Turntable Cartridges & Phono Stages
Turntable cartridges, replacement styli and phono stages from Goldring and iFi Audio, the upgrades that make the biggest difference to how your records sound.
Fit a better moving magnet cartridge, or add a phono stage so your turntable works with any amplifier or powered speakers. UK stock with fast delivery from Nottingham.
Save 6% Goldring E2 Cartridge & Stylus E Series Moving Magnet Vinyl Turntable Spherical RRP£79.00£74.00 / Save 6%Low stock
Out of stock iFi Audio Zen Phono 3 Desktop Turntable Phono Stage Intelligent Subsonic Filter £249.00 / Out of stockOut of stock
Out of stock iFi Audio Zen Air Phono Desktop Turntable Record Player MM and MC Phono Stage £99.00 / Out of stockOut of stock
Out of stock Goldring E4 Cartridge & Stylus E Series Moving Magnet Vinyl Turntable Elliptical RRP£199.00£169.00 / Save 15% Out of stockOut of stock
Out of stock Goldring E3 Cartridge & Stylus E Series Moving Magnet Vinyl Turntable Elliptical RRP£109.00£89.00 / Save 18% Out of stockOut of stock
Two upgrades that transform vinyl
A better cartridge
The cartridge is where the sound starts. The Goldring E series is a ladder: the E1 and E2 use spherical styli, while the E3 and E4 move to elliptical styli for more detail and lower distortion. Each stylus can be swapped later, so you can start low and upgrade without changing the whole cartridge.
A proper phono stage
Built-in phono stages in budget turntables and amplifiers are often the weak link. A dedicated stage such as the iFi Audio Zen Phono 3 or Zen Air Phono gives lower noise, MM and MC settings, and filtering for warped records.
Connecting it all
Run the phono stage into your amplifier or active speakers with a good interconnect from QED.
Turntable Cartridges & Phono Stages FAQs
Q: What is a phono stage and do I need one?
A: A turntable's signal is very quiet and needs special equalisation before an amplifier can use it. A phono stage does that job. You need one unless your amplifier has a phono input or your turntable has one built in.
Q: What is the difference between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges?
A: Moving magnet (MM) cartridges have higher output, work with almost any phono stage and usually have a user-replaceable stylus. Moving coil (MC) cartridges have lower output and need a phono stage with an MC setting.
Q: What is the difference between spherical and elliptical styli?
A: A spherical stylus is forgiving and affordable. An elliptical stylus sits deeper in the groove and traces more detail, which is why the Goldring E3 and E4 step up from the spherical E1 and E2.
Q: Will a Goldring E series cartridge fit my turntable?
A: The E series uses a standard half-inch mount, which fits most turntables with a removable headshell or standard tonearm. Check your turntable's tracking force range against the cartridge's recommended setting.
Q: How often should I replace a stylus?
A: As a rough guide, every 500 to 1,000 hours of play, or sooner if you hear distortion or sibilance. A worn stylus can damage records, so it is worth replacing on time.
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