This tool provides a cross-reference database for matching phono cartridges with compatible replacement styli, including both OEM and aftermarket options. It allows users to identify suitable replacements based on cartridge model, stylus type, and known compatibility relationships.
Replacement stylus information is often fragmented across manufacturer documentation, vendor listings, and informal sources, with inconsistent naming conventions and limited cross-referencing. This tool consolidates that information into a structured format, making it easier to identify compatible options and avoid mismatches.
The system supports both forward lookup (cartridge to stylus) and reverse lookup (stylus to compatible cartridges), providing a practical way to evaluate replacement options, including cases involving retipping, rebuilding, or equivalent substitutes.
Select a cartridge manufacturer and model to see compatible replacement styli (OEM + aftermarket) and any compatibility notes. Use the model filter to quickly narrow the list.
Aftermarket stylus brands tracked (and why you should still verify)
This tool tries to track common aftermarket stylus brands consistently (e.g., Pfanstiehl, EVG, Analogis, Tonar, Thakker house-brand, LP Tunes, LP Gear, JICO SAS variants). Aftermarket naming can be messy (the same stylus may be relabeled), and quality varies. Always confirm fit and return policy before buying. Note that for some current-production families (e.g., Audio-Technica VM95 and Grado Prestige), true third-party replacement styli may be limited, so you'll mostly see OEM parts and retailer resales.
Cartridge â Stylus
Pick a cartridge manufacturer and model to see compatible replacement styli.
Select a cartridge model to see replacement styli.
Stylus â Cartridge
Pick a stylus manufacturer, then a stylus / part number to see every cartridge in this database it fits. Use the filter box to quickly find codes like VMN95ML.
Choose a stylus to see which cartridges it fits.
About this phono stylus/needle cross-reference database
This page is a phono stylus / turntable needle cross-reference database built for one specific job: match by phono cartridge and quickly see which replacement styli are commonly listed as compatible. If you've ever tried to replace a worn stylus and run into a maze of part numbers, "fits these models" lists, and look-alike aftermarket options, this tool is meant to shorten that whole scavenger hunt.
Here's the basic idea: you select a cartridge manufacturer and cartridge model, and the tool returns a grouped list of replacement paths, typically OEM (original manufacturer) styli when they exist, plus aftermarket replacements from third-party makers and retailers. For designs that don't have a userâreplaceable stylus, most commonly many moving-coil (MC) cartridges, you'll usually see retip/rebuild or factory exchange programs instead of a simple "buy a stylus, snap it in option."
A few things make stylus matching tricky (and why a cross-reference helps):
- Family sharing: Cartridge "families" often accept multiple styli that differ in cantilever, suspension, and tip shape (conical, elliptical, lineâcontact, MicroLine, Shibata, etc.).
- Model suffixes matter: Small letters or regional variants can change the correct stylus assembly, even when the cartridge body looks identical.
- Aftermarket quality varies: "Compatible" can mean anything from excellent to risky; verifying fit, compliance, and user reports is worth the extra minute.
- Vintage naming drift: Older cartridges are frequently re-labeled, resold, or cataloged inconsistently across sources.
Think of this database as a starting point, not a guarantee. Whenever possible, confirm with the manufacturer documentation or a reputable original source. If the output includes a tracking-force note (VTF), use it as a sanity check against your cartridge's spec. Mismatched VTF can be a sign you're looking at the wrong stylus or a questionable listing.
If you want the best results, try searching with the exact model name printed on the cartridge (or in the manual), then compare what you see here against at least one independent source (datasheet, manual, trusted vendor listing, etc.). That extra cross-check is especially important for expensive line-contact styli and for any MC-stylus replacement claim, since true user-replaceable MC styli are relatively uncommon.
Browse everything included (searchable table)
This is a quick index of what's currently in the on-page database. Use the search box to filter by manufacturer, cartridge model, type (MM/MC/MI), or original stylus name.
| Manufacturer | Cartridge model | Type | Original stylus | # options |
|---|
How to read these results (quick guide)
- OEM vs Aftermarket: OEM (original) replacements are from the cartridge manufacturer. Aftermarket options vary widely in quality-verify fit and reviews.
- Tip shapes: Conical/spherical is forgiving; elliptical is more detailed; line-contact shapes (MicroLine, Shibata, Fine Line, etc.) can track inner grooves better but are fussier about setup.
- Vintage caveat: Vintage cartridges often exist in multiple revisions, and stylus grip colors/names can vary. Always verify the exact stylus designation for your exact cartridge body.
- MC cartridges: Most moving-coil designs are not user-replaceable-look for retip/rebuild options instead.