How does this cartridge compatibility checker work?

Pick your turntable and the cartridge you want to use. The tool checks mount type compatibility (standard half-inch vs P-mount), calculates the tonearm-cartridge resonant frequency (target 8–12 Hz), and flags any mismatches like a low-compliance moving-coil on a low-mass tonearm.

What is tonearm-cartridge resonance and why does it matter?

Resonant frequency = 1000 / (2π × √((tonearm mass + cartridge weight) × dynamic compliance)). Below 6 Hz the cartridge picks up footfalls and warps. Above 14 Hz it picks up audible vibration. The sweet spot for clean playback is 8 to 12 Hz.

What is the difference between MM, MC and MI cartridges?

MM (moving magnet) and MI (moving iron) cartridges have high output and work with any phono preamp. MC (moving coil) cartridges produce much lower voltage and need a dedicated MC phono stage or a step-up transformer.

How do I know my turntable’s tonearm effective mass?

It’s in your turntable manual or product page. Common values: Rega RB330 around 11 g, Pro-Ject 9CC around 11 g, Technics SL-1200 around 12 g, Audio-Technica AT-LP120 around 14 g. The checker stores values for 60+ popular models.

Can I use this for a P-mount turntable?

Yes. P-mount turntables only accept P-mount cartridges. The checker filters compatible cartridges automatically and warns if you pick an incompatible mount type.

What tracking force should I use?

Every cartridge has a recommended range printed on its spec sheet. The checker shows the mid-point of that range as the default, with the safe span. Setting VTF outside that range either skips on loud passages (too low) or damages stylus and groove (too high).

Does the checker recommend an alignment geometry?

Yes. For most pivoted tonearms the checker recommends Baerwald (Lofgren A) by default — minimum tracking distortion at typical groove diameters. Stevenson is suggested for tonearms tracking heavily inner-groove material, Löfgren B for collectors who play mostly outer grooves.

Is the data accurate for all turntables?

Specs come from manufacturer datasheets. For obscure models or vintage units we list the closest documented equivalent. Always cross-check against the manual before final setup.

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Will my cartridge fit my turntable?

Free interactive checker: mount-type fit, tonearm-cartridge resonant frequency, recommended tracking force and alignment geometry. Database covers 50+ turntables and 40+ cartridges.

Pick your turntable and your cartridge

We show whether the combination is compatible, calculate the resonant frequency, and give you exact values for VTF, anti-skate and alignment.

Turntable

Cartridge

Result

Resonant frequency

Optimal 8–12 Hz, safe 6–14 Hz

Tonearm + cartridge total mass

Recommended VTF

Anti-skate

Alignment

Recommended phono load

Cartridge output

Notes and warnings

Honest limitations

Data comes from manufacturer datasheets. For vintage or obscure models we list the closest documented equivalent — always cross-check your manual before final setup.
The resonance formula assumes the tonearm effective mass published by the manufacturer. If your arm has an aftermarket headshell or non-stock hardware, recalculate with the real mass.
Dynamic compliance is taken at 10 Hz. If your spec sheet gives it at 100 Hz, multiply by ~1.7 to estimate the 10 Hz value.
P-mount cartridges only fit P-mount tonearms. There is no safe adapter between the two.

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