Buying guide
Cartridge Upgrade Bundle
Updated How we research
Sharper sound from the needle up. The page is split into five sections (Moving Magnet Cartridges; Upgrade Kits; Elliptical Styli; Dial In Alignment; Mounting Hardware), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 19 picks. Our scores range from 6.1 to 9.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge. Highest overall score in this guide at 9.2/10.
- Also great value:Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.9/10.
- Solid build:Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Moving Magnet Cartridges
- Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Phono CartridgeOur score9.2/10
- Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono CartridgeOur score8.9/10
- Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono CartridgeOur score8.6/10
- Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Phono CartridgeOur score8.6/10
Upgrade Kits
- Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono CartridgeOur score8.9/10
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN/H Cartridge Combo Kit with AT-VMN95E StylusOur score8.6/10
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Elliptical Replacement Turntable Stylus Green and Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Blue BundleOur score7.8/10
- Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit (Gray)Our score7.5/10
Elliptical Styli
- Turntable Needle Replacement Stylus for Shure N91ED and M91ED Cartridge, with Nude Elliptical Diamond Tip from My Needle Store, 244-DEOur score7.6/10
- Needle Replacement Stylus for Shure VN-35E / VN-385, Compatible with Shure V-15 Type III Cartridge, Elliptical Black Diamond Tip from My Needle Store, 110-DEOur score7.6/10
- Replacement Stylus for Audio-Technica AT95E / ATN95E, Elliptical Diamond Tip (479-DE)Our score7.4/10
- NEW IN BOX ELLIPTICAL REPLACEMENT STYLUS FOR STANTON D71EE FOR L720EE 4826-DEOur score6.1/10
Dial In Alignment
- Hudson Hi-Fi Phono Cartridge Stylus Alignment Protractor Tool, High ContrastOur score8.1/10
- Hudson Hi-Fi Mirrored Turntable Cartridge Stylus Alignment Protractor Tool - Stevenson Alignment for 1/2" Cartridges & S-Shaped Tonearms (VTA Sold Separately)Our score7.9/10
- Turntable Phono Cartridge Stylus Alignment Protractor Tool, MirrorOur score7.1/10
- SpinTunes Turntable Phono Cartridge Stylus Alignment Protractor ToolOur score7.1/10
Mounting Hardware
- Turntable Headshell OFC Phono Cartridge Leads Mounting Hardware Kit Silver TechnicsOur score8.2/10
- TacParts Phono Cartridge Screws 4 Pack Stainless Steel 1.25mm Pitch Flat HeadOur score7.6/10
- 50Pcs Universal Turntable Headshell Cartridge Mounting Stainless Steel Hex Screws KitOur score7.6/10
- Universal Turntable Headshell Cartridge Mounting Kit Screws Bolts Nuts WashersOur score7.1/10
All 19 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Ortofon 2M Black moving magnet cartridge with a Shibata stylus, Ortofon's flagship 2M model for serious MM listeners.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 10/10 · Value 7/10
- + Shibata stylus delivers top-tier detail and very low distortion
- + Flagship 2M build suits high-quality tonearms and phono stages
- + MM output works with standard phono inputs, no step-up needed
- - Expensive cartridge that deserves a turntable to match
- - Shibata profile demands precise alignment and azimuth setup
#2Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet phono cartridge, a hugely popular all-round MM cartridge for mid-range turntables.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Elliptical stylus delivers crisp detail and energetic sound for the money
- + Upgradeable to 2M Blue stylus in the same body, making growth simple
- + Standard mount works with most tonearms from budget to mid-range
- - Bright character can sound forward on already lively systems
- - Needs mounting and alignment unless bought premounted
#3Ortofon 2M Blue moving magnet cartridge, a nude elliptical step up from the 2M Red for more refined detail.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Nude elliptical stylus tracks more precisely than the 2M Red's bonded tip
- + Shares its body with the 2M Red, so Red owners can upgrade by swapping the stylus
- + Balanced, detailed sound works well on mid-range turntables
- - Priced noticeably above the 2M Red for a refinement rather than a leap
- - Benefits are harder to hear on budget tonearms and speakers
#4Ortofon 2M Bronze moving magnet cartridge with a Fine Line stylus, a high-resolution MM choice for quality tonearms.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Fine Line stylus retrieves fine detail and reduces inner groove distortion
