The performance potential of a record playing system is defined by the capabilities of the phono cartridge. Tonal balance, response range, clarity on musical peaks, stereo separation and imaging, and freedom from noise and distortion are all affected at the outset. The selection of this first component is critical to the full enjoyment of the rest of your system.

audio-technica
Audio-Technica offers four different diamond stylus shapes. The Microline stylus almost exactly duplicates the cutting stylus used to produce the original master disk This results in accurate tracking of high frequency passages and ruler-flat frequency response within the audible range. The unique multi-level shape wears more evenly, allowing greatly extended record and stylus life. The Linear Contact stylus provides a vertical contact area several times that of the elliptical, enabling it to respond to delicate groove modulations. The elliptical stylus has two radii, the front radius being wider than the side radius. This allows the stylus to ride in the center of the groove, like the conical, while the smaller side radius can more accurately track higher frequencies. The conical stylus is the simplest, least expensive and most widely used stylus. Its spherical tip normally touches the center of the record groove walls. The conical design works best in moderate to lower-priced record players with higher tone arm tracking forces.

Prices are quoted in US dollars, and do not include tax, shipping, and handling. Ordering information is provided below.

audio-technica Audiophile Series
Model	Description	Mount	Stylus	Our Price
Audio-Technoca AT-OC9ML II		½" mount	Microline™	US$339.00 (retail $699.00)
Audio-Technica AT440MLa		½" mount	Microline™	US$189.95 (retail $299.00)
Standard Series
Model	Description	Mount	Stylus	Our Price
Audio-Technica CN5625AL		½" mount	.7 mil Conical	US$29.95
Audio-Technica AT3482		Universal mount¹	.7 mil Conical	US$26.95
Audio-Technica AT71E		½" mount	.4 x .7 mil Elliptical	US$49.95
Audio-Technica AT300P		Universal mount¹	.6 mil Conical	SALE US$39.95 (retail $79.00)
Audio-Technica AT301EP		Universal mount¹	.4 x .7 mil Elliptical	SALE US$49.95 (retail $89.00)
Audio-Technica AT95E Rated as the Best Inexpensive Cartridge. Stereophile Recommended Class D		½" mount	.4 x .7 mil Elliptical	SALE US$49.95
Audio-Technica AT311EP		Universal mount¹	.3 x .7 mil Elliptical	SALE US$64.95 (retail $109.00)
Audio-Technica AT110E LC-OFC Improved		½" mount	.4 x .7 mil Elliptical	SALE US$69.95
Audio-Technica AT120E/T		½" mount	.3 x .7 mil Elliptical	SOLD OUT
Audio-Technica AT331LP		Universal mount¹	Linear Contact	SOLD OUT
¹A universal mount is a P-mount cartridge with an included half-inch adapter bracket. It can be used with both P-mount and half-inch mount tone arms.

ortofon
For almost five decades, Ortofon has been committed to perfecting the sound from analogue records. But, the company dates back to 1918, when it was founded by two Danish engineers, Axel Peterson and Arnold Poulsen. These two pioneers presented the first fully-synchronized sound film and created a world sensation. Ortofon was also the first company to produce an outdoor sound film recording. The founders took out several patents and issued licenses to film companies the world over for their "System Petersen and Poulsen", which is even to this day the basis for film with optical sound.

During the second world war and immediately afterwards, production was reorganized to include record cutting and reproducing equipment. The first Moving Coil cutterhead was produced as early as 1945, and the Moving Coil principle was then further developed to enable production of Moving Coil cartridges. The very first Moving Coil mono cartridge was introduced in 1948 followed by the SPU stereo cartridge in 1959. In 1969 Ortofon introduced its first Magnetic cartridge designed on the patented VMS (Variable Magnetic Shunt) principle, and in 1984 Ortofon went into the disco-scene with their first cartridge to withstand the extreme rough handling by DJ's doing their artistic performance.

