Cartridge Types Explained: Which One is Best for Vinyl DJs?

Finding the best cartridges for your vinyl DJing style is critical and often overlooked. You can spend hundreds of dollars on an extensive setup, but if your cartridge doesn’t fit your needs, it is all for nothing. A good cartridge not only shapes the grooves of your records, but it also shapes the sound quality, tracking ability, and overall feel of your vinyl mixing. But with different cartridge types on the market, many beginning vinyl DJs wonder: Which cartridge is best for vinyl DJs?

Let’s break down the main cartridge types, their pros and cons, and provide a list of the best cartridges that I would recommend.

What Is a Cartridge?

A cartridge is the small component attached to the end of your tonearm that holds the stylus (needle). It converts the vibrations in a vinyl groove into electrical signals, which are then amplified into sound. You can see the cartridge as the element where it all begins.

For vinyl DJs, the cartridge is a vital element that defines the smoothness of your mix. Depending on your style, it needs to withstand back-cueing, scratching, and heavy club use without damaging records.

The Two Main Cartridge Mount Types

1. Headshell-Mounted Cartridges

What it is: A cartridge that screws into a removable headshell, which then connects to your tonearm.
Pros:
- Offers precise alignment options for audiophiles and DJs who want accuracy.
- Widely compatible with most DJ turntables.
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier.
- Requires more setup and calibration.

2. Concorde-Style Cartridges

What it is: An all-in-one cartridge that plugs directly into the tonearm without a separate headshell. Popularized by Ortofon’s Concorde series.
Pros:
- Super easy to set up, just plug and play.
- Durable and designed for heavy DJ use.
Cons:
- Less customizable compared to headshell-mounted.
- Can be pricier.

Stylus Shapes: Elliptical vs. Spherical

The stylus is the tiny needle that sits in the groove of your vinyl record. Besides cartridge type, the stylus shape makes a big difference in performance. In essence, you have two stylus shapes: the Elliptical and Spherical.

Spherical Stylus

Round tip that sits higher in the groove.
Less wear on vinyl during back-cueing and scratching.
Slightly less precise sound reproduction.
Best for DJs who scratch, backspin, or mix heavily.

Elliptical Stylus

Sharper tip that digs deeper into the groove.
Provides clearer, more detailed sound.
Wears records faster if used roughly.
Best for audiophiles or DJs who prioritize sound quality and long blends.

Recommended DJ Cartridges

Choosing the right cartridge can feel overwhelming with many choices out there, so here are two recommendations that you cannot go wrong with:

1. Ortofon Concorde MKII Scratch (Concorde Style, Spherical Stylus)

If you want plug-and-play simplicity and rugged durability, the Ortofon Concorde MKII Scratch is a top choice. Designed specifically for DJs who back-cue and scratch, this cartridge has a spherical stylus that reduces vinyl wear while delivering powerful sound. The bright output ensures your mixes cut through in loud club environments. In my opinion, the best pick for the all-around DJ.

2. Ortofon 2M Blue (Headshell-Mounted, Elliptical Stylus)

The Ortofon 2M Blue is a favorite among DJs and audiophiles who demand superior sound quality. With its elliptical stylus, it tracks grooves with incredible precision, delivering sparkling highs, warm mids, and tight bass. While it’s a bit pricier, it’s a worthy investment for DJs who want to hear every detail of their records. But you truly get a lot back for that money!

Pro Tips for Choosing & Maintaining Cartridges

Always keep a backup stylus in case of accidents mid-set.
Clean your stylus regularly with a soft brush to extend its life.
Match your cartridge to your DJing environment; clubs demand durability, while home setups can prioritise sound quality.
Remember: investing in a good cartridge protects your vinyl collection in the long run.

Conclusion

Cartridges may look small, but finding the best cartridge for your style of vinyl DJing is important. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether you want a Concorde-style or a headshell-mounted cartridge that fits your playing style.

In the end, the right cartridge not only improves your mixes but also makes spinning vinyl even more enjoyable.

Now that you have got your cartridges, make sure you know how to set up all your vinyl DJing gear!