- + High output MM design avoids the need for a moving coil step-up
- + Suits listeners who want high-end detail without MC costs
- - Premium price is above what most budget turntables can justify
- - Line-contact stylus needs accurate setup to shine
#5Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN/H combo kit with AT-VMN95E stylus, pairing a mounted cartridge with an extra elliptical stylus.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Headshell mount means you can swap it onto a compatible S-shaped arm quickly
- + Extra AT-VMN95E stylus lets you compare nude and bonded elliptical tips
- + VM95 platform lets you upgrade styli later without realigning the body
- - Headshell mounting only suits tonearms with a removable headshell
- - Two styli in one kit may be more than casual listeners need
#6Silver Technics-style headshell kit with OFC phono cartridge leads and mounting hardware for DJ and hi-fi decks.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + OFC leads give a clean signal path between cartridge and headshell
- + Silver Technics-style headshell suits classic DJ turntables
- + Complete kit covers both the wiring and the mounting screws
- - Technics-style headshell only fits arms with a universal headshell connector
- - Lead color coding must be matched carefully to avoid swapping channels
#7Hudson Hi-Fi high contrast phono cartridge alignment protractor, designed for easier sighting of fine alignment lines.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + High contrast markings are easier to read than low-contrast printed grids
- + Hudson Hi-Fi is a known name in vinyl setup accessories
- + Helps set overhang and zenith angle for cleaner playback
- - Without a mirror, avoiding parallax takes careful eye positioning
- - No stated alignment geometry in the product title
#8Hudson Hi-Fi mirrored alignment protractor using Stevenson geometry, made for standard 1/2 inch mount cartridges and S-shaped tonearms, with the alignment instructions printed on the tool itself.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Mirrored surface makes it easier to see the cartridge body, stylus and grid lines while you adjust
- + Stevenson alignment is named in the title, so you know which geometry you are setting up
- + Instructions are printed directly on the protractor, so there is no separate sheet to lose
- - Built around Stevenson geometry only, so Baerwald or Lofgren users need a different protractor
- - The VTA tool is sold separately, so this covers cartridge and stylus alignment only
#9Audio-Technica bundle of the AT-VM95C dual moving magnet cartridge with 0.6 mil conical stylus plus an AT-VM95E elliptical replacement stylus. Two stylus profiles for one VM95 cartridge body.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Includes a 0.6 mil conical stylus and a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus that swap on the same cartridge body
- + 4.0 mV output with an aluminum cantilever, a level that suits standard moving magnet phono inputs
- + Threaded inserts in the polymer housing let the cartridge mount with just two screws and no loose nuts
- - No headshell, mounting screws or alignment tool are listed, so those must already be on hand
- - Paying for two styli only makes sense if you will use both, for example the conical tip for worn records
#10Aftermarket replacement stylus for the Shure N91ED and M91ED family from My Needle Store (244-DE), with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil nude elliptical diamond tip tracking at 1.25 to 2.25 g. For 33 and 45 RPM LPs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Nude elliptical diamond tip, 0.3 x 0.7 mil, is clearly specified rather than left vague
- + Long compatibility list covers Shure M91E, M91ED, M92E and related cartridges plus Dual and Realistic models
- + Tracking force range of 1.25 to 2.25 g is stated, which makes setup with a stylus gauge straightforward
- - Aftermarket stylus, not a Shure original, so match your cartridge model against the list before buying
- - Not for 78 RPM records or DJ use, as the listing states
#11Aftermarket replacement for the Shure VN-35E stylus, fitting the V-15 Type III cartridge, from My Needle Store (110-DE). Nude elliptical 0.3 x 0.7 mil diamond tip with a 1.25 to 2.25 g tracking force range.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Keeps a Shure V-15 Type III cartridge in service with a 0.3 x 0.7 mil nude elliptical diamond tip
- + Listing states 400 to 500 hours of playback in ideal conditions, a useful planning figure
- + Seller invites compatibility questions before purchase and lists matching Dual and Fidelitone models
