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The PLX-500’s factory cartridge takes Pioneer’s own replaceable stylus, but the deck’s half-inch mount headshell also accepts Audio-Technica’s VM95 series, sold as a direct swap for this turntable. That gives real buyers two paths: the exact factory replacement, or a full VM95 cartridge upgrade at four stylus-tip tiers.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pioneer DJ PN-X05 Replaceable Stylus | $24-$28 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Cartridge (Conical) | $30-$35 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge (Elliptical) | $48-$55 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML Cartridge (Microlinear) | $150-$165 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH Cartridge (Shibata) | $190-$205 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Pioneer DJ PN-X05 Replaceable Stylus
The official factory replacement stylus for the PLX-500’s stock cartridge, sold directly by Pioneer DJ.
- Designed specifically to slot into the PLX-500’s factory cartridge
- Recommended tracking force of 3.5±0.5g
- Snaps in without replacing the whole cartridge or headshell
- Guaranteed factory fit, no cartridge alignment needed
- Cheapest way back to stock performance
- Same conical-tip performance as the original stock stylus, no upgrade in sound
Audio-Technica AT-VM95C Cartridge (Conical)
The entry point into Audio-Technica’s VM95 line, sold as a compatible upgrade for the PLX-500’s half-inch mount.
- Conical stylus tip
- Explicitly listed as compatible with Pioneer PLX-500, PL-560, PL-200, PL-516
- Threaded-insert body mounts with two screws
- Cheapest way into the VM95 platform, with a clear upgrade path later
- Direct listed compatibility with the PLX-500
- Conical tip is the most basic in the VM95 lineup
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge (Elliptical)
A step up in stylus profile from the VM95C, trading a bit more cost for noticeably better tracking detail.
- Elliptical stylus tip
- Same VM95 body and mounting as the VM95C
- Interchangeable with other VM95-series stylus assemblies later
- Meaningfully better detail retrieval than a conical tip
- Upgrade path within the same cartridge body
- More expensive than the conical VM95C
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML Cartridge (Microlinear)
A premium stylus profile for listeners who want the most detail the VM95 platform offers short of Shibata.
- Microlinear stylus tip
- Same VM95 half-inch mount body
- Lower tracing distortion than conical or elliptical tips
- Noticeably more refined top-end detail than the VM95E
- Still swaps into the same standard mount
- Significant price jump over the VM95E
Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH Cartridge (Shibata)
The top of the VM95 line, with a Shibata tip aimed at listeners chasing maximum retrieval.
- Shibata stylus tip
- Top-tier VM95 body, same half-inch mount
- Best tracing accuracy in the VM95 range
- Best sound quality available in the VM95 platform
- Still a straightforward swap on the PLX-500’s mount
- Most expensive option here by a wide margin
Buying tips
- If your PLX-500 still has its original cartridge and just needs a fresh needle, the PN-X05 is the correct, exact-fit part — don’t buy a VM95 cartridge for a worn stylus alone.
- The VM95 series lets you buy a budget conical (VM95C) now and later upgrade to elliptical, microlinear, or Shibata by swapping just the stylus rather than the whole cartridge body.
- Whichever cartridge you install, re-check tracking force and anti-skate afterward — a mismatched setting wears the stylus and record faster than the stylus choice itself.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.