We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Phono Cartridges 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge (Stealth Edition)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,409
Stylus Shape

Most important from
1026 reviews

Stylus Shape
The stylus design allows the cartridge to track grooves more deeply and smoothly, minimizing distortion and surface noise for quieter, more immersive playback.

The Ortofon 2M Blue Stealth is a popular moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge known for delivering a noticeable improvement in sound quality compared to basic models like the 2M Red. It uses a nude elliptical stylus, which is a good balance between detailed sound and cartridge life, allowing it to pick up more musical details and provide clearer, more open sound. The cartridge offers a relatively high output voltage of around 5.5 mV, making it compatible with most standard phono preamps without needing extra amplification. The tracking force and compliance (how easily the stylus moves with grooves) are well matched to work smoothly on most turntables, supporting stable playback and reducing wear on your records.

Its design also includes split pole pins with copper wire for better signal quality. The 2M Blue Stealth fits universally, so it should mount easily on a wide range of turntables, and the stylus is replaceable, which extends the cartridge’s usable life. On the downside, while it delivers clear improvements in dynamics and resolution, it remains a mid-range cartridge and might not satisfy audiophiles looking for the absolute top-end sound quality found in moving coil (MC) cartridges. Also, users should ensure their turntable tonearm is compatible with the tracking force recommended by Ortofon to get the best performance.

This cartridge represents an excellent choice for those wanting a solid upgrade from entry-level MM cartridges, offering detailed and lively sound with easy installation and maintenance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,409
Stylus Shape

Most important from
1026 reviews

Stylus Shape
The stylus design allows the cartridge to track grooves more deeply and smoothly, minimizing distortion and surface noise for quieter, more immersive playback.
#2

Sumiko Songbird High Output MC Moving Coil Phono Cartridge

Rating
8.2
Type (MM vs. MC)

Most important from
10 reviews

Type (MM vs. MC)
The Sumiko Songbird stands out as a modern audiophile classic, outperforming many moving magnet cartridges at this price point.

The Sumiko Songbird High Output MC cartridge is a moving coil (MC) type designed to deliver a rich, lively sound, especially beneficial for classical music systems that may sound dull otherwise. Being a high output MC cartridge means it produces a stronger signal, making it easier to connect to most phono preamps without extra amplification. It features a long 7-micron stylus face, which helps with precise groove tracking and can improve sound detail and reduce record wear. The open-architecture design in the Reference Series suggests a focus on sound clarity and performance.

The cartridge is small and light, which is typical for cartridges, reducing strain on the record and tonearm. Sumiko products are known for quality, and strong customer ratings reflect user satisfaction.

This cartridge is a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to upgrade from standard moving magnet models to a high output MC for improved sound dynamics without needing specialized phono stages. It might not suit very budget-conscious buyers but can bring more excitement and detail to your classical or balanced vinyl listening experience.

Rating
8.2
Type (MM vs. MC)

Most important from
10 reviews

Type (MM vs. MC)
The Sumiko Songbird stands out as a modern audiophile classic, outperforming many moving magnet cartridges at this price point.
#3

Clearaudio Virtuoso V2 Ebony-body MM moving-magnet Phono Cartridge

The Clearaudio Virtuoso V2 Ebony is a moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge, making it a solid choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want good sound quality without the higher cost or setup complexity of moving coil (MC) cartridges. MM cartridges like this one tend to be easier to maintain and replace the stylus. It features an ebony body that enhances its aesthetic appeal and may help reduce unwanted vibrations.

Clearaudio’s Virtuoso V2 series typically offers a balanced tracking force suitable for most tonearms and moderate compliance that works well with a variety of turntables. Users can expect a clear, detailed sound with good dynamics, ideal for everyday listening and audiophiles seeking a refined yet approachable cartridge. While not the latest model, it provides great value and performance.

As an MM cartridge, it may not match the ultimate resolution and nuance of high-end MC cartridges, but it receives high praise for delivering a reliable, musical sound. This cartridge is well suited for those upgrading from a basic or entry-level cartridge who want excellent sound quality without requiring technical expertise for installation or maintenance.

Buying Guide for the Best Phono Cartridges

Choosing the right phono cartridge is essential for getting the best sound quality from your turntable. A phono cartridge is the component that holds the stylus (needle) and converts the vibrations from the grooves of a vinyl record into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through speakers. The right cartridge can make a significant difference in the clarity, warmth, and overall enjoyment of your vinyl records. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a phono cartridge.
Type (MM vs. MC)Phono cartridges come in two main types: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges are generally more affordable, have replaceable styli, and are compatible with most phono preamps. They are a good choice for beginners and casual listeners. MC cartridges, on the other hand, offer superior sound quality and detail but are more expensive and require a compatible phono preamp. They are ideal for audiophiles and serious vinyl enthusiasts. Choose MM if you are looking for ease of use and affordability, and MC if you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in additional equipment.
Stylus ShapeThe shape of the stylus affects how well it tracks the grooves of a record and the level of detail it can extract. Common shapes include conical, elliptical, and microline. Conical styli are the most basic and affordable, providing decent sound quality but less detail. Elliptical styli offer better tracking and more detail, making them a good middle-ground option. Microline styli provide the highest level of detail and tracking accuracy but are also the most expensive. Choose a conical stylus for casual listening, an elliptical stylus for a balance of quality and cost, and a microline stylus for the best possible sound quality.
Tracking ForceTracking force is the downward pressure the stylus exerts on the record. It is measured in grams and affects both sound quality and record wear. Too little tracking force can cause the stylus to skip, while too much can damage the record. Most cartridges have a recommended tracking force range, typically between 1.5 and 3 grams. For optimal performance, set the tracking force within the manufacturer's recommended range. If you are unsure, start in the middle of the range and adjust as needed based on sound quality and tracking stability.
ComplianceCompliance refers to the flexibility of the stylus suspension and affects how well the cartridge can track the grooves of a record. High-compliance cartridges are more flexible and better suited for low-mass tonearms, while low-compliance cartridges are stiffer and work better with high-mass tonearms. Matching the compliance of the cartridge to the tonearm is crucial for optimal performance. Check your turntable's tonearm specifications and choose a cartridge with a compliance rating that matches. If you are unsure, consult the turntable's manual or seek advice from a knowledgeable dealer.
Output VoltageOutput voltage is the electrical signal strength produced by the cartridge and is measured in millivolts (mV). Higher output voltage cartridges produce a stronger signal, which can be beneficial for reducing noise and improving signal-to-noise ratio. MM cartridges typically have higher output voltages (4-6 mV) compared to MC cartridges (0.2-0.5 mV). Ensure that your phono preamp can handle the output voltage of your chosen cartridge. If you have a standard phono preamp, an MM cartridge with higher output voltage is a safe choice. For MC cartridges, make sure your preamp has sufficient gain to amplify the lower output signal.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now