In this article, we'll explain how to choose a new cartridge or stylus for your turntable, whether you're replacing an old, damaged cartridge or upgrading to improve audio performance.

Turntable cartridges, especially the stylus, also known as the needle, wear out over time. Eventually, these parts will need to be replaced to maintain their best sonic performance, especially if you have one of the best turntables available. Regularly replacing the stylus also helps maintain the integrity of your growing collection of vinyl records, which can become scratched or damaged from using the needles for longer than their recommended lifespan. And even if your turntable cartridge is in excellent condition, you can still opt for a newer, better performing upgrade. There are many choices, but understanding some turntable basics will make the selection easier.

Although they work together as a precision instrument, a turntable cartridge and a stylus are two separate parts. If you think of turntable cartridges like windshield wiper assemblies on cars, the stylus would be the thin rubber blade that makes direct contact with the windshield. You know the blade is starting to wear out when it can no longer effectively wipe away rain. And as long as the wiper assembly is still in good condition, you only need to replace the blade portion. This same concept applies to how you would treat a turntable: if the cartridge is still in good condition, you only replace the stylus.

An exception to this rule is that some types of turntable cartridges do not have a removable needle. In that case, you will need to replace the entire cartridge.