78 RPM Cartridges
78 RPM Cartridges
For correct playback fidelity of your 78 RPM records you need to use a cartridge with stylus designed for 78 RPM records. A very common misconception is that you can use a LP stylus for playing 78 records. This is one quick and sure way to damage the 78 record groove. Playing it once is enough. Moreover, the LP stylus is much narrower than the 78 record groove hence the tip will slip to the bottom of the groove where debris has collected for many decades. This results in extraordinarily high surface noise. The LP stylus also sways on either side of the groove wall or misses the groove wall where the sound was recorded. All in all, it's not good for the 78 RPM record, for your LP stylus, and for listening. For these reasons, it really makes very good sense to use a 78 RPM cartridge for your 78's.
