Vintage Phono Cartridge Reference Database: Compare Specs Side-by-Side

About this Vintage Phono Cartridge Reference Database

Vintage cartridges can be confusing to shop for because the same body can show up under multiple names, and published specs often differ depending on the year, the stylus assembly, or the test method. This page is a practical reference database that pulls scattered specs into one place so you can compare models side-by-side and build smarter shortlists before you start hunting for a good example (or the right replacement stylus).

The database focuses on the numbers that actually affect setup: generator type (MM/MI/MC), output voltage, recommended loading, tracking force, compliance, body weight, and stylus profile. When a spec isn’t listed in the source material, the tool shows “—” rather than guessing. When a value is commonly reported but not consistently documented, the Notes field calls that out so you know what to double‑check.

What “compare specs side-by-side” gets you

Use the comparison tool above as a quick “fit check.” Pick Cartridge A and Cartridge B, then scan tracking force and compliance to see whether a cartridge is likely to be comfortable on your tonearm. Compare output voltage and loading to confirm your phono stage can provide the right gain and impedance. Stylus profile and tip dimensions help set expectations: conical tends to be forgiving, elliptical is a classic balance, and line‑contact shapes (Shibata, MicroLine, etc.) can track inner grooves well but demand careful alignment.

A reality check for vintage documentation

Because this is vintage gear, context matters as much as the headline numbers. Many models were sold with multiple styli (OEM, aftermarket, nude vs. bonded, different cantilever materials), and those swaps can shift compliance and recommended tracking force. Retipping and modern replacements can also change performance compared to the original brochure. Treat this database as a reference starting point, then verify anything “mission critical” against the linked sources for the exact stylus you plan to run.

Every entry includes a set of sources—manufacturer pages when available, plus manuals, spec sheets, archived catalogs, and reputable third‑party databases. The goal is transparency: you can see where each claim comes from, and you can follow the trail if you notice a revision or a conflicting spec. A solid workflow is to use this page to narrow the field, then confirm the final two or three candidates with primary documentation before you buy.

Below, you’ll find a collapsible make/model index of everything currently included. It’s plain HTML (so it’s easy to search, link to, and crawl), and it updates whenever the database is revised.