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.
This turntable has a fixed cartridge — no interchangeable cartridges are compatible. Pick another model to compare.
Before the stylus lands
The wrong match wears the record, not just the stylus.
Compliance and effective mass have to agree. When they don't, the groove pays for it over years of play.
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.
Use our other free vinyl tools
Storage, weight, collection value, turntable quiz.
Where the record waits
Good gear, records stacked flat on the floor.
The setup you just checked deserves somewhere to keep the records upright and within reach.
Real collections
Systems that live next to the turntable
Free interactive cartridge compatibility checker for vinyl turntables. Pick your turntable and cartridge to see if they pair correctly, what the resonant frequency will be, and the right tracking force, anti-skate, and alignment to use. Loading the interactive checker…
What the Cartridge Compatibility Checker does
The Cartridge Compatibility Checker tells you whether a phono cartridge will work with your turntable before you buy — avoiding mismatched mounts, tracking force or weight.
How it works
It checks the factors that determine fit: mount type (standard half-inch vs P-mount), cartridge weight against your tonearm's range, and recommended tracking force. A mismatch here is the most common reason a new cartridge tracks badly.
FAQ
Is my cartridge compatible with my turntable?
Check the mount type and your tonearm's supported cartridge weight and tracking force above.
Compatibility factors it checks
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Mount type | Standard half-inch (two screws) vs P-mount (plug-in) — must match the headshell |
| Cartridge weight | Must fall inside your tonearm’s balanced range, or it won’t track |
| Tracking force | Each cartridge has a recommended range — too low or high damages records |
| Compliance / resonance | Cartridge compliance + tonearm mass set the resonant frequency (ideal 8–12 Hz) |
MM vs MC cartridge — which do I need?
Moving Magnet (MM) suits most setups and any standard phono input. Moving Coil (MC) needs a compatible preamp but can sound superb.
What tracking force should I set?
Use the cartridge’s recommended figure (the checker shows it) — usually 1.5–2.0 g for typical MM cartridges.
Will any cartridge fit any turntable?
No — mount type and weight have to match. Check above before buying.
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