new cartridge for Gemini XL-300

**mixtape** · November 3rd, 2009, 09:15 PM

I think I need a new cartridge for my 2 Gemini XL-300s. I havent changed the needle or cartridge since i bought them back in 2002. On certain records, the song can sound scratchy on the vocals. What cartridge would you recommend for this turntable that is fairly reasonable in price?

**BrunoRepublic** · November 3rd, 2009, 10:34 PM

Originally Written by mixtape

I think I need a new cartridge for my 2 Gemini XL-300s. I havent changed the needle or cartridge since i bought them back in 2002. On certain records, the song can sound scratchy on the vocals. What cartridge would you recommend for this turntable that is fairly reasonable in price?

Are you using it for DJing, or listening?

**mixtape** · November 4th, 2009, 07:15 AM

Both actually, but lately i have less time to DJ and I use them mostly for cd transfers.

**BrunoRepublic** · November 4th, 2009, 08:27 AM

The problem is that the better suited a cartridge is for DJing, the less suited it is for listening. I'd recommend something like an Audio Technica AT440MLa for listening -- it will definitely fix the problem you're describing -- but this is totally unsuitable for DJing.

**mixtape** · November 4th, 2009, 09:32 AM

thanks...i'll look into it...how is this one? Numark Numark CC-1 Professional DJ Cartridge - High Versatility and Skip Resistance Turntables & Needles at Markertek.com this may sound like a stupid question but i can use any cartridge right? I appreciate all the input. Thank you!

**BrunoRepublic** · November 4th, 2009, 12:04 PM

Originally Written by mixtape

thanks...i'll look into it...how is this one? Numark Numark CC-1 Professional DJ Cartridge - High Versatility and Skip Resistance Turntables & Needles at Markertek.com this may sound like a stupid question but i can use any cartridge right? I appreciate all the input. Thank you!

You can use *almost* any cartridge. The Gemini appears to use standard-mount cartridges, which are what 90% of turntables use (the other 10% use P-mount, which has largely fallen out of favor except on those cheap plastic USB tables). There's also a fancy type of cartridge ("moving coil") which requires additional amplification, but you won't ever come across those unless you hang out at audiophile shops, and are looking at $300 as the minimum price.

Having said that, I can't give any advice on a DJ cartridge. They aren't really capable of decent sound, so I've never used any. They will all have problems with sibilance and inner-groove distortion... it's the trade-off for durability.