How to Replace a Record Player Cartridge

At this point, almost everyone knows about vinyl’s resurgence. For a format that seemed all but extinct two decades ago, vinyl has made an astonishing and resounding comeback. In 2018, it marked the 13th consecutive year of growth in vinyl sales, with a record 16.8 million LPs sold. 

That’s a 14.6 percent increase from the prior year, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down!

Thousands of new and returning audiophiles have either pulled out their old record players from storage or bought a new one, only to find that the cartridge—which holds the stylus (also known as the needle)—is broken or not living up to its potential. While fixing it might initially seem intimidating, most people can replace a record player cartridge by following a few careful steps and don’t need to spend time and money taking it into their nearest shop.

That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this article and teach you how to do! 

Understanding Record Player Cartridges

Before jumping into replacing a cartridge, you’ve got to understand what you’re dealing with. The cartridge might be small, but it’s the heart of your turntable, turning the physical movement of the stylus into an audio signal that eventually becomes the music you hear. To help visualize it, think of a record player as a guitar, and the cartridge is the pick—without it, you’re not getting any music.

Most cartridges contain three key components:

• Stylus: This is the actual needle that makes contact with the record. Typically made from polished diamond or another gemstone, the stylus sits at the tip of the cantilever and reads the vinyl grooves.
• Cantilever: This is the shaft that holds the stylus. It transfers the vibrations from the stylus up to the magnets and coils.
• Magnets and Coils: These components combine to convert the stylus' vibrations into an electrical signal. This signal travels through the tonearm and into your amplifier, eventually becoming the music you hear.

These components might be tiny, but they’re a marvel of precision engineering. Let’s walk through how to replace your cartridge step-by-step.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have all the tools on hand:

• Needle Nose Pliers: Useful for removing the wires connected to the old cartridge.
• Flat Screwdriver: Essential for unscrewing the old cartridge and installing the new one.
• Stylus Force Gauge: This measures the vertical tracking force (VTF), ensuring that your tonearm applies just the right amount of pressure to your records.
• Cartridge Alignment Protractor: This tool aligns your cartridge correctly to avoid putting extra stress on the stylus or grooves of your records. Many protractors are available for free online to print.

If you’re getting started with vinyl, a record player like the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable is a great beginner option that offers modern features while maintaining classic playback quality—perfect for those just getting their feet wet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Cartridge

Step One: Disconnect the Cartridge

First, you’ll need to remove the old cartridge. Carefully move the tonearm away from the record player base, giving yourself space to work. Look at the back of the cartridge—you should see several colored wires connected to small pins. Each color corresponds to a different channel or ground connection.

Use your needle nose pliers to gently pull these wires free from the old cartridge. Be sure not to tug too hard or at an angle—doing so could damage the wiring. Always pull straight out, and note which color wire goes to which pin for reattachment later.

Pro Tip: Take a picture of the wiring before disconnecting. This makes reattachment much easier.

Step Two: Remove the Cartridge from the Headshell

Next, you’ll need your flat screwdriver to unscrew the old cartridge. Most turntables have two screws securing the cartridge to the headshell. Turn these screws counterclockwise until the cartridge can be removed, but be careful—these screws are often tiny and easy to lose. Some cartridges may also have nuts on the other end of the screws; be sure to save these for installing the new cartridge.

Step Three: Install the New Cartridge

With the old cartridge removed, it’s time to install the new one. 

Hold the new cartridge beneath the headshell in roughly the same position as the old one. Insert the screws through the top of the headshell and loosely tighten them to hold the cartridge in place. Don’t tighten them fully just yet—you’ll need some wiggle room for adjustments.

Once the cartridge is in place, reconnect the wires. Refer to the picture you took or your notes to ensure each wire is connected to the correct terminal. Most new cartridges come with small pins, color-coded for easy attachment.

Pro Tip: Be gentle when reattaching the wires. The pins can be fragile, and rough handling may lead to breakage.

Step Four: Adjust the Vertical Tracking Force (VTF)

Now that the cartridge is installed, it’s time to set the vertical tracking force. This step is critical, as incorrect pressure can damage both your records and the stylus. Using your stylus force gauge, lower the tonearm so that the stylus rests on the gauge’s pad. Adjust the counterweight on the tonearm until the recommended VTF is reached—check your cartridge’s manual for the ideal setting.

If you’re using a beginner-friendly player like the Victrola Stream Carbon, you’ll find that setting the counterweight is simple and intuitive, making it easy to dial in just the right amount of pressure.

Pro Tip: Always calibrate the counterweight from a neutral position. This prevents over or underestimating the required force.

Step Five: Align the Cartridge

To finish up, you need to align the cartridge properly. Use your cartridge alignment protractor to ensure the stylus sits parallel to the grid lines when positioned at both alignment points on the protractor. This step is crucial for reducing wear on your records and stylus and for ensuring optimal sound quality.

Once aligned, tighten the screws holding the cartridge to the headshell, and double-check your alignment after tightening—sometimes tightening can cause slight movement.

Pro Tip: After tightening the screws, recheck your tracking force—any adjustment to the cartridge may alter the tonearm's balance.

Enjoy Your Newly Upgraded Record Player

Replacing a record player cartridge might seem intimidating, but by taking it step by step, you can breathe new life into your turntable and enjoy your vinyl collection as it’s meant to be heard. With the right tools and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with improved sound quality and the satisfaction of completing the upgrade yourself.

If you’re new to vinyl and want something easy to use, consider exploring beginner options like the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable or the Victrola Stream Onyx. These turntables offer modern features with vintage charm, making your listening experience enjoyable right from the start.

Pro Tip: Monitor the stylus' condition over time. To keep your records sounding their best, it’s generally recommended that you replace the stylus every 1,000 hours of play.