Unique experience at both ends of the recording sequence results in unsurpassed performance from every Ortofon cartridge. Over the years Ortofon has designed and introduced more than 300 different types of cartridges. Throughout the years their motive has remained the same - to advance and produce equipment of the highest technical quality for the sound industry and the discerning music lover. Extensive research and creative application of technology and materials have resulted in an impressive number of award-winning designs. Their moving coil cartridges are highly regarded among audiophiles and critics all over the world But Ortofon has also been designing and manufacturing magnetic cartridges for more than 20 years. In providing an economic alternative to the renowned Ortofon moving coil cartridges, the magnetic models have established a firm position for themselves among music lovers and Hi-fi cognoscenti the world over.

ortofon Magnetic Stereo Cartridges¹
Model	Description	Mount	Stylus	Our Price
Ortofon 540 II		½" mount	Nude FG 70	SOLD OUT
Ortofon Super OM-30 Editors Choice Cartridge		½" mount	Nude Fine Line	285.00
Ortofon Super OM-20 Editors Choice Cartridge	As OM series above	½" mount	Nude Elliptical	199.00
Ortofon OM-5E	As OM series above	½" mount/ P-mount	Elliptical	US$55.00
Ortofon OMP-10	As OM series above	P-mount	Elliptical	US$85.00
Ortofon OM-3E	As OM series above	½" mount/ P-mount	Elliptical	US$45.00
Ortofon OM-78	As OM series above	½" mount	Spherical	US$90.00
Ortofon OM-D25M	As OM series above	½" mount	Spherical	US$890.00
Ortofon TM-20UD		Universal mount²	Fine line	US$190.00 Replaced by Ortofon 320
Ortofon TM-14UD	As TM series above	Universal mount²	Elliptical	US$95.00 Replaced by Ortofon 310
Ortofon 305 U		Universal mount²	Conical	US$39.95
Ortofon 310 U		Universal mount²	Elliptical	US$59.95
Ortofon 320 U		Universal mount²	Line Contact	US$249.95
High Output Moving Coils
Ortofon MC1 Turbo		½" mount	Elliptical	US$189.00
¹Ortofon Professional/DJ cartridges and styli are available. E-mail for availability and pricing. ²A universal mount is a P-mount cartridge with an included half-inch adapter bracket. It can be used with both P-mount and half-inch mount tone arms.

SHURE
Shure phono cartridges are distinguished for their high groove tracking ability and warm natural sound reproduction. All of their cartridges employ the low-mass, high musical output moving magnet structure invented by Shure. With their low- mass and high tracking ability, Shure cartridges are very gentle on your irreplaceable records. All styli feature polished, natural diamond tips for precise signal tracking, and are all user-replaceable. Each cartridge comes with a user guide, mounting hardware, stylus guard and a full one-year warranty.

SHURE Audiophile
Model	Description	Mount	Stylus	Our Price
Shure V15VxMR Editors Choice Best Buy-rated Cartridge		½" mount	.15 x .3 mil  Micro-Ridge Beryllium cantilever	US$499.00 Sold Out
Shure M97xE		½" mount	.2 x .7 mil Elliptical	SALE US$79.95
Hi-Fi
Model	Description	Mount	Stylus	Our Price
Shure MP94E		P-mount	.2 x .7 mil  Elliptical	Discontinued
Shure M92E		Universal mount¹	.4 x .7 mil Elliptical	US$36.95
Shure M78S		½" mount	2.5 mil Spherical	US$49.95
¹A universal mount is a P-mount cartridge with an included half-inch adapter bracket. It can be used with both P-mount and half-inch mount tone arms.

How to Order Cartridges
When ordering cartridges, please include the brand, model number, quantity, and price for each item along with your name, physical address, and e-mail address. For an order of phono cartridges within the US, the shipping and handling charge is $8.90. If you are buying belts at the same time, the total shipping and handling charge is $7.90. If you are buying belts at the same time, the total shipping and handling charge is $7.90. (We'll bill you for the additional if required but for most instances, this should suffice.) Shipping time will vary though the typical turnaround time is 7 days.

For Canada and other foreign countries, the shipping and handling charge is US$13.40. If you are buying belts at the same time, the total shipping and handling charge is $13.90. (We'll bill you for the additional if required but for most instances, this should suffice.) Shipping time will vary though the typical turnaround time is 7 days.

We accept PayPal, check, money order, and cash payment in US$ funds along with an order. For international orders, to save you time and bank fees we recommend payment via PayPal. Our receiving address is provided below.