The steps in this video will demonstrate how to upgrade the cartridge on your RT80 or RT81 turntable.
You will need the following tools and components:
• Headshell
• Cartridge
• Mounting screws
• Cartridge Alignment Protractor
• Mini slotted screwdriver, also known as a flat head
• Needle nose pliers
When upgrading your cartridge, the new cartridge must be of similar height as the original cartridge to ensure proper vertical tracking angle as Fluance turntables do not offer tonearm height adjustment.
The vertical tracking angle is the measurement that affects how the needle rests in the groove of a record. If the angle is not correct, music can sound distorted or you may only hear one stereo channel.
You must also take into account the weight of the cartridge.
The supported cartridge weight range for the RT80 and RT81 turntables is 3.5 grams to a maximum of 6.5 grams. If the new cartridge is too light or too heavy, the tonearm will not balance properly.
For the purpose of the video, we will upgrade the RT80 from the AT91 cartridge to the Ortofon OM5E.
Before you begin, turn the turntable off and lock the tonearm. Install the stylus protector and remove the headshell containing the original cartridge from the tonearm. This will allow more freedom of movement and will prevent damage to components while changing the cartridge.
You will need the following tools and components:
• Headshell
• Cartridge
• Mounting screws
• Cartridge Alignment Protractor
• Mini slotted screwdriver, also known as a flat head
• Needle nose pliers
When upgrading your cartridge, the new cartridge must be of similar height as the original cartridge to ensure proper vertical tracking angle as Fluance turntables do not offer tonearm height adjustment.
The vertical tracking angle is the measurement that affects how the needle rests in the groove of a record. If the angle is not correct, music can sound distorted or you may only hear one stereo channel.
You must also take into account the weight of the cartridge.
The supported cartridge weight range for the RT80 and RT81 turntables is 3.5 grams to a maximum of 6.5 grams. If the new cartridge is too light or too heavy, the tonearm will not balance properly.
For the purpose of the video, we will upgrade the RT80 from the AT91 cartridge to the Ortofon OM5E.
Before you begin, turn the turntable off and lock the tonearm. Install the stylus protector and remove the headshell containing the original cartridge from the tonearm. This will allow more freedom of movement and will prevent damage to components while changing the cartridge.
- Using the mini slotted screwdriver, remove the screws from the headshell.
- Remove the wires from the back of the cartridge.These wires can be removed by carefully pulling the connectors off the back of the cartridge. This can be done by hand or using a screwdriver or pliers if needed.
- The cartridge will now be free of the headshell and can be set aside for safekeeping.
- Connect the wires from the headshell to the new cartridge.
- The wires must be connected to the correct channel and polarity matching the markings on the back of the cartridge.
The wires on the headshell are coloured as follows:
WHITE: Left Positive
BLUE: Left Negative
RED: Right Positive
GREEN: Right Negative
BLUE: Left Negative
RED: Right Positive
GREEN: Right Negative
- Mount the upgraded cartridge to the headshell and lightly tighten the screws using the slotted screwdriver.
- Reinstall the headshell to the tonearm and tighten the locking nut.
The next steps will take you through aligning the new cartridge. This is crucial as an unaligned cartridge may not rest evenly or deep enough in the grooves resulting in unbalanced volume between the left and right stereo channels.
Step 1: Print and cut out the Cartridge Alignment Protractor, found HERE .
Step 2: Measure the reference scale to ensure the printout is the correct size.
Step 3: Place the protractor on the spindle.
Step 4: Remove the stylus protector from the new stylus and gently place it in the circle of point A
Step 5: Rotate the cartridge until the sides are parallel with the C Grid Lines
Step 6: Lift the tonearm and gently place the stylus in the circle of point B.
Step 7: Confirm the sides of the cartridge are parallel with the D Grid Lines
If the sides are not parallel at point B, move the cartridge forward or backward and repeat steps four to
seven
Once the cartridge is aligned, carefully tighten the screws, the cartridge should not be moved during this step.
Now that the new cartridge is installed and aligned, you will need to balance the tonearm and set the recommended tracking weight of your cartridge and stylus. Instructions for this process can be found in the user manual, in our online support center, and in our tracking force video.
This will complete your cartridge and stylus upgrade.
Step 1: Print and cut out the Cartridge Alignment Protractor, found HERE .
Step 2: Measure the reference scale to ensure the printout is the correct size.
Step 3: Place the protractor on the spindle.
Step 4: Remove the stylus protector from the new stylus and gently place it in the circle of point A
Step 5: Rotate the cartridge until the sides are parallel with the C Grid Lines
Step 6: Lift the tonearm and gently place the stylus in the circle of point B.
Step 7: Confirm the sides of the cartridge are parallel with the D Grid Lines
If the sides are not parallel at point B, move the cartridge forward or backward and repeat steps four to
seven
Once the cartridge is aligned, carefully tighten the screws, the cartridge should not be moved during this step.
Now that the new cartridge is installed and aligned, you will need to balance the tonearm and set the recommended tracking weight of your cartridge and stylus. Instructions for this process can be found in the user manual, in our online support center, and in our tracking force video.
This will complete your cartridge and stylus upgrade.