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I'm a dummy when it comes to needles/cartridges/styluses and need your help!


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Okay, so despite having been collecting and listening to records for nearly 20 years, I honestly don't know a thing about needles/cartridges/styluses. Whenever the one on my turntable wears out, I just buy the exact same cartridge because I know it is compatible with my turntable.

 

So here's where I need the help: I'm DJing a punk/emo night this Friday and wanted to spin vinyl. The club has two Technics SL-1200 turntables but no needles, according to the sound guy.

 

Now, I currently own one of these which I bought last year for another DJing gig: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007V28KC/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_1968490442?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&pf_rd_p=1968490442&pf_rd_s=smile-campaign&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0007V28KC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Z7PAQNG2TRPZY589WR2

 

Plus here's what I use on my turntable at home: http://smile.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT92ECD-Universal-Replacement-Cartridge/dp/B00006HO3L/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1424822076&sr=1-1&keywords=technics+cartridge

 

Will either/both of these work on those Technics tables? If not, what do I need to buy? Help me, VC, you're my only hope!

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You actually need three things. The cartridge, stylus, and the link that Adam posted is for the headshell, which you will also need. Typically when you buy a cartridge it includes a stylus so I guess really you only need two things.

 

If you want a REALLY affordable solution that you can ship Prime there is this: http://smile.amazon.com/Gemini-HDCN15-Hardshell-Speaker-Mounted/dp/B002SSA79G/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1424831497&sr=8-10&keywords=headshell

 

I am sure it sounds bad, but for the purpose you need it for it might be just fine.

 

Regardless, you need a headshell and a cartridge (not a P mount cartridge like you have on your turntable at home that you posted earlier).

 

Hope this helped and didn't make it worse!

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You actually need three things. The cartridge, stylus, and the link that Adam posted is for the headshell, which you will also need. Typically when you buy a cartridge it includes a stylus so I guess really you only need two things.

If you want a REALLY affordable solution that you can ship Prime there is this: http://smile.amazon.com/Gemini-HDCN15-Hardshell-Speaker-Mounted/dp/B002SSA79G/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1424831497&sr=8-10&keywords=headshell

I am sure it sounds bad, but for the purpose you need it for it might be just fine.

Regardless, you need a headshell and a cartridge (not a P mount cartridge like you have on your turntable at home that you posted earlier).

Hope this helped and didn't make it worse!

Just bought two, thanks for your help!

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Whose records will you be playing? If they are yours pay a bit more attention to setting them up.

 

Those AT carts in headshells will be fine but make sure you set the tracking force right (that info should be with them or on the Amazon page) and make sure they are positioned correctly in the headshells not just put in and pointing at a funny angle, if they both straight and look the same they are probably ok but you still need to check.

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UPDATE: The turntables in question DO NOT have headshells! WTF! I ordered two of these on robotfactory's recommendation:

 

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SSA79G/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Am I just totally and utterly fucked now?

 

I don't think so...he explicitly said you need cart + stylus + headshell and the item he linked to appears to cover those bases. 

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I don't think so...he explicitly said you need cart + stylus + headshell and the item he linked to appears to cover those bases. 

 

Okay, for some reason I panicked and thought those were just cartridges, not cartridges + headshells. Sorry, like I said I'm an idiot when it comes to this stuff.

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