As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.
The Stanton 500 (500.v3) is the cartridge that ships pre-mounted on Stanton’s ST.150 and T.92 DJ turntables, and its stylus wears down with regular scratching/mixing use. Here’s what to buy when it’s time to replace the needle.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanton 500.v3 Replacement Stylus (OEM) | $25-$40 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Generic Diamond Stylus for Stanton 500/ST.150/T.92 | $10-$18 | Amazon |
| 3 | Full Cartridge + Headshell Replacement Kit for Stanton 500 Series | $25-$45 | Amazon |
| 4 | Audio-Technica AT3600L Cartridge (drop-in alternative) | $15-$25 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Stanton 500.v3 Replacement Stylus (OEM)
The genuine factory replacement stylus made specifically for the 500.v3 cartridge body.
- Diamond-tipped conical stylus
- Direct snap-fit replacement for 500.v3 cartridge
- Matches original tracking force spec (~3.0g)
- Guaranteed exact fit, no compatibility guesswork
- Restores factory sound/tracking performance
- Pricier than generic third-party replacements
Generic Diamond Stylus for Stanton 500/ST.150/T.92
Widely-sold aftermarket replacement stylus that fits the same cartridge family as the Stanton 500.
- Diamond stylus tip
- Fits Stanton 500/ST100/ST150/T.92 cartridge bodies
- Available with red or gold accent styling
- Much cheaper than OEM
- Easy to find on Amazon/eBay
- Build quality and tracking accuracy vary by seller
Full Cartridge + Headshell Replacement Kit for Stanton 500 Series
Instead of just the stylus, a full cartridge-and-headshell swap kit for when the whole cartridge needs replacing, not just the needle.
- Pre-mounted cartridge on headshell
- Includes mounting bolts
- Compatible with Stanton ST100/ST150/T.62/T.92 tonearms
- Simpler than trying to fit a bare stylus onto a worn cartridge body
- Good option if the cantilever itself is damaged, not just the tip
- More expensive than a stylus-only replacement
Audio-Technica AT3600L Cartridge (drop-in alternative)
A budget alternative cartridge often used as a drop-in substitute when a Stanton 500-specific stylus isn’t available.
- Conical elliptical stylus
- Standard 1/2″ mount headshell compatible
- Reliable, widely-stocked DJ/turntable cartridge
- Very affordable and easy to source
- Well-known reliable performer for scratch/mix use
- Not a factory match — verify tonearm compatibility before buying
Buying tips
- If you’re unsure whether you need just a stylus or a full cartridge, check whether the cantilever (the thin arm holding the diamond tip) is bent or broken — a bent cantilever needs a full cartridge, not just a stylus swap.
- Match tracking force to spec (around 2.5-3.5g for the 500 series) after replacement, since incorrect tracking force accelerates record and stylus wear.
- Buy from a retailer with a stylus-matching service if you’re not 100% sure of your exact turntable model — Stanton’s model numbering (ST100/ST150/T.62/T.92) shares several compatible cartridge parts.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.