Best Turntable Cartridge Headshell of 2026

Last updated on 04/04/2026
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1
Audio-Technica AT-VM750xSH/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Audio-Technica AT-VM750xSH/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Exceptional sound quality delivery.
  • Ultra-lightweight design reduces distortion.
  • Compatible with a wide range.
Main Highlights
  • AT-VMx dual moving magnet cartridge with Shibata stylus
  • Shibata stylus provides long line of contact with the record groove, enabling the pickup of ultra-high frequencies with minimal abrasion and distortion
  • Significantly lighter stylus tip (compared to previous model) allows for more precise tracing of the record groove
  • Compatible with any turntable headshell that accepts 1/2" cartridges
  • Compatible with most AT-VMx series replacement styli,* offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application
  • Universal ½"-mount headshell for 4-pin turntable cartridges with or without threaded inserts
  • Ultra-lightweight aluminum die-cast body keeps vibration to the bare minimum
  • Slip-resistant finger lift allows stylus to be placed precisely on the record
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9.8
Exceptional
9.8
Exceptional
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM750xSH/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Why we love it
  • Exceptional sound quality delivery.
  • Ultra-lightweight design reduces distortion.
  • Compatible with a wide range.
Main Highlights
  • AT-VMx dual moving magnet cartridge with Shibata stylus
  • Shibata stylus provides long line of contact with the record groove, enabling the pickup of ultra-high frequencies with minimal abrasion and distortion
  • Significantly lighter stylus tip (compared to previous model) allows for more precise tracing of the record groove
  • Compatible with any turntable headshell that accepts 1/2" cartridges
  • Compatible with most AT-VMx series replacement styli,* offering a wide choice of options for every budget and application
  • Universal ½"-mount headshell for 4-pin turntable cartridges with or without threaded inserts
  • Ultra-lightweight aluminum die-cast body keeps vibration to the bare minimum
  • Slip-resistant finger lift allows stylus to be placed precisely on the record
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Value for Money
2
Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Incredible sound reproduction accuracy.
  • Enhanced channel separation efficiency.
  • Clear stereo sound experience.
Main Highlights
  • AT-VMx dual moving magnet cartridge with microlinear stylus
  • Microlinear stylus tracks the record groove with incredible accuracy, providing more nuanced sound reproduction than elliptical and conical styli
  • Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency for enhanced channel separation, channel balance, and transient response
  • PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) coils - and fewer coil turns - deliver highly responsive, three-dimensional sound reproduction with excellent transient response
  • Center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk for clear stereo sound
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9.6
Superb
9.6
Superb
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM740xML/H Headshell/Cartridge Combo Kit

Why we love it
  • Incredible sound reproduction accuracy.
  • Enhanced channel separation efficiency.
  • Clear stereo sound experience.
Main Highlights
  • AT-VMx dual moving magnet cartridge with microlinear stylus
  • Microlinear stylus tracks the record groove with incredible accuracy, providing more nuanced sound reproduction than elliptical and conical styli
  • Paratoroidal coils improve generating efficiency for enhanced channel separation, channel balance, and transient response
  • PCUHD (Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability) coils - and fewer coil turns - deliver highly responsive, three-dimensional sound reproduction with excellent transient response
  • Center shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk for clear stereo sound
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3
Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Aluminium tapered cantilever design.
  • Improved generating efficiency.
  • Reduces crosstalk effectively.
Main Highlights
  • Aluminium tapered cantilever
  • Para-toroidal coils improve generating efficiency
  • Centre shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk
  • Durable low resonance polymer housing
  • Pre-assembled with a lightweight aluminium headshell (AT-HS10) for a quicker, easier set-up
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9.4
Superb
9.4
Superb
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica VM540ML/H Dual Moving Magnet Stereo Cartridge with Microlinear stylus and HS10 Headshell Red

