How to Change the Cartridge on Your Record Player
Have you ever been listening to your favorite vinyl record only to hear a strange distortion, crackling noise or even nothing at all?
Before you start cursing the record it might be your cartridge that requires attention. A damaged or worn-out cartridge can seriously impact the sound quality of your vinyl collection which results in disappointing listening experiences.
But here is the good news that replacing the cartridge on your record player is simpler than you might imagine.
Today, we will take you through the process of substituting the cartridge on your turntable so that you can resume enjoying that rich and warm sound you adore.
Why Should You Replace the Cartridge?
Before we get to the how-to, let us discuss why cartridge replacement is such a big deal. The cartridge is the mechanism on the turntable that cradles the stylus (the needle) that touches your vinyl grooves. With use the stylus can degrade overall impacting sound quality.
When that occurs you may experience distortion, skipping or even record damage.
Some of the most frequent indications that the cartridge needs to be replaced are:
Skipping or jumping:
When the stylus is not in the right position or is excessively worn, it might not track correctly and will skip.
Flat, muddy sound:
A worn cartridge can give the music a dull, lifeless sound.
Visible wear:
If the stylus appears to be damaged or if the cartridge appears to be worn out and it is time to replace the turntable cartridge.
process of replacing Cartridge on Your Record Player.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you get started, you will need a few basic tools. Luckily, it is not much more than a simple screwdriver and a steady hand. Here’s a quick list:
Replacement cartridge:
Make sure it is compatible with your turntable model.
Small screwdriver:
To remove the screws holding the old cartridge in place.
Brush or cleaning cloth:
To keep your turntable and cartridge clean during the process.
Needle force gauge:
To ensure the correct pressure for the stylus.
Step 2: Prepare Your Turntable
First things first: safety. Turn off your turntable and unplug it to prevent any accidental damage or electric shocks. Then gently lift the tonearm and secure it using the tonearm rest. This step is important because you do not want the tonearm moving around while you are handling the cartridge.
If you have a dust cover on your turntable, consider removing it to avoid any accidental bumps during the process.
Step 3: Remove the Old Cartridge
The second step is to take out the old cartridge very carefully. It could take some unscrewing of bolts or unclipping, depending on the turntable model. Let’s break it down:
Find the screws:
Examine the front of your tonearm where your cartridge is mounted. You will notice one or two screws holding the cartridge in position. With a small screwdriver now gently undo the screws. Store them in a safe place in case you need them again someday.
Remove the wires:
Most cartridges are attached to the tonearm with color-coded wires (usually four). Carefully remove each wire by pulling the connectors from the cartridge pins. These are fragile connections so be careful and do not pull on the wires themselves.
Take the cartridge out:
Once the screws are out and the wires have been disconnected then carefully slide the old cartridge out of the tonearm. Take caution not to hurt the tonearm or the parts around it.
Step 4: Install the New Cartridge
Now for the exciting part: putting your new cartridge! Here is how you can do it step-by-step.
Prepare the new cartridge: Take a moment before installing to examine your new cartridge. Always ensure that it is compatible with your turntable and has the same mounting system (e.g., headshell mount or universal mount).
Install the new cartridge: Place the new cartridge into the tonearm in the correct alignment. It will fit snugly in position with the stylus facing out. Place it there and secure it overall by tightening the mounting screws back into position. Avoid over tightening the screws; they need to be tight but not forced.
Reconnect the wires: Connect the color-coded wires from the tonearm to the pins of the new cartridge. Care should be taken that the wires are attached to the right pins to prevent any sound problems. Generally the wires are color-coded as below:
- Red: Right channel (positive)
- White: Left channel (positive)
- Green: Right channel (negative)
- Blue: Left channel (negative)
Make sure the wires are snugly connected but do not force them onto the pins.
Step 5: Set the Tracking Force
The tracking force is how hard the stylus is pressed into the grooves on the vinyl. Getting it set right is important for best sound and for taking care of your record player cartridge. Some cartridges will have guidelines for tracking force but you can also adjust it with a counterweight on your tonearm on your turntable.
To achieve this:
- Tilt the counterweight at the back of the tonearm until the stylus is properly balanced.
- Use a tracking force gauge to measure the force, or if you do not have a tracking force gauge, you can refer to the manufacturer’s guideline.
Too much tracking force can lead to unnecessary wear on your records. Too little and the stylus can skip or lead to distortion.
Step 6: Test the Setup
After you have secured and adjusted all things now it is time to try your new cartridge. Position a vinyl record player cartridge on your turntable and gently place the tonearm. Listen for the sound quality. Is the sound cleaner? It helps to keep vinyl player maintenance for a long time.
Are there fewer skips or distortions? If all sounds well then you have succeeded in replacing your cartridge.
If the sound remains incorrect then double-check the tracking force and make sure the cartridge is in its correct position. You can also tweak the anti-skate control to make sure the tonearm glides smoothly along the record.
Step 7: Maintain Your New Cartridge
In order to maintain your cartridge in the best possible state, it is advisable to service it regularly. Here are some maintenance tips you can follow:
Clean the stylus:
Use a soft brush to clean the stylus after every use. This will avoid dust accumulation and maintain the integrity of your stylus.
Keep your turntable in a proper place:
Never ever leave your turntable exposed to dust and dirt by covering it or keeping it in a dust-free place.
Inspect for wear:
The stylus will eventually wear out. Watch for indications of distortion or degradation of sound quality and replace the turntable cartridge as needed.
Conclusion
So, it is pretty much clear to all us that replacing the cartridge on your record player cartridge player may appear to be a difficult task at first but with the proper tools and a bit of patience it can be an easy and satisfying process. By maintaining your turntable and keeping your cartridge in good shape, you can appreciate the rich and full sound of vinyl player maintenance for many years to come. Need help maintaining your vinyl setup or looking to press your own records? Visit Impress Vinyl for expert services, premium pressing options and everything you need to keep the music spinning!