Regards, samplivist:
The answer to your question is yes and no.
First, the stylus assembly should be dimensionally correct for your replacement cartridge.
Next, styli and cartridges are "tuned" for best frequency response (paraphrased from Shure data base):
1) The mechanical response of the stylus, which typically has a resonance just past 20 kHz (ibid), this raises the frequency response as you go up in frequency.
2) The electrical response of the coil in the cartridge (resistance and inductance) loaded by the cable and preamp it’s attached to which lowers it (with a high slope - 12 dB/octave)
3) The magnetic response (eddy current losses) of the pole pieces in the cartridge (this lowers it with a low slope – 3 dB / octave).
Laminated pole pieces reduce eddy currents, if non-laminated there will be roll-off due to loss from eddy currents. If cantilever resonance introduces unwanted high frequency emphasis cantilever damping may be necessary so it's not always a case of "if it fits, it sits".
To name a few, some Goldring, Shure and Audio Technica share cartridge bodies across a wide range of cartridge designations, the difference being the supplied stylus. There is a wide range of appropriate substitutions within these "families" of cartridges.
Although purists may rightfully object, others have experimented with these substitutions and even if not entirely appropriate, have found the results pleasing.
It should also be mentioned that cartridges rarely fail. A little additional information such as the model of your cartridge and a description of why you believe your cartridge is faulty would be helpful.
Peace,
The answer to your question is yes and no.
First, the stylus assembly should be dimensionally correct for your replacement cartridge.
Next, styli and cartridges are "tuned" for best frequency response (paraphrased from Shure data base):
1) The mechanical response of the stylus, which typically has a resonance just past 20 kHz (ibid), this raises the frequency response as you go up in frequency.
2) The electrical response of the coil in the cartridge (resistance and inductance) loaded by the cable and preamp it’s attached to which lowers it (with a high slope - 12 dB/octave)
3) The magnetic response (eddy current losses) of the pole pieces in the cartridge (this lowers it with a low slope – 3 dB / octave).
Laminated pole pieces reduce eddy currents, if non-laminated there will be roll-off due to loss from eddy currents. If cantilever resonance introduces unwanted high frequency emphasis cantilever damping may be necessary so it's not always a case of "if it fits, it sits".
To name a few, some Goldring, Shure and Audio Technica share cartridge bodies across a wide range of cartridge designations, the difference being the supplied stylus. There is a wide range of appropriate substitutions within these "families" of cartridges.
Although purists may rightfