Turntable/cartridge question.?

Question

I found my mom's turntable in the basement and it works but I want to get a nicer cartridge/styli for it. It's a Technics SL D2. Are all cartridges compatible with all turntables generally? Thanks

Answer 1

It's been a while since I used a turntable, but generally yes ... in that the wiring is the same.

But the weight range can vary so you can't (or at least shouldn't) put a cartridge intended for a light weight arm (tracking weight 1-2 grams) on an arm that tracks at 5-6 grams. There are also possible differences in output depending whether you are using a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge ... and this will impact on the type of phono pre-amp needed (Note that these days not all receivers can accept a phono input (it requires a special pre-amp circuit).

See the link for a discussion on upgrading a Technics SL D2

Answer 2

Yes most cartridges are compatible with turntables.

Answer 3

No.... It not only depends on weather it uses a ceramic or a magnetic cartridge, but the tracking weight is the next factor. Most ceramic cartridges need a heavy arm weight to work properly. Magnetic cartridges track at a much lighter weight and are therefor used in better turntables. A DJ table will use a ceramic heavy tracking cartage to help prevent skipping if some one bumps his table. An audiophile, on the other hand, will prefer a very light cartridge. Last but by no means least is the problem of OEM design. A Dennon cartrage won't fit a Dual tone arm even though they may be of simular electronic specs. The link above may be OK for your Panasonic/ Technics table as I did not follow up on that, but you may well find that there are even several cartrage/styles combinations available for that table. Another good place to look is a company called " Needles are us ", They are a chain and may have a web site.