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The AT-LP1240-USB is a direct-drive DJ turntable with a removable, universal S-shaped headshell, which means you aren’t locked into a single manufacturer’s cartridge the way you are on many belt-drive decks. That opens the door to everything from Audio-Technica’s own budget and DJ-oriented cartridges up to higher-end moving-magnet and moving-coil options if you’re using the LP1240 for critical listening rather than mixing.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audio-Technica AT-VM95E | $45-$60 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Audio-Technica AT95E | $35-$50 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Audio-Technica AT120Eb | $60-$80 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Audio-Technica AT440MLa | $180-$230 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Audio-Technica AT-F7 | $180-$220 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Ortofon 2M Red | $99-$110 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Shure M97xE | $100-$160 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Grado Prestige Gold3 | $100-$130 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E
The current-generation elliptical-stylus cartridge in Audio-Technica’s own VM95 line, a straightforward factory-grade match for the LP1240’s headshell.
- Dual moving magnet design
- Elliptical stylus
- User-replaceable stylus
- Standard 1/2-inch mount
- Same brand as the turntable, guaranteed fit
- Stylus upgrades within the VM95 line without rebuying the body
- Elliptical stylus is entry-level compared to the line’s Shibata option
Audio-Technica AT95E
The long-running predecessor to the VM95E, still sold and still a common bundled choice on DJ and hi-fi turntables alike.
- Elliptical stylus
- Dual moving magnet
- Standard headshell mount
- Very affordable
- Well-proven track record over many years
- Officially superseded by the VM95 series
Audio-Technica AT120Eb
A step above the AT95E in Audio-Technica’s older lineup, with a hyper-elliptical stylus for tighter tracking on a DJ deck.
- Hyper-elliptical stylus
- Dual moving magnet
- Higher tracking force tolerance for scratch/mix use
- Better groove tracing than the base AT95E
- Handles more aggressive DJ-style handling
- Pricier than the entry-level AT95E/VM95E for a similar use case
Audio-Technica AT440MLa
A dual moving-magnet cartridge with a MicroLine stylus, aimed at buyers who want real hi-fi tracking rather than DJ durability.
- MicroLine stylus profile
- Dual moving magnet
- Boron cantilever
- Noticeably more detail retrieval than the AT95E/VM95E tier
- MicroLine stylus reduces record wear over time
- More fragile stylus profile, not ideal for scratch DJ use
Audio-Technica AT-F7
A low-output moving-coil cartridge that’s Audio-Technica’s budget entry point into MC territory for listeners chasing more natural tone.
- Moving coil design
- Low output, needs an MC-capable phono stage
- Elliptical stylus
- Genuine moving-coil sound at a low-output-MC-friendly price
- Popular upgrade path from moving-magnet cartridges
- Requires a phono preamp with MC gain, not universally compatible with basic DJ mixers
Ortofon 2M Red
The entry point into Ortofon’s widely respected 2M series, a common recommendation for anyone upgrading off a stock DJ cartridge.
- Moving magnet design
- Elliptical stylus
- Replaceable stylus shared with higher 2M models
- Upgrade path to 2M Blue/Bronze stylus without buying a new body
- Balanced, neutral tonal signature
- Costs more than Audio-Technica’s own entry-level options
Shure M97xE
A discontinued-but-still-widely-resold Shure cartridge with a cult following for its warm, forgiving presentation.
- Moving magnet design
- Hyper-elliptical stylus
- Built-in dynamic stabilizer brush
- Warmer, more relaxed tonal balance than many rivals
- Dynamic stabilizer helps with warped records
- No longer in production, availability depends on remaining retailer stock
Grado Prestige Gold3
A moving-iron cartridge from Grado’s Prestige line, chosen by listeners who want a noticeably warmer sound than Audio-Technica’s house tuning.
- Moving iron design
- Elliptical stylus
- Standard 1/2-inch mount
- Distinctly warm, musical character
- Easy fit on the LP1240’s standard headshell
- Grado’s open-body design is more sensitive to hum near motors than fully shielded cartridges
Buying tips
- The LP1240’s S-shaped headshell uses a standard 1/2-inch (half-inch) mount, so any cartridge here bolts straight on without an adapter.
- If you’re scratching or mixing rather than just listening, favor a higher tracking-force cartridge like the AT120Eb over a delicate MicroLine stylus like the AT440MLa.
- Moving-coil options like the AT-F7 need a phono stage with MC gain or a step-up transformer — check your mixer or preamp before buying one.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.