Why we love it
  • Aluminium tapered cantilever design.
  • Improved generating efficiency.
  • Reduces crosstalk effectively.
Main Highlights
  • Aluminium tapered cantilever
  • Para-toroidal coils improve generating efficiency
  • Centre shield plate between the left and right channels reduces crosstalk
  • Durable low resonance polymer housing
  • Pre-assembled with a lightweight aluminium headshell (AT-HS10) for a quicker, easier set-up
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4
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Extended frequency response ensures quality.
  • Remarkable channel separation boosts clarity.
  • Stylus construction offers durability.
Main Highlights
  • Type VM Dual Magnet Mounting Half-inch Frequency Response 20 - 25,000 Hz Channel Separation 23 dB at 1kHz Output Channel Balance 1.5dB Output Voltage 3.5 mV (mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23 Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g Stylus Shape Shibata Stylus Size 2.7 x 0.26 mil Stylus Construction Nude Square Shank Cantilever Aluminium Pipe Coil Inductance 550mH (1 kHz) Stat
  • ic Compliance 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne Dynamic Compliance 10.0x10-6cm/dyne (100Hz) Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 ohms Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5g Dimensions H21.2W21.4D62.4mm Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95SH
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9.2
Superb
9.2
Superb
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Why we love it
  • Extended frequency response ensures quality.
  • Remarkable channel separation boosts clarity.
  • Stylus construction offers durability.
Main Highlights
  • Type VM Dual Magnet Mounting Half-inch Frequency Response 20 - 25,000 Hz Channel Separation 23 dB at 1kHz Output Channel Balance 1.5dB Output Voltage 3.5 mV (mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23 Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g Stylus Shape Shibata Stylus Size 2.7 x 0.26 mil Stylus Construction Nude Square Shank Cantilever Aluminium Pipe Coil Inductance 550mH (1 kHz) Stat
  • ic Compliance 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne Dynamic Compliance 10.0x10-6cm/dyne (100Hz) Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 ohms Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5g Dimensions H21.2W21.4D62.4mm Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95SH
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5
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Superior sound quality delivered.
  • Long-lasting performance ensured.
  • Enhanced listening experience provided.
Main Highlights
  • AT-VM95MLH
  • Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
  • Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
  • Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
  • Aluminum cantilever
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9.2
Superb
9.2
Superb
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Why we love it
  • Superior sound quality delivered.
  • Long-lasting performance ensured.
  • Enhanced listening experience provided.
Main Highlights
  • AT-VM95MLH
  • Universal 1/2"-mount head shell for 4-pin Turntable cartridges
  • Durable low-resonance polymer Housing
  • Threaded inserts in cartridge body enable cartridge to be mounted to head shell with just two screws - no nuts required
  • Aluminum cantilever
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6
Nagaoka MP 110 Hi-Fi turntable cartridge systems

Nagaoka MP 110 Hi-Fi turntable cartridge systems

Nagaoka
Why we love it
  • Crystal clear sound clarity.
  • Modern construction materials.
  • Full dynamic range.
Main Highlights
  • Produces crystal clear clarity over every sound frequency
  • Up-to-date modern construction materials
  • Fluidity across the frequency spectrum
  • Separates every detail
  • Full dynamic range
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9.2
Superb
9.2
Superb
Nagaoka

Nagaoka MP 110 Hi-Fi turntable cartridge systems

Why we love it
  • Crystal clear sound clarity.
  • Modern construction materials.
  • Full dynamic range.
Main Highlights
  • Produces crystal clear clarity over every sound frequency
  • Up-to-date modern construction materials
  • Fluidity across the frequency spectrum
  • Separates every detail
  • Full dynamic range
Show More
7
Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Exceptional sound quality.
  • Easy to install.
  • Durable stylus construction.
Main Highlights
  • Model AT-VM95EN/H Type VM Stereo Dual Magnet Mounting 1/2' centres Frequency Response 20 - 23,000 Hz Channel Separation 22 dB (1 kHz) Output Channel Balance 2.0 dB (1 kHz) Output Voltage 3.5 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23° Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g (standard 2.0 g) Stylus Shape Elliptical Stylus Size 0.3 x 0.7 mil Stylus Construction Nude Round Shank Cantilever Alum
  • inium Pipe Coil Impedance 3.3 kO (1 kHz) Coil Inductance 550 mH (1 kHz) DC Resistance 485 O Static Compliance 20 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne Dynamic Compliance 7 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz) Wire Used for Coil T.P. Copper Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 O Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5 g Dimensions 21.2 Ă— 21.4 Ă— 62.4 ( H x W x D mm) Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95EN
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9.1
Superb
9.1
Superb
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM95EN/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Why we love it
  • Exceptional sound quality.
  • Easy to install.
  • Durable stylus construction.
Main Highlights
  • Model AT-VM95EN/H Type VM Stereo Dual Magnet Mounting 1/2' centres Frequency Response 20 - 23,000 Hz Channel Separation 22 dB (1 kHz) Output Channel Balance 2.0 dB (1 kHz) Output Voltage 3.5 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23° Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g (standard 2.0 g) Stylus Shape Elliptical Stylus Size 0.3 x 0.7 mil Stylus Construction Nude Round Shank Cantilever Alum
  • inium Pipe Coil Impedance 3.3 kO (1 kHz) Coil Inductance 550 mH (1 kHz) DC Resistance 485 O Static Compliance 20 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne Dynamic Compliance 7 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz) Wire Used for Coil T.P. Copper Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 O Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5 g Dimensions 21.2 Ă— 21.4 Ă— 62.4 ( H x W x D mm) Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95EN
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8
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Quality meets affordability.
  • Impressively durable product.
  • Remarkable good quality.
Main Highlights
  • Model AT-VM95E/H Type VM Stereo Dual Magnet Mounting 1/2' centres Frequency Response 20 - 22,000 Hz Channel Separation 20 dB (1 kHz) Output Channel Balance 2.0 dB (1 kHz) Output Voltage 4.0 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23° Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g (standard 2.0 g) Stylus Shape Elliptical Stylus Size 0.3 x 0.7 mil Stylus Construction Bonded Round Shank Cantilever Alu
  • minium Pipe Coil Impedance 3.3 kO (1 kHz) Coil Inductance 550 mH (1 kHz) DC Resistance 485 O Static Compliance 17 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne Dynamic Compliance 7 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz) Wire Used for Coil T.P. Copper Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 O Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5 g Dimensions 21.2 Ă— 21.4 Ă— 62.4 ( H x W x D mm) Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95E
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9.0
Superb
9.0
Superb
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-VM95E/H Moving Magnet Cartridge incl. AT-HS6 Headshell

