Genuine Audio-Technica, Ortofon and Grado replacements

Replacement Styli & Record Player Needles

A worn stylus dulls the sound and can damage your records. Replacing it is usually quicker and cheaper than buying a new cartridge, as long as you choose the stylus made for your cartridge.

We stock genuine replacement styli from Audio-Technica, Ortofon and Grado, including the ATN3600LC for AT-LP60X turntables, AT-VMN95 styli for VM95 cartridges, and Ortofon 2M and OM styli. Use the finder below to match your turntable or cartridge model, or send us a photo and our Richmond team will confirm the fit before you order.

Find the stylus for your cartridge

Search your turntable model, or the cartridge model if you've replaced the original cartridge.

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Before you order a replacement stylus

Match the cartridge, not the turntable

A stylus fits a specific cartridge body, so check the model printed on the cartridge itself. If your turntable's original cartridge has been replaced, its factory stylus part number no longer applies.

Cartridge vs. stylus: what's the difference?

Signs your stylus is worn

Listen for distortion or harsh "s" sounds on loud passages, a dull or muddy sound, or skipping on records that used to play cleanly. A bent cantilever or chipped tip means replace it now. Rated life varies by stylus shape; each product page lists it where the maker publishes one.

Replace or upgrade?

Some cartridge families take a better stylus on the same body. A 2M Blue stylus fits a 2M Red, a 2M Black fits a 2M Bronze, and an AT-VMN95E fits an AT-VM95C. It's often the most affordable real upgrade you can make to a turntable.

Read our Ortofon upgrade guide

Not sure which one you need?

Send us your turntable and cartridge model, or a clear photo of the cartridge. Our Richmond team will confirm the right stylus before you order.

Ask Audio Exchange

Replacement stylus questions

Is a stylus the same as a record player needle?

Yes. The stylus is the diamond tip, the small arm it sits on (the cantilever) and the housing that slides into the cartridge. Most people call that whole assembly the needle.

How often should I replace my stylus?

It depends on the stylus shape, how much you play and how clean your records are. Audio-Technica rates the ATN3600LC at roughly 300 to 500 hours, for example. Replace it sooner if you hear distortion or see damage to the tip.

Will any stylus fit my cartridge?

No. Each stylus is made for a specific cartridge family, and styli from different families rarely fit or line up correctly, even within the same brand. Use the finder above, or ask us to check.

Do I need to adjust anything after fitting a new stylus?

Check the tracking force with a stylus gauge and set it to the figure on the product page. When only the stylus changes, alignment usually stays the same.

Can you fit it for me?

Our Richmond team offers turntable setup and alignment. Call (804) 282-0438 to arrange it and confirm we have your stylus in stock.