How to Select a Hifi Cartridge

What is a Cartridge?

The cartridge is the device attached to the end of a tonearm which measures the modulations in the record grooves and turns those measurements into an electrical signal from which the amplifier and loudspeaker turns into music we can hear.

HiFi Guru can recommend, include and professionally setup various cartridges. Whilst we recommend and use many brands our favourites include Soundsmith, Van Den Hul and Ortofon

When do I need to replace a phono cartridge?

The cartridge is a consumable part it wears over time. The length of time it will last depends on many factors some of these include:

• Age
• Hours of play time
• How clean the record surface and therefore the stylus has been kept
• Environmental conditions (temperature and moisture)
• Set-up accuracy/inaccuracy
• Mis-handling

We can test your cartridge to determine its condition and if necessary organise a re-tip or rebuild, contact us for a free quote.

Do Phono Cartridges Wear Out?

Yes they do. Some designs quicker than others. A good cleaning regime and correct cartridge set up will ensure longer hours of perfect reproduction of music. HiFi Guru do cartridge set-up and cleaning events in our Adelaide showroom contact us to book your free place in our next session

How Long Should a Phono Cartridge Last?

Most cartridges if set up properly last many years. Its best to get yours checked regularly because the cartridge can be replaced, some of your rare record may not.

Can Phono Cartridges Go Bad?

Cartidgred can fail for 2 main reasons:

• Too much weight
• Moisture on the stylus can dissolve the glue holding the diamond in place this can be a result of a poor cleaning method/solution or even some stylus cleaners can damage the cartridge

Phono Cartridge Wiring Code

Generally Red is the right channel positive, white is left channel positive, Green is right channel negative/ground and blue is left channel negative/ground. There are some cartridges with L/R +/-, some don’t have obvious markings and some older cartridges have only 3 pins. Get in touch we can help you work it out.

Cartridges Available at HiFi Guru