Phono Cartridges

Iconic and Highly Referenced Models (1970s–1990s)

These are legendary cartridges that defined an era and are still highly regarded by collectors and audiophiles:

  • Shure V15 Series

    • V15 Type III (released in 1973): renowned for neutrality and excellent tracking.

    • V15 Type IV and V: evolved versions with improved treble response.

  • Audio-Technica AT-VM35
    Widely used in audiophile and studio-grade turntables.

  • Ortofon VMS Series
    VMS20E and VMS30: high-quality MM cartridges with neutral, detailed sound.

  • Stanton 681EEE
    Famous for professional use in radio studios and DJ setups.

  • ADC XLM Series
    Reference for tracking performance and low tracking force, highly sought after.

  • Denon DL-103
    Moving Coil cartridge launched in the 1960s but gained major popularity in the ’70s and ’80s. Still produced today.

  • Empire 2000 Series
    Highly regarded for smooth sound and precise bass response.

  • Technics EPC-270 / 290
    Versatile MM cartridges known for their musical, well-balanced sound and excellent compatibility with a wide range of tonearms. Popular among both audiophiles and DJs.

Contemporary Reference Models (2000s–Present)

These cartridges are used by demanding audiophiles today and have widespread recognition:

Ortofon 2M Series

  • 2M Red: excellent value, engaging sound.

  • 2M Blue: popular upgrade with greater detail.

  • 2M Bronze and Black: top of the MM range.

Audio-Technica VM95 Series

  • VM95E: modern replacement for the classic AT95E, very affordable.

  • VM95ML and VM95SH: models with microlinear and shibata styli for higher resolution.

Nagaoka MP Series

  • MP-110: warm sound, excellent tracking, very popular.

  • MP-200: audiophile-level upgrade.

Denon DL-110

  • High-output MC cartridge with dynamic, detailed sound.

Goldring 1000 Series

  • G1006 to G1042: MM cartridge known for neutrality and refinement.

Grado Prestige Series

  • Black3, Blue3: smooth, musical sound, widely appreciated.

Affordable and Recommended Models Today

For those who want quality without spending too much:

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E

  • Outstanding price-to-performance ratio, easy to mount.

Ortofon 2M Red

  • One of the world’s most popular cartridges, a frequent upgrade for entry-level turntables.

Nagaoka MP-110

  • Mid-priced, very musical sound.

Grado Black3

  • Affordable option with a warm, engaging character.

Audio-Technica AT-VM95C

  • Even more budget-friendly, ideal for beginners.

Rega Carbon

  • Often supplied with Rega entry-level turntables.

Suggest, good and easy to buy:

Audio-Technica VM95E

Type: Moving Magnet (MM)

Stylus: Bonded elliptical (0.3 × 0.7 mil)
Output Voltage: 4.0 mV
Frequency Response: 20–22,000 Hz
Tracking Force: 1.8–2.2 g (recommended: 2.0 g)

Sound Character:
Balanced and neutral, with a clean midrange and tight bass. Treble is open but not aggressive. Excellent tracker for the price, with a precise, “matter-of-fact” presentation.

Comparative Notes:
Among the three, the VM95E is often described as the most linear and least colored. Slightly less warmth than the MP-110, and a little less treble energy than the 2M Red.

Ortofon 2M Red

Type: Moving Magnet (MM)

Stylus: Nude elliptical (some earlier production runs were bonded)
Output Voltage: 5.5 mV
Frequency Response: 20–22,000 Hz
Tracking Force: 1.6–2.0 g (recommended: 1.8 g)

Sound Character:
Lively and forward, with an energetic treble and punchy bass. Very engaging on rock and pop, though can be a touch bright on less forgiving systems.

Comparative Notes:
Has more upper-midrange presence than the VM95E and MP-110. Often considered the most “fun” and immediate-sounding of the three, though slightly less refined in subtle detail.

Nagaoka MP-110

Type: Moving Permalloy (MP) — similar to MM but with a replaceable permalloy magnet
Stylus: Superfine elliptical (0.4 × 0.7 mil)
Output Voltage: 5.0 mV
Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
Tracking Force: 1.5–2.0 g (recommended: 1.75 g

Sound Character:
Warm, smooth, and slightly laid-back. Rich midrange with a sweet treble and excellent tracking. Particularly well-suited to jazz, vocals, and older pressings.

Comparative Notes:
Compared to the VM95E, the MP-110 has more warmth and body, with a less “clinical” sound. Less bright than the 2M Red, with a smoother top end. Many listeners find it the most forgiving of the three.