Not sure what cartridges I can get for my Sony

[CursedLemon]

I have a Sony PS-1800 (made a thread about it before ) that I'm looking to fix up, and I've been looking around trying to figure out what cartridge I should get for it. I don't really know anything about this stuff, but I haven't been able to locate a resource of information telling me exactly what kinds of cartridges I can/should get for my turntable.

The cartridge that came with it is a Shure M93E, with a Hi-Track stylus.

[gg383]

What do you want to spend??? If you know the cartridge works you can go to e-bay or Google it and come up with some options in the $20.00 range for a generic stylus and you're done. Do you like the sound of your Shure thru your system?? Things get a lil more complicated if you want to install a new cartridge right and you are probably going to need a few tools to do it right too. The $30.00 range could get you a Red Ed or an Orthofon Omega. $45.00 can get you an Audio Technica AT95 E. $70.00 can get you a Shure M97XE. These are all search it out best prices, you can pay more for most of these. Since you say you don't really know much about this stuff, I'd suggest you look up a replacement stylus at this point, It'll protect your vinyl better and give you a chance to read more here and other forums and see if you want to get into it more. I run Dual TT's. I don't really know much about your Sony, so I'm just giving you some basic info on low price options!!! I hope you have it cranking soon!!! Glenn.

[CursedLemon]

Well, what I'm asking is, are cartridges universal? Can I buy the wrong cartridge for my turntable?

[gg383]

Of course you COULD buy a cartridge that isn't compatable with your TT or doesn't fit your TT, but probably not if you do a little research also. I gave you some low buck basic ideas for a 1/2 inch mount, that's why I asked you what you wanted to spend!!! $30.00 to $3,000.00 it's your choice, I have no idea of what you are looking for!! Most P mounts come with a 1/2 inch adapter so you could get by with one of them also. You probably want a MM which are the less costly cartridges, unless you have a really fancy setup with an expensive preamp, I'm figuring your Sony TT is a medium priced model so I made my picks with this in mind. The cartridges tend to be a personal thing to many people depending on the style of their music and their budgets. That's why I suggested a replacement stylus if you were at all happy with the sound of your Shure. Cheaper for now and it gives you time to learn and move up to something better in the future if you feel the need to. I'm not sure of the tonearm mass on your Sony, if it's kind of heavy you might want to avoid Orthofon Omega or OM series but my other picks + many more are out there for you to choose from. Maybe some Sony Guys can add their 3 cents worth!!!!

[CursedLemon]

Does the form factor of TT cartridges vary wildly, or are they mostly the same? I ask because I can't find any real information about what different types there are. I'm assuming that they all have the same actual electrical compatibility.

[Alec124c41]

Look for 1/2 inch mount, moving magnet (MM) cartridges.
http://www.lpgear.com/category/OPC.html
http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Stor ... %2C88%2C88

Cheers,
Alec

[JoeE SP9]

As far as form factor goes there are 1/2" Mount and P-Mount. That's it. P-Mount cartridges come with a half inch adapter. So, you can buy any cartridge and it will fit. What's most important is correct alignment. There are two ways to assure this is correct. Many TT's when new have a stylus overhang gauge. These tend to get lost and very few used ones still have them. The alternative is to use a stylus protractor for cartridge alignment. They are available free on this site. Look for "Tools" right below the page header.

gg383 gave you some good suggestions for a cartridge.

[mrow2]

There are also moving coil (MC) cartridges (half inch mount). For now, you'd want to avoid those and stick with the half inch mount MM types. Even if you choose a P Mount, most come with a half inch adapter so that it could be used either way. But you are better off with a half inch MM cartridge much like the one you have. Bang for the bucks, the Audio Technica AT95E or the Shure M97xE offer a lot of value for the dollars spent. Those would be compatible with your turntable. It's more complex than simply form-factor issues, so cartridges like the ones suggested in this thread would be very reasonable choices. The one you have is fine for a backup / spare and maybe you could keep it in an extra headshell.

[CursedLemon]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it. =) I know I'm gonna have more questions about other things as I piece back together this TT, so be on the lookout. ;x

[CursedLemon]

Tiny update on this.

The drive belt FINALLY showed up (from Australia, damn U.S. customs), and I found some decent spacers to re-mount the motor. So I've got the platter spinning, now I just need a cartridge and needle to test it and see if it's working.

This is a picture of the bracket on the end of the arm. I'm showing this just in case this would change any of the recommendations in this thread, as I have no idea what fits what.

[Alec124c41]

Some old Shure and Empire cartridges mounted into a clip like that. The clip should be held in the headshell by 2 screws. Take it out, and mount a new cartridge.

Cheers,
Alec

[CursedLemon]

Thanks, Alec! Will other cartridges conform to the form factor of those screws?

[Alec124c41]

Standard 1/2 inch mount.

Cheers,
Alec

[GTH]

Judging by that photo only one lead wire is present, the white one. If the other three are not attached to the cartridge that has been removed you will need a new set of those as well. They can be purchased from the sites already mentioned or scavenged from another headshell, which by the way are removeable to allow for easier installation of new cartridges.