- - Narrow fit: listed for the V-15 Type III family and a few Dual, Fidelitone and Marantz equivalents only
- - Aftermarket part rather than a Shure original, and not suitable for 78 RPM records or DJ use
#12TacParts 4 pack stainless steel phono cartridge screws with 1.25mm pitch flat heads for turntable headshells.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Stainless steel resists corrosion and holds threads well over time
- + Flat head design sits cleanly against the headshell surface
- + Stated 1.25mm pitch helps confirm fit before you order
- - 4 pack covers just one cartridge with no spares if one goes missing
- - No nuts or washers listed, so check your cartridge has threaded holes
#1350Pcs universal stainless steel hex screw kit for mounting turntable cartridges to headshells.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 50Pcs gives plenty of spares for multiple cartridge swaps
- + Hex heads grip securely with a driver for even tightening
- + Stainless steel screws will not rust or seize over time
- - Hex screws need a matching driver that may not be in the kit
- - Large assortment is overkill if you only mount one cartridge
#14Audio-Technica AT-VM95SP/H gray headshell and cartridge combo for playing old shellac records on a detachable-headshell deck.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + SP stylus is designed for shellac records that modern styli are not shaped for
- + Premounted headshell lets you swap between vinyl and shellac cartridges in seconds
- + Gray headshell is easy to tell apart from your everyday vinyl setup
- - Only useful if you own shellac records, not for everyday LP listening
- - Requires a turntable with a universal detachable headshell
#15479-DE elliptical diamond replacement stylus for Audio-Technica AT95E and ATN95E, a lower-cost alternative to the genuine part.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Elliptical diamond tip matches the profile of the original ATN95E
- + Fits the widely used AT95E found on Fluance and Audio-Technica decks
- + Cheaper than the genuine stylus for owners replacing tips regularly
- - Third-party part, so sound and cantilever quality can vary
- - Only fits AT95E-style bodies, not VM95 cartridges
#16Mirrored turntable phono cartridge stylus alignment protractor, a simple tool for setting overhang and cartridge angle.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Mirror surface helps you line up the cantilever without parallax errors
- + Protractor lets you correct the tracking angle after mounting a new cartridge
- + Inexpensive tool pays for itself by reducing record and stylus wear
- - Confirm your tonearm's alignment geometry before using this protractor
- - Needs a steady hand and good light to use accurately
#17SpinTunes turntable phono cartridge stylus alignment protractor, a budget tool for dialing in a newly mounted cartridge.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Protractor design guides overhang and offset angle setup at home
- + SpinTunes brand focuses on vinyl accessories and care
- + Simple printed tool is easy to store with your record gear
- - Printed card style can be less precise than mirrored acrylic tools
- - No stated geometry, so matching your tonearm needs research
#18Universal turntable headshell cartridge mounting kit with screws, bolts, nuts and washers for fitting a new cartridge.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Includes nuts and washers, so you can mount a cartridge without hunting parts
- + Universal sizing covers most standard half-inch cartridge mounts
- + Handy fix when original cartridge screws are too short or lost
- - Title gives no screw lengths, so matching them to your cartridge takes trial
- - No tweezers or alignment tools included for the fitting job
#19Elliptical replacement stylus for the Stanton D71EE, as used on the L720EE cartridge, listed under part number 4826-DE and sold new in box by TacParts. The listing is title-only, with no further specifications.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 6/10
- + Title names the exact match: Stanton D71EE stylus for the L720EE cartridge, which removes guesswork
- + Stated as an elliptical tip, so an L720EE cartridge keeps an elliptical profile after the swap
- + Part number 4826-DE is given, which lets you cross-check against other stylus references
- - The listing has no feature bullets: no tip dimensions, tracking force or cantilever material
- - TacParts is a small parts seller, and the maker of the stylus itself is not identified
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Turntable Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.