# Best DJ Cartridges (2026) Source: https://turntablenest.com/best/dj-cartridges Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Turntable Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://turntablenest.com/how-we-research#our-score DJ cartridges are built to stay in the groove during hands-on use, with high output, robust construction, and strong tracking that resists skipping when you cue or scratch. Many use a spherical or conical stylus that holds up well to heavy handling. When comparing them, weigh the output level, tracking stability, stylus durability, and whether the cartridge mounts on a standard headshell for quick swaps between decks and sets. This style suits club and mobile DJs, turntablists, and anyone who handles records actively rather than just listening. It also fits performers who need cartridges that survive frequent transport and long nights. Because DJ use favors grip and toughness over ultimate delicacy, these cartridges prioritize reliable tracking above the last sliver of detail. If you scratch, back-cue, or mix vinyl in demanding settings, a dedicated DJ cartridge keeps the needle planted and your set running smoothly. ## Picks ### 1. Ortofon Concorde MK2 Scratch Twin Cartridge Our score: 9.4/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Ortofon Concorde MK2 Scratch twin pack, two integrated DJ cartridges built for heavy scratching and back-cueing. Pros: - Twin pack sets up a pair of decks with matching cartridges - High output drives DJ mixers with plenty of level - Integrated Concorde design fits straight onto a standard tonearm Cons: - Scratch-focused voicing is not ideal for detailed home listening - Concorde style needs a tonearm with a universal headshell socket Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B079B2QD9D ### 2. Ortofon Concorde MK2 Mix Twin Cartridge Our score: 9.0/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 9/10) Ortofon Concorde MK2 Mix twin pack, two balanced, general-purpose DJ cartridges built for everyday back-cueing and mixing rather than one specialized technique. Pros: - Mix tuning offers fuller frequency response for long blended sets - Twin pack gives both decks matched cartridges straight away - Concorde MK2 body installs quickly on universal tonearms Cons: - Less skip-resistant than the Scratch version under hard cuts - Designed for DJ use, so hi-fi listeners have better options Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B0799NRNJM ### 3. Ortofon Concorde MK2 Scratch Single Cartridge Our score: 8.9/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Ortofon Concorde MK2 Scratch single cartridge, a high output DJ cartridge made for scratch and battle work. Pros: - Strong skip resistance holds the groove during aggressive scratching - All-in-one Concorde body means no separate headshell needed - Single unit is a good spare or replacement for one deck Cons: - Buying two singles can cost more than the twin pack - Sound tuned for club punch rather than hi-fi subtlety Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B0799P4TMQ ### 4. Ortofon OM Scratch White Cartridge Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Ortofon OM Scratch White cartridge without a headshell, a DJ cartridge for mounting on your existing headshell. Pros: - Lets you use the headshell you already own and like - Scratch-tuned stylus handles back-cueing and quick cuts - Replacement styli from Ortofon are easy to source Cons: - Requires manual mounting and alignment on a headshell - Standard OM body is less rugged than integrated DJ cartridges Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B07LH4ZDSV ### 5. Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ Single Cartridge Our score: 7.9/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ single cartridge with a premounted stylus. It fits DJ turntables with a removable headshell, and Ortofon describes the DJ model as a sturdy choice for scratching and back-cueing. Pros: - Fits all DJ turntables with a removable headshell, according to the listing, with the stylus premounted - Described by Ortofon as a sturdy model for scratching and back-cueing - Current MK2 generation of the Concorde line, with accurate sound and excellent groove handling claimed Cons: - Single cartridge, so equipping two decks means buying two or stepping up to a twin set - No spare stylus is included, and the listing gives no output or tracking force figures Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B0799PPSN4 ### 6. JICO Omnia J44A 7 DJ IMP SD (2-Pack) Mounted on Black Jico Headshells Our score: 7.7/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10) Two JICO Omnia J44A 7 DJ IMP SD cartridges with N-44-7 DJ styli, premounted on black JICO headshells and designed to reproduce the bass and output of the original Shure M44-7. Priced as a 2-pack for a pair of decks. Pros: - Designed to reproduce the powerful bass and smooth output of the original Shure M44-7 and N44-7 stylus - Both cartridges arrive mounted on black JICO headshells, which skips the mounting and wiring step - Listing highlights strong tracking for scratching and cutting without excessive record wear Cons: - Sold only as a 2-pack here, so it costs far more than a single cartridge if you run one deck - The listing gives no output voltage, tracking force range or stylus tip dimensions Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B0D9R9CSDY ### 7. Audio-Technica AT-XP3 DJ Turntable Cartridge Our score: 7.1/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Audio-Technica AT-XP3 DJ cartridge supplied with its mounting hardware: 11 mm and 8 mm installation screws, washers, nuts and a non-magnetic screwdriver. A single cartridge from a major brand at an entry price. Pros: - Sold by Audio-Technica as a dedicated DJ cartridge, from a long-established cartridge brand - Two screw lengths (11 mm and 8 mm), washers and nuts are included to suit different headshells - A non-magnetic screwdriver comes in the box, so you do not need extra tools for the install Cons: - The listing has almost no specifications: no output level, stylus shape or tracking force is given - Cartridge only, with no headshell in the box, so you mount and align it yourself Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B07N3S5WHV ### 8. Gemini HDCN-15 Turntable Headshell and Cartridge (Silver), Headshell and Cartridge, 20.00 x 20.00 x 20.00 Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Gemini HDCN-15: a CN-15 cartridge premounted and factory-aligned on a silver SME-style headshell. A budget plug-in option or gig-bag spare for DJ decks that take a standard removable headshell. Pros: - CN-15 cartridge arrives mounted and factory-aligned, so there is no protractor or wiring work - Standard SME-style headshell connection fits most DJ and home turntables with a removable headshell - Low price makes it a practical backup to keep in a DJ bag for when a stylus breaks Cons: - The listing gives no output voltage, stylus shape or tracking force for the CN-15 cartridge - A budget cartridge, pitched in the listing as an affordable spare rather than a scratch specialist Details: https://turntablenest.com/product/B002SSA79G As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.