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10 Best Dj Cartridges 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ortofon Concorde MK2 Mix Twin Cartridge

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,339
Stylus Type
Tracking Force
Output Voltage

Most important from
320 reviews

Stylus Type
The needles deliver excellent quality and durability, promising long-term use.
Tracking Force
The design offers reliable tracking and steady needle performance suitable for open format DJ sets.
Output Voltage
Sound performance remains impressive even through less-than-ideal sound systems, maintaining clarity across various record conditions.

The Ortofon Concorde MK2 Mix Twin Cartridge is designed specifically for DJs who use turntables with removable headshells, making it a versatile choice for most DJ setups. This package includes two cartridges with pre-mounted styli, neatly stored in an aluminum flight case, which is great for DJs who want a backup or to share gear.

Known for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, it offers solid sound quality and reliability without breaking the bank. Its design fits well with modern DJ demands, providing good tracking force to keep the needle steady during scratching and mixing.

Ortofon’s reputation suggests the cartridge delivers clear audio suitable for the dynamic range needed in DJing. It is a great option for both beginner and intermediate DJs looking for dependable, good-sounding cartridges that won’t be too complicated to install or use.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,339
Stylus Type
Tracking Force
Output Voltage

Most important from
320 reviews

Stylus Type
The needles deliver excellent quality and durability, promising long-term use.
Tracking Force
The design offers reliable tracking and steady needle performance suitable for open format DJ sets.
Output Voltage
Sound performance remains impressive even through less-than-ideal sound systems, maintaining clarity across various record conditions.
#2

Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Rating
9.8
Stylus Type
Output Voltage
Frequency Response

Most important from
2620 reviews

Stylus Type
The highly polished elliptical diamond stylus contributes to a lower noise floor and smoother playback, especially for older records.
Output Voltage
The increased voltage of 5.5 volts provides serious volume, which is beneficial for those without a very strident amplifier.
Frequency Response
The cartridge's frequency response and stereo separation are exceptional, surpassing what the specs might indicate.
Mounting Style
Installation is an absolute breeze, with no need for nuts for the bolts, making the setup quick and straightforward.

The Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced DJs looking for a reliable upgrade from standard cartridges. Its universal fit means it can easily be installed on most turntables, making it accessible for a wide range of setups. Users often appreciate the open and dynamic sound it provides, along with a touch of warmth that can enhance the listening experience. The elliptical diamond stylus contributes to improved tracking, which is particularly beneficial for those who play a variety of vinyl records.

One of the standout features is its ability to be upgraded to the Ortofon Stylus 2M Blue, allowing for future enhancements without the need to replace the entire cartridge. This flexibility adds value for users who might want to improve their setup as their skills or preferences evolve.

While the 2M Red is praised for its sound quality, some users may find that it requires a slightly higher tracking force, which can lead to quicker record wear if not carefully managed. Additionally, while it's designed for versatility, true audiophiles seeking very specific sound profiles might find it doesn’t meet all specialized needs.

Rating
9.8
Stylus Type
Output Voltage
Frequency Response

Most important from
2620 reviews

Stylus Type
The highly polished elliptical diamond stylus contributes to a lower noise floor and smoother playback, especially for older records.
Output Voltage
The increased voltage of 5.5 volts provides serious volume, which is beneficial for those without a very strident amplifier.
Frequency Response
The cartridge's frequency response and stereo separation are exceptional, surpassing what the specs might indicate.
Mounting Style
Installation is an absolute breeze, with no need for nuts for the bolts, making the setup quick and straightforward.
#3

Ortofon Concorde MK2 Club Twin Cartridge

Rating
9.6
Output Voltage

Most important from
82 reviews

Output Voltage
These cartridges are great, with higher signal strength than similar Concorde styles.

The Ortofon Concorde MK2 Club Twin Cartridge is designed specifically for DJs who want high-quality sound from their turntables. Its special elliptical stylus greatly enhances sound detail, making it ideal for vinyl DJing, sampling, and archival use. With a tracking force that is adjustable, you can fine-tune the performance to suit various vinyl records, which is a notable advantage for those who often switch between different types of music or records. Additionally, the cartridge's design allows it to fit all DJ turntables with a removable headshell, adding versatility to your setup.

One of the appealing aspects of this product is that it comes as a twin pack, complete with pre-mounted styli in a durable aluminum flight case, making it a convenient choice for DJs on the go. The cartridges are also built for durability, which is essential for the rigors of live performances.

The sound quality is outstanding, though some may find the price a bit steep compared to entry-level cartridges. Being a specialized product, it may not be the best fit for casual listeners who do not require the high fidelity that professional DJs seek. The weight of the cartridge is relatively light, which is good for minimizing wear on records, but it may still not perform optimally on certain older or less compatible turntables.

Rating
9.6
Output Voltage

Most important from
82 reviews

Output Voltage
These cartridges are great, with higher signal strength than similar Concorde styles.

Buying Guide for the Best Dj Cartridges

Choosing the right DJ cartridge is crucial for any DJ, whether you're a beginner or a professional. The cartridge is the part of the turntable that holds the stylus (needle) and is responsible for reading the grooves on the vinyl record. A good cartridge can significantly enhance the sound quality and performance of your DJ setup. When selecting a DJ cartridge, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Stylus TypeThe stylus type refers to the shape and material of the needle that makes contact with the record. Common types include spherical (conical) and elliptical. Spherical styli are more durable and better suited for scratching and back-cueing, making them ideal for hip-hop and turntablism. Elliptical styli provide better sound quality and are preferred for mixing and general playback. Choose a spherical stylus if you prioritize durability and scratching, or an elliptical stylus if sound quality is your main concern.
Tracking ForceTracking force is the downward pressure applied by the stylus on the record. It is measured in grams and affects both sound quality and record wear. Lower tracking force (1-2 grams) is gentler on records and provides better sound quality, but may skip more easily. Higher tracking force (3-5 grams) offers better tracking stability, especially for scratching, but can cause more wear on records. If you are a scratch DJ, opt for a higher tracking force. For general mixing and playback, a lower tracking force is preferable.
Output VoltageOutput voltage is the electrical signal strength produced by the cartridge, measured in millivolts (mV). Higher output voltage (8-10 mV) provides a stronger signal, which can be beneficial in noisy environments like clubs. Lower output voltage (3-5 mV) may require more amplification but can offer better sound fidelity. If you perform in loud venues, a higher output voltage is advantageous. For home use or studio settings, a lower output voltage may suffice.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response indicates the range of frequencies the cartridge can reproduce, measured in Hertz (Hz). A wider frequency response (e.g., 20 Hz to 20 kHz) ensures more accurate sound reproduction, capturing both deep bass and high treble. For DJs who prioritize sound quality and want to ensure their music sounds as intended, a cartridge with a wide frequency response is ideal. If you are more focused on scratching and performance, frequency response may be less critical.
Mounting StyleMounting style refers to how the cartridge attaches to the tonearm. The two main types are headshell-mounted and integrated. Headshell-mounted cartridges are more versatile and can be easily swapped out, making them a good choice for DJs who like to experiment with different cartridges. Integrated cartridges combine the headshell and cartridge into one unit, offering simplicity and ease of use. Choose headshell-mounted if you value flexibility, or integrated if you prefer a straightforward setup.

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