Why we love it
  • Quality meets affordability.
  • Impressively durable product.
  • Remarkable good quality.
Main Highlights
  • Model AT-VM95E/H Type VM Stereo Dual Magnet Mounting 1/2' centres Frequency Response 20 - 22,000 Hz Channel Separation 20 dB (1 kHz) Output Channel Balance 2.0 dB (1 kHz) Output Voltage 4.0 mV (@ 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) Vertical Tracking Angle 23° Vertical Tracking Force Range 1.8 - 2.2g (standard 2.0 g) Stylus Shape Elliptical Stylus Size 0.3 x 0.7 mil Stylus Construction Bonded Round Shank Cantilever Alu
  • minium Pipe Coil Impedance 3.3 kO (1 kHz) Coil Inductance 550 mH (1 kHz) DC Resistance 485 O Static Compliance 17 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne Dynamic Compliance 7 x 10 - 6 cm / dyne (100 Hz) Wire Used for Coil T.P. Copper Recommended Load Impedance 47,000 O Recommended Load Capacitance 100-200 pF Weight 15.5 g Dimensions 21.2 Ă— 21.4 Ă— 62.4 ( H x W x D mm) Replacement Stylus AT-VMN95E
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9
Audio-Technica AT-XP3/H Cartridge Mounted with AT-HS6BK Headshell Blue

Audio-Technica AT-XP3/H Cartridge Mounted with AT-HS6BK Headshell Blue

Audio-Technica
Why we love it
  • Audiophile DJ cartridge included.
  • Durable robust design.
  • Compatible with upgrade styli.
Main Highlights
  • Audiophile DJ cartridge AT-XP3 pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK Headshell
  • VM dual magnet construction
  • Durable robust design for high-quality specialist DJ playback
  • Carbon fiber-reinforced ABS cantilever and nylon wire suspension ensure precise tracking
  • Compatible with the replacement styli ATN-XP5 and ATN-XP7 for an upgrade
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8.9
Excellent
8.9
Excellent
Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica AT-XP3/H Cartridge Mounted with AT-HS6BK Headshell Blue

Why we love it
  • Audiophile DJ cartridge included.
  • Durable robust design.
  • Compatible with upgrade styli.
Main Highlights
  • Audiophile DJ cartridge AT-XP3 pre-mounted on the AT-HS6BK Headshell
  • VM dual magnet construction
  • Durable robust design for high-quality specialist DJ playback
  • Carbon fiber-reinforced ABS cantilever and nylon wire suspension ensure precise tracking
  • Compatible with the replacement styli ATN-XP5 and ATN-XP7 for an upgrade
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10
Technics Turntable Headshells with Cartridges and Stylus, Black, Set of 2

Technics Turntable Headshells with Cartridges and Stylus, Black, Set of 2

Generic
Why we love it
  • Premium Technics headshells included.
  • Authentic design ensures optimal tracking.
  • Pre-aligned for easy installation.
Main Highlights
  • DUAL PACKAGE: Set includes two premium Technics headshells compatible with 1200 and 1210 series turntables, each featuring pre-mounted cartridge and stylus
  • AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Original Technics-branded headshells constructed with precision-engineered mounting system for optimal tracking
  • PROFESSIONAL SETUP: Each headshell comes pre-aligned and ready for installation, featuring secure four-point mounting screws
  • COMPATIBILITY: Perfectly matched for Technics SL-1200 and SL-1210 series turntables with standard headshell connection
  • CONSTRUCTION: Durable black anodised aluminium build with clear mounting block featuring alignment markers for precise installation
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8.8
Excellent
8.8
Excellent
Generic

Technics Turntable Headshells with Cartridges and Stylus, Black, Set of 2

Why we love it
  • Premium Technics headshells included.
  • Authentic design ensures optimal tracking.
  • Pre-aligned for easy installation.
Main Highlights
  • DUAL PACKAGE: Set includes two premium Technics headshells compatible with 1200 and 1210 series turntables, each featuring pre-mounted cartridge and stylus
  • AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Original Technics-branded headshells constructed with precision-engineered mounting system for optimal tracking
  • PROFESSIONAL SETUP: Each headshell comes pre-aligned and ready for installation, featuring secure four-point mounting screws
  • COMPATIBILITY: Perfectly matched for Technics SL-1200 and SL-1210 series turntables with standard headshell connection
  • CONSTRUCTION: Durable black anodised aluminium build with clear mounting block featuring alignment markers for precise installation
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