How To Replace A Turntable Cartridge Stylus And Headshell Repair Guide

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

                          10 minutes

Sections

Cartridge, Stylus, Headshell
10 steps

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Introduction

What you need

Step 1

              Cartridge, Stylus, Headshell

Identify the headshell by opening the turntable dust cover.

Identify the headshell by opening the turntable dust cover.

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Step 2

Identify the stylus (needle housing) on the headshell and gently remove it from the cartridge by wiggling it carefully. Dispose of the stylus.

Identify the stylus (needle housing) on the headshell and gently remove it from the cartridge by wiggling it carefully. Dispose of the stylus.

Step 3

Locate the tonearm weight located at the base of the headshell. While holding the headshell, turn the tonearm weight to the right to disconnect the headshell from the tonearm.

Locate the tonearm weight located at the base of the headshell. While holding the headshell, turn the tonearm weight to the right to disconnect the headshell from the tonearm.

Step 4

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver and remove the screws to free the cartridge. Retain the screws for reinstallation.
Use standard turntable head screws found at a local audio shop if missing.

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver and remove the screws to free the cartridge. Retain the screws for reinstallation.

Use standard turntable head screws found at a local audio shop if missing.

Step 5

Locate the wires on the underside of the headshell and carefully disconnect the wires from the pins of the cartridge.

Locate the wires on the underside of the headshell and carefully disconnect the wires from the pins of the cartridge.

Step 6

Replace with a new cartridge by plugging the pins of the new cartridge into the wires.
Match the color of the wires to the color of the pins.

Replace with a new cartridge by plugging the pins of the new cartridge into the wires.

Match the color of the wires to the color of the pins.

Step 7

Using the Phillips #0 screwdriver, re-screw the cartridge into the headshell the same way it was removed.

Using the Phillips #0 screwdriver, re-screw the cartridge into the headshell the same way it was removed.

Step 8

Insert a new stylus (needle housing) into the cartridge before remounting the headshell onto the tonearm.

Insert a new stylus (needle housing) into the cartridge before remounting the headshell onto the tonearm.

Step 9

Connect the newly assembled headshell into the tonearm and tighten until secure.
Do not overtighten.

Connect the newly assembled headshell into the tonearm and tighten until secure.

Do not overtighten.

Step 10

Test the new needle and allow for a break-in period.

Test the new needle and allow for a break-in period.

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Author

                                      with 7 other contributors

                    Javier Torres

Member since: 02/24/2015

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Team

                       Cal Poly, Team 23-3, Green Winter 2015                        

                                                  Member of Cal Poly, Team 23-3, Green Winter 2015 



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What you need

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