Phono Cartridge Upgrades: Get More from Your Vinyl Collection
If you have been enjoying records on an entry-level turntable, upgrading your phono cartridge is one way to take your listening experience to the next level. A better cartridge can help you hear more musical detail, improve stereo imaging, reduce distortion on demanding passages, and bring greater clarity to vocals and instruments.
The good news is that you don't necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars to hear an improvement. There are excellent moving magnet (MM) cartridges at affordable prices, along with more advanced options for listeners ready to invest in a higher-performance system.
This guide organizes our recommended cartridges by budget, with options for both moving magnet and moving coil (MC) designs. Each selection is intended to help you find an upgrade that makes sense for your turntable and your listening habits.
Before you buy: Which type of cartridge should you choose?
Moving magnet (MM): The best starting point for most people upgrading an entry-level turntable. MM cartridges generally work with standard MM phono inputs, offer replaceable styli, and provide excellent performance for the money.
Moving coil (MC): An alternative for enthusiasts seeking a different level of refinement. Many low-output MC cartridges require a compatible MC phono preamp or step-up transformer, and their styli generally aren't user-replaceable.
For most budget-conscious shoppers, I recommend starting with a good MM cartridge. You'll often get a meaningful improvement without having to replace other components in your stereo system. To better understand the choices take a look at my post on cartridge technology where I discuss the differences between cartridge choices in more detail.
Budget upgrades: Under $100
Best for first-time upgrades and affordable improvements to everyday listening.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E
Best value
Moving magnet · Elliptical stylus
This is my first recommendation for someone moving beyond a basic factory-fitted cartridge. Its elliptical stylus can retrieve more detail from record grooves than many entry-level conical styli, while its affordable price makes it a sensible starting point. The VM95 cartridge family also offers an upgrade path to more advanced styli without replacing the cartridge body.
Ortofon 2M Red
Moving magnet · Elliptical stylus
A popular step up for listeners who want a lively, dynamic presentation and a well-established cartridge design. Its relatively high output works with most standard MM phono stages, and the 2M series provides a path to a more advanced stylus later. Check your tonearm's cartridge clearance and mounting requirements before purchasing.
2. Midrange upgrades: $100–$200
For listeners who want improved tracking, finer detail and greater refinement.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN
Moving magnet · Nude elliptical stylus
This is a logical next step for anyone interested in the VM95 family. Its nude elliptical stylus is a worthwhile refinement over the bonded elliptical design of the VM95E, making it attractive for listeners who want to get more out of a good collection of records. It retains the VM95 platform's useful stylus-upgrade flexibility.
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
Detail-focused pick
Moving magnet · MicroLine stylus
The MicroLine stylus is designed to follow the record groove with a profile that can extract fine detail while helping reduce distortion, particularly toward the inner grooves of a record. This makes it a compelling upgrade for listeners who hear sibilance or distortion on demanding recordings. Proper alignment is important to get the best results.
Nagaoka MP-110
Moving-permalloy cartridge · MM-compatible phono input
A popular alternative for listeners who prefer a smooth, full-bodied presentation. It is worth considering if you listen to a wide range of music, including older records, and want a cartridge that balances musical detail with an easygoing character. Confirm stylus replacement options and compatibility before ordering.
3. Advanced moving magnet upgrades: $200–$350
For a more capable turntable and a system that can reveal the benefits of a better stylus.
Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML
Moving magnet · MicroLine stylus
A more ambitious option for listeners who want high-resolution vinyl playback without moving to a low-output MC cartridge. Its MicroLine stylus is designed for detailed groove tracing and consistent performance across the record. It is best considered for a turntable with a capable tonearm and adjustable setup.
Ortofon 2M Blue
Moving magnet · Nude elliptical stylus
A worthwhile step up from the 2M Red, especially for a listener who already owns a compatible Ortofon cartridge. The nude elliptical stylus is designed to retrieve finer groove information. On compatible 2M installations, upgrading the stylus rather than replacing the entire cartridge body may also be an option.
4. Lower-cost moving coil cartridges: Approximately $250–$450
For enthusiasts who want to explore moving coil designs without immediately entering the very high-end market.
Moving coil cartridges are a different approach to generating the audio signal from the record groove. Some listeners prefer their presentation, but the cartridge type alone does not guarantee better sound than a good moving magnet model. At this level, system compatibility is especially important.
Audio-Technica AT-OC9XEB
MC starting point
Moving coil · Bonded elliptical stylus
A good candidate for listeners ready to explore a dedicated moving coil design. It features a dual-moving-coil generator and is aimed at improving stereo separation and clarity. Its relatively modest price compared with higher-end MC cartridges makes it an interesting entry into this category, provided your tonearm and phono stage are suitable.
Denon DL-103
Moving coil · Conical stylus · Low output
A long-established MC design with a substantial following among vinyl enthusiasts. It is known for a full, engaging presentation and can be an excellent choice in a compatible system. However, it has a conical stylus rather than the more advanced stylus profiles found on some alternatives, and its relatively low output means you will need appropriate MC gain. Its tonearm compatibility deserves particular attention.
Denon DL-110
Moving coil · High output
This high-output MC cartridge offers a more straightforward way to explore moving coil technology because it can work with many conventional MM phono inputs. It is worth considering if you want to experiment with MC without immediately buying a dedicated low-output MC preamp. Confirm the manufacturer's specifications and your phono stage's requirements before purchase.
Which cartridge should you choose
Important compatibility checks before you order
Before purchasing any cartridge, check these four things:
Cartridge mounting: Does your turntable accept a replaceable cartridge, or does it use a fixed cartridge or a proprietary mounting system? Some entry-level automatic turntables cannot accept a conventional upgrade.
Tonearm and alignment: Check cartridge weight, mounting arrangement, tracking force and alignment requirements. Some arms offer little or no adjustment.
Phono preamp: Most MM cartridges work with a standard MM input. A low-output MC cartridge normally needs a compatible MC input or step-up transformer; a high-output MC model such as the Denon DL-110 is the exception worth considering.
Stylus replacement: On many cartridges, replacing a worn stylus is easier and less expensive than buying a complete cartridge. Check the availability and cost of compatible replacement styli.
Our final recommendation
For most owners of entry-level turntables, I'd start with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E if keeping costs down is the priority, or the AT-VM95ML if your turntable can accommodate it and you want a more ambitious improvement in detail and tracking. Both let you stay with a familiar MM setup.
Moving coil is worth exploring when you have a compatible tonearm and phono stage, but you don't need to spend more—or switch cartridge technologies—to enjoy your records more. A correctly installed, well-matched cartridge is the key.
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