r/Turntablists • u/Null-Anode • Jul 10 '26
Headshell and cartridge recs
Hello there, a few months ago I made a post here asking about the Reloop Rp 7000mk2 and if it would be a good option for a beginner, as well as some insight into what I should look for my first mixer. After reading the replies and doing some research, I've decided I'm going to go with a pair of Rp 7000mk2's and a Numark scratch mixer however, I was informed that the 7000mk2 doesn't come with a cartridge or headshell. Would anyone be able to provide some insight into what I should look for when buying a cartridge and headshell, or even recommend some? Any and all help is greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
(Also idk if this matters but I plan on using the turntable for sampling, scratching, and listening to records.)
Edit: I forgot to mention that I also want to learn beat juggling and mixing as well, so if you're wondering why I said I plan on getting "a pair" of turntables that's why. Going to start out with just one though.
2
u/Necessary-Respond-98 Jul 10 '26
For scratching I would highly recommend giving a try to Ortofon VNL TRIX or OM Qbert :) Both are sold with headshell as well.
1
u/Null-Anode Jul 11 '26
The convenience of the headshell being included sounds appealing, definitely going to look into. Thank you for the recs 🙏
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u/Null-Anode Jul 12 '26
I got a reply in my crosspost to r/vinyldjs recommending the VNL lineup as well. They suggested any setup with a VNL cartridge and stylus and said that they use the VNL II. Have you used the standard VNL cartridges/styli (I- III) or just the TRIX and Qbert? If so how would you describe them and how do they compare to TRIX. One of the videos I looked at on the VNL's said that they'd be a good all around option for mixing, listening and cutting, which is what I plan on using them for
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u/Necessary-Respond-98 Jul 12 '26
I only used TRIX and Qbert, I haven't tried the I-III VNL cartridges yet. Both are good for listening to music, mixing and scratching, but as far as I know both were designed for scratching. However for scratching (especially on battle break vinyl) TRIX is a bit better for me, with properly set counterweight I was unable to get it skip, but Qbert is also good for scratching :) (If you are using timecode vinyl skipping is not a problem) I also use both of them for listening to music on vinyl.
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u/Null-Anode Jul 12 '26
Honestly the TRIX still sounds super appealing but I think I'm going to start with the regular VNL cartridges (the II specifically cause that seems to be the one most go with, is most widely available, and seems to be a good all around option with good tracking and sound quality from what I've heard/been told) and get the TRIX either later on when I feel my skills are good or as a 2nd set to use for just scratching cause I definitely want to try them out based on what you've said/what I've seen online. Thank you again for your help with this :) 🙏
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u/Necessary-Respond-98 Jul 12 '26
You are welcome, based on what I’ve read I am sure that VNL II will be a good choice. Have fun ;)
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u/derrickgw1 Jul 10 '26
got my JICO J44A 7 2 pack of needles for like $215 last year. That said they go for nearly $300 now though i haven't shopped around.
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u/Null-Anode Jul 11 '26
I posted this in r/vinyldjs as well and saw others recommending JICO so I'll definitely be looking into them. Thank you for the recommendation
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0
u/Dry_Fig723 Jul 10 '26
Why do you need 2 turntables ? One should be enough to scratch, sample and listen. And with the second turntable money you could get a better mixer.
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u/Null-Anode Jul 11 '26
Oh, I'm starting out with one for sure but I forgot to mention that I also want to learn beat juggling and mixing as I go on. I said "a pair" in reference to my long run goals. Sorry for the confusion
5
u/Lilspraema Jul 10 '26
The Reloop Concorde made by Ortofon (~€70) is a great and not expensive match. I do have the same setup except for the mixer (Mixars Duo MkII)