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Cartridges
Analogue

Cartridges

Your phono cartridge is where the magic of analogue begins. As the only part of your system in physical contact with your record, its job is to translate microscopic vibrations into an emotional experience. Our curated collection offers a path to better sound for every listener, from the legendary precision and tracking of Audio-Technica and Ortofon to the rich, organic warmth that has made Grado a favorite for generations. Whether you are seeking a high-output Moving Magnet (MM) for versatility or a sophisticated Moving Coil (MC) from Goldring for ultimate resolution, we provide the tools to refine your playback. Discover the perfect match for your tonearm and hear your vinyl collection as if for the first time.
Sumiko Black Pearl MM Cartridge
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Sumiko

Sumiko Black Pearl MM Cartridge

£99.95
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Audio Technica Cartridge Case
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Audio Technica

Audio Technica Cartridge Case

£19.99
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Acoustic Signature MCX2 Cartridge
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Acoustic Signature

Acoustic Signature MCX2 Cartridge

£930.00
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Audio Technica AT-VM95SP 78rpm SP Cartridge
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Audio Technica

Audio Technica AT-VM95SP 78rpm SP Cartridge

£64.99
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Audio Technica AT-VM95SH Shibata Stereo Cartridge
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Audio Technica

Audio Technica AT-VM95SH Shibata Stereo Cartridge

£158.95
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Audio Technica AT-VM95ML Microlinear Stereo Cartridge
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Audio Technica

Audio Technica AT-VM95ML Microlinear Stereo Cartridge

£139.75
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Audio Technica AT-VM95E Elliptical Stereo Cartridge
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Audio Technica

Audio Technica AT-VM95E Elliptical Stereo Cartridge

£39.99
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Audio Technica VM740xML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge
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Audio Technica

Audio Technica VM740xML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

£225.00
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Audio Technica AT-ART9XI Dual Moving Coil  Cartridge
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Audio Technica

Audio Technica AT-ART9XI Dual Moving Coil Cartridge

£1,149.00
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Grado Blue3/Red3 Phono MM Cartridge
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Grado

Grado Blue3/Red3 Phono MM Cartridge

£149.00
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Sumiko Pearl MM Cartridge
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Sumiko

Sumiko Pearl MM Cartridge

£129.95
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Sumiko Oyster MM Cartridge
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Sumiko

Sumiko Oyster MM Cartridge

£74.95
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Acoustic Signature MCX1 Cartridge
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Acoustic Signature

Acoustic Signature MCX1 Cartridge

£580.00
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Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
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Ortofon

Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge

£155.00
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Ortofon MC X20 Moving Coil Cartridge
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Ortofon

Ortofon MC X20 Moving Coil Cartridge

£429.00
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Acoustic Signature MM2 Cartridge
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Acoustic Signature

Acoustic Signature MM2 Cartridge

£420.00
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Acoustic Signature MM1 Cartridge
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Acoustic Signature

Acoustic Signature MM1 Cartridge

£190.00
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Acoustic Signature MCX3 Cartridge
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Acoustic Signature

Acoustic Signature MCX3 Cartridge

£1,410.00
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Ortofon LH-2000 Headshell
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Ortofon

Ortofon LH-2000 Headshell

£59.00
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Goldring E3 Replacement Stylus
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Goldring

Goldring E3 Replacement Stylus

£59.00
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Origin Live Aladdin MK2
£1,499.00
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Acoustic Signature MM3 Cartridge
£830.00
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Acoustic Signature MCX4 Cartridge
£2,510.00
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Common Queries & Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install and align a new cartridge myself?

You absolutely can do it yourself, but it requires patience, a steady hand, and the right tools. Installing a cartridge isn't just about plugging in four tiny wires; it requires precise mechanical alignment. You will need a cartridge alignment protractor, a tracking force gauge, and good lighting.

If you are upgrading to a high-end cartridge with an advanced stylus shape (like a MicroLine or Shibata), the alignment must be absolutely perfect—including adjusting the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) and Azimuth. If it is misaligned, you won't hear what you paid for, and you could damage your records. If you feel uncomfortable, our experts at Audio Emotion are always happy to mount and align your cartridge for you.

How should I clean my stylus, and how often?

You should clean your stylus frequently—ideally before or after every listening session. Even microscopic dust acts like sandpaper in a vinyl groove.

  • The Dry Method: Use a dedicated, high-quality carbon fiber stylus brush. Always brush gently from the back of the cartridge pulling straight forward towards you. Never brush side-to-side or front-to-back, as this will snap the delicate cantilever.
  • Gel Pads: You simply lower the needle into the soft gel pad and lift it back up. It safely grabs all the dust without any brushing.
  • Liquid Cleaners: Use these sparingly. While great for tough grime, overusing liquid stylus cleaners can eventually dissolve the microscopic drop of glue that holds the diamond tip to the cantilever.
Do cartridge require a "break-in" period?

Yes. Just like the rubber surrounds on a new pair of speakers, the mechanical suspension holding the cartridge's cantilever is stiff right out of the box. During the first 20 to 50 hours of record playing, this suspension will loosen and settle. You will typically notice the bass becoming fuller and rounder, and the treble smoothing out to become less harsh or analytical.

What happens if I set the vertical tracking force (VTF) wrong?

Every cartridge has a manufacturer-recommended Vertical Tracking Force (usually measured in grams, e.g., 1.8g or 2.0g).

  • Too Light: This is actually the most dangerous mistake. If the needle is too light, it won't sit securely in the groove. It will bounce around and physically crash into the groove walls, causing terrible distortion and permanently damaging your records.
  • Too Heavy: This will squash the cartridge's suspension, leading to a dull, muddy, and lifeless sound. It also dramatically accelerates the wear on both your stylus and your precious vinyl.
  • Tip: Never rely solely on the numbered dial on your tonearm's counterweight. It's worth investing in a digital stylus tracking gauge to ensure your weight is perfectly set down to the hundredth of a gram.
Will upgrading my cartridge make a bigger difference than upgrading my turntable?

If you are looking for an immediate, dramatic change to the tone, detail, and character of your music, upgrading the cartridge is the single most cost-effective leap you can make. It is the microphone reading the music.

However, a world-class cartridge cannot fix a bad turntable. The turntable deck and tonearm provide the foundation—they are responsible for spinning at a perfectly stable speed and isolating the needle from microscopic vibrations. If your current turntable is noisy or unstable, a high-end cartridge will simply reveal those flaws with greater clarity.

Trade-In Programme

Part-Exchange Your Existing Hi-Fi

Fast Valuations • Seamless Upgrades
01

Choose Your Model

Select any model from our catalogue above and head over to its dedicated product page.

02

Request Part-Exchange

Click the "Request a part exchange" button located right below the Add to Cart button, and enter your equipment details.

03

Fast Valuation & Upgrade

Our specialists will supply an agreed trade-in figure to deduct directly from your new equipment.

Have a collection of kit or an unusual trade-in?

Our specialists are on hand to advise on bespoke valuations and system trade-ins.

Call Us: 01592 407700
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