phono cartridge

The component in a phonograph turntable that holds the stylus, which is a needle attached to a cantilever arm. The vibrations of the stylus are transferred into electrical energy by a magnet inducing current into coils; one coil for the left side and one for the right. "Moving magnet" cartridges have the magnet attached to the end of the cantilever, while "moving coil" cartridges place two tiny coils on the end. In either case, the arm acts like a vibrating magnet.

Earlier phono cartridges were ceramic and used the piezoelectric effect to create the electrical signal. The cantilever end of the stylus arm actually contacted the ceramic base, which picked up the vibrations (see piezoelectric). See stylus.

The Phono Cartridge

The cartridge is attached to the end of the tone arm on a phonograph turntable. A legacy system for sure, but there are thousands of people with huge vinyl record collections, and turntables and cartridges are still made.