Finding the best cartridges for your vinyl DJing style is really important and often overlooked. You can spend hundreds of dollars on an extensive setup, but if your cartridge does not fit your needs, it is all for nothing. A good cartridge does not only the grooves of your records, it shapes the sound quality, tracking ability, and overall feel of your vinyl mixing. But with different cartridge types on the market, many beginning vinyl DJ’s 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 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 quite an important element that defines how smooth your mix is going to be. And 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 little needle that will sit on the groove of your vinyl record. Besides cartridge type, the stylus shape makes a big difference in performance. In essence, you have two types of 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 focus on 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, it uses a spherical stylus that reduces vinyl wear while still delivering a powerful sound. The bright output ensures your mixes cut through in loud club environments. In my opinion, the best pick for the all round 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 very important. Knowing the difference helps you pick whether you want to go for 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!
