscopic waves extracted from the groove into captivating musical moments. Leif Johannsen's expertise and passion for the subject are poised to illuminate our understanding of the vast array of styli available on the market.
Leif will take us on a comprehensive exploration of seven distinct styli variations. From tipped to nude diamonds, he will delve into the intricate nuances of diamond shapes and contact areas, unveiling the advantages of each design.
CHAPTER OVERVIEW:
00:00 Introduction
04:42 Spherical stylus
09:27 Elliptical stylus
12:24 Nude Elliptical stylus
13:59 Fine Line Elliptical stylus
17:33 Shibata stylus
22:06 FG-70 stylus
23:16 Ortofon Replicant 100 stylus
25:57 Conclusion
DID YOU MISS THE PREVIOUS CHAPTERS?
In Chapter 1, you can learn the difference between a Moving Magnet and a Moving Coil and how the systems work differently. Watch the video here: • What Makes a Cartridge...
In Chapter 2, Leif Johannsen teaches you about four cartridge technologies: Split Pole Pins, Selective Lazer Melting, Field Stabilizing Element, and Wide Range Damping. Watch the video here: • What Makes a Cartridge...
In Chapter 3, we explore the power of materials used in the different parts of a cartridge and their significant impact on its performance. Watch the video here: • What Makes a Cartridge...

[@rongreen1538]

I too have followed the whole series and found it very interesting and informative. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@eugeniopizzorni]

Buongiorno Signor JOHANNSEN. La Ringrazio per accompagnarci nel mondo delle testine fonografiche, e negli stili di lettura. 🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@brianrowland9993]

Great series that demystifies some of the jargon used in cartridge specs and perhaps highlights audible gains from better profiles require more careful cartridge set up - especially Shibata ........ Great educational video that clearly explains the virtues of different stylus geometry. Thank you Ortofon!

[@paulaj2829]

Another great video with all the info you could ask for. So thank you again for explaining everything that needs to be told to everyone out there who wants to go on this journey with Vinyl music.

[@mrcoolsun3142]

Many thanks for these, I've really enjoyed the series, very clearly explained.

[@tima.478]

Currently running a Exact2 cart on my Rega TT. The cantilever is slightly off center but it still tracks and sounds VERY good. Excited to try one of the Ortofon products when I'm in need for a new stylus.

[@Valnoten]

I bought my first Ortofon product yesterday :)

[@marcbegine]

Fabulous video, reason why I bought the Quintet Black S

[@rongreen1538]

I’m intrigued that some modest M/C’s have a specification as good as if not better than some exotic cartridges that cost 10 times as much. They also have boron cantilevers and quality stylus profiles and yet the price difference, it’s a mystery.

[@robertyoung1777]

What are the best styli shapes for different records - old shellac, old mono, later mono, styrene, early stereo and later stereo? Thank you so much!

[@GerardoGonzalez-ct7rh]

Un gran video que explica claramente los distintos tipos de "stylus shape" y su desempeño en la alta fidelidad o mejor dichoen la adquicisiòn de informaciòn que està impreso en el disco vinilo, ciertamente se han citado la mayorìa de los tipos de agujas (stylus), pero por curiosidad quiero saber que aplicaciòn o desempeño tiene la "conical 0,5r?, consideraciones respecto a la compliance y graduaciòn de peso?

[@betod63]

Nice explanation. Although, as it is constantly said in the video the amount of contact area between the groove and the stylus is important, it does not talk about the quality that the material must have to transmit the vibrations to the cantilever, which will eventually become the voltage of the audio signal, which is also important. In the case of needles that are not naked and are mounted on a titanium support, for example, the change of material also affects, not only the smaller contact surface.

[@QoraxAudio]

If only more affordable cartridges would be released with a Replicant 100. I'm interested in that one, but shelling out 6k is a bit too much for just trying something new.

[@robertyoung1777]

Can anyone comment on styli shapes when they encounter dust on a record? What is the best way to clean records before each play. Thank you for this great series!

[@chicago2456]

Use a micro bristle toothbrush to clean a record. They are Chinese and are usually advertised as 10000 - 20000 bristles.

[@Cocteau61]

shabata styli get all the dirt out

[@EMP698]

One question about 2M Mono. Is the replacement stylus of 2M Mono SE compatible with the 2M Mono standard cartridge?

[@user-vd1bk8st4m]

So usefull

[@robertyoung1777]

I’ve heard that conical round styli are best for styrene 45 rpm records. True or false?

[@kennethandrysiak4130]

I’d like an answer to that as well…

[@HassieCX650E]

You had à v.d.hul 2, OM40

[@Mikexception]

I opened the clip being interested about cartriges not styluses becuse in my opinion not the contacting end of stylus makes greatest differences between cartriges. I used three different types of B&O MM cartriges which had 3 different kinds of stylus - spheric, eliptyc and full contact and differences are only small. My colege uses ortofon recommended by reviewers and it does not compare to any of my styluses because his cartrige and arm is no comparably heavier than in my turntable and tracking force is double that of mine (I have only 1 gramm) ,. Thus he has problems to walk around his playing sophisticated Sony while I can brush manualy LP even during playing Surprisingly the condition of my produced in 60ties and 70ties LPs due to cleaning with each playing do not degrade but improves only. This are differences I care about.

[@deputy3690]

The cost of upgrading anything is purely outrageous and unacceptable. No wonder there are billion dollar companies and C.E.O's that make millions of dollars.

[@bristolfashion4421]

Where you get your numbers from? No mention of costs in this video… btw the plural of CEO is simply CEOs. You don’t need to use an apostrophe…

[@deputy3690]

@bristolfashion4421 Okay thanks for the correction.