Gramophone needles

A turntable stylus is a small part that decides whether a record sounds clean or starts to hiss, skip and wear unnecessarily. Before replacing it, first check whether you need only the stylus or the whole turntable cartridge, because these parts must be compatible with the exact model. The right replacement stylus restores detail in the sound while protecting the grooves of the vinyl. If you are unsure about the marking, compare the shape of the original stylus, the mounting and the recommendation from the turntable or cartridge manufacturer.

How to choose a replacement stylus

The key point is cartridge compatibility: check the model marking, stylus tip type and mounting method. For regular home listening, a verified replacement stylus for the given cartridge is enough, while more demanding listeners can choose Hi-Fi styli with more precise detail tracking. Replace the stylus as well when you hear distortion, uneven channel sound or a noticeable loss of treble.

Care that extends service life

• Clean the stylus with a soft brush from back to front, never sideways.
• Store records in sleeves and remove dust before playback.
• Check the tonearm tracking force according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Dirty or damaged records wear the stylus faster, so regular cleaning and proper vinyl storage are also worthwhile. A quick check before playback often prevents worse sound and a more expensive replacement of other parts.