How to Replace a Turntable Cartridge, Stylus, and Headshell

Written By: Javier Torres
  • Comments: 4
How to Replace a Turntable Cartridge, Stylus, and Headshell

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

10

Time Required

10 minutes

Introduction

This guide is designed to show how to replace a turntable cartridge, stylus, and headshell on any turntable. You need to replace these when you start to hear static or notice your stylus is bending or cracking. Replacing these will clear up static and prevent damage to your records allowing for a better listening experience. Be aware this requires delicacy as the pieces of the turntable can be easily damaged.

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    • Identify the headshell by opening the turntable dust cover.

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    • Identify the stylus (needle housing) on the headshell and gently remove it from the cartridge by wiggling it carefully. Dispose of the stylus.

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    • Locate the tonearm weight located at the base of the headshell. While holding the headshell, turn the tonearm weight to the right to disconnect the headshell from the tonearm.

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    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver and remove the screws to free the cartridge. Retain the screws for reinstallation.

    • Use standard turntable head screws found at a local audio shop if missing.

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    • Locate the wires on the underside of the headshell and carefully disconnect the wires from the pins of the cartridge.

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    • Replace with a new cartridge by plugging the pins of the new cartridge into the wires.

    • Match the color of the wires to the color of the pins.

    • Using the Phillips #0 screwdriver, re-screw the cartridge into the headshell the same way it was removed.

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    • Insert a new stylus (needle housing) into the cartridge before remounting the headshell onto the tonearm.

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    • Connect the newly assembled headshell into the tonearm and tighten until secure.

    • Do not overtighten.

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    • Test the new needle and allow for a break-in period.

    Calibration?

    Aaron Hoberman -

Author

Javier Torres

Member since: 24/02/15

397 Reputation

3 comments

"on any turntable"? These instructions are only for one specific tonearm and cartridge and apply to a minority of cartridges. This claim is plainly bogus and anyone with a different cartridge is likely to find the instructions useless and potentially hazardous to their equipment.

Howard -

Just commenting to disagree with above. Excellent tutorial and my audio technical cartridge and headshell are similar so it solved my issue. Thanks for the article.

Craig Smith -

Yeah, I thought the above tutorial was very informative and easy to understand

Philip -