Even with a high-quality turntable, the cartridge plays a major role in how your music is reproduced. A well-matched cartridge ensures accurate tracking, reduced distortion and improved tonal balance.
Whether you’re replacing a worn stylus or upgrading your system, choosing the right cartridge can significantly enhance your vinyl playback.
Explore Our Cartridges Range
Cartridges sit at the end of the tonearm and house the stylus (needle) that tracks the grooves of a vinyl record. As the stylus moves through the grooves, it generates a signal that is sent through the system.
There are two main types of cartridges: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). Moving magnet cartridges are more common and easier to maintain, while moving coil cartridges are often used in higher-end systems for their increased detail and precision.
Cartridges vary in build quality, stylus shape and output level, all of which affect performance.
At Klapp AV, our cartridge range is curated to suit both entry-level systems and advanced audiophile setups.
Why Buy Cartridges from Klapp AV?
Klapp AV is an authorised retailer offering genuine cartridges from trusted audio brands. Our team understands how cartridges interact with turntables and phono stages, ensuring you get the right match for your system.
We focus on cartridges that deliver reliable tracking, strong build quality and consistent performance.
Visit our Malvern East showroom for expert advice or speak with our team for tailored recommendations. Klapp AV also offers free shipping on orders over $500, making it easy to upgrade your vinyl setup.
Featured Cartridge Brands
Klapp AV stocks cartridges from leading manufacturers known for performance and precision.
Ortofon offers a wide range of cartridges for all levels of vinyl systems.
Audio-Technica produces reliable cartridges with excellent value.
Sumiko delivers cartridges known for musicality and balance.
Goldring specialises in cartridges with detailed and dynamic sound.
Hana produces high-end moving coil cartridges with refined performance.
These brands are trusted for delivering accurate and engaging vinyl playback.
How to Choose the Right Cartridge
Choosing the right cartridge depends on your turntable and listening preferences.
- Cartridge Type: Moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC).
- Compatibility: Ensure it matches your tonearm and phono stage.
- Stylus Shape: Influences detail and tracking performance.
- Output Level: Must suit your phono preamp.
- Upgrade Goals: Consider whether you want long-term system improvements.
Selecting the right cartridge ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil: What’s the Difference?
Moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges differ in how they generate electrical signals.
MM cartridges use a moving magnet attached to the stylus, making them more durable and easier to replace. They are widely used and compatible with most phono stages.
MC cartridges use a moving coil design, which can provide greater detail and accuracy but often require specialised phono preamps and are more delicate.
For most users, MM cartridges offer excellent performance and convenience. MC cartridges are typically chosen by more experienced users seeking higher levels of detail.
When Should You Replace or Upgrade Your Cartridge?
Cartridges and styluses wear out over time, and replacing them is essential for maintaining sound quality and protecting your records.
A worn stylus can cause distortion, reduced clarity and even damage to vinyl records. Most styluses have a lifespan of several hundred to a thousand hours, depending on usage and quality.
Upgrading your cartridge can also improve sound performance, offering better detail, tracking and tonal balance.
Regular inspection and timely replacement help ensure consistent and safe playback.