10 Best Turntable Cartridges 2025 in the United States

The Ortofon 2M Blue is a highly regarded moving magnet phono cartridge that performs well in enhancing audio quality for vinyl enthusiasts. Its universal fit allows it to be compatible with most turntables, making it a versatile choice for users looking to upgrade their existing setups. One of its standout features is the Nude Elliptical diamond stylus, which improves the dynamics and resolution of sound, offering a clearer and more detailed listening experience compared to its predecessor, the 2M Red. This cartridge also benefits from a replaceable stylus, which can be a cost-effective feature in the long run as it allows users to maintain performance without needing to buy an entirely new cartridge. Additionally, with an output voltage of 5 millivolts, it delivers a strong signal for playback.

The Ortofon 2M Blue is an excellent choice for vinyl lovers looking to enhance their audio experience. It's particularly suited for users who appreciate detail in their music and are ready to take the next step in their vinyl journey, but it may require some basic knowledge about setup and maintenance.

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is a versatile dual moving magnet (MM) cartridge, making it a great choice for a wide range of turntables. It features a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, known for its ability to track record grooves more accurately than conical styli, which results in clearer and more detailed sound quality. The aluminum cantilever adds to its durability and sound performance.

One standout feature is its specially wound coils that increase the output voltage, providing a stronger and more robust signal. This can be particularly beneficial for listeners using lower-powered phono preamps. The durable low-resonance polymer housing helps minimize unwanted vibrations, contributing to a cleaner audio output. Additionally, the cartridge comes with threaded inserts, simplifying the installation process as it can be mounted to the headshell with just two screws, eliminating the need for nuts.

On the downside, the recommended tracking force of 2.0 grams might be on the higher end for some users, potentially causing more wear on records over time compared to cartridges with lower tracking forces. Also, while the elliptical stylus is a significant upgrade over conical options, it may not match the performance of more advanced stylus shapes like microline or shibata, which offer even better sound fidelity and tracking ability.

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Turntable Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit is a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts. It features a Micro-Linear stylus, which is known for delivering excellent sound quality with precise tracking, reducing wear on your records. The cartridge type is MM (Moving Magnet), which is generally easier to replace and more affordable than MC (Moving Coil) cartridges, making it user-friendly for beginners and seasoned users alike.

The aluminum cantilever provides a good balance of durability and performance. The low-resonance polymer housing helps to minimize vibrations, contributing to clearer sound reproduction. One of the standout features is the threaded inserts in the cartridge body, allowing for easy mounting with just two screws, which simplifies installation. The universal 1/2"-mount headshell makes it compatible with most turntables.

However, this kit might not be the best choice for those looking for the absolute highest-end audiophile experience, as MC cartridges often provide superior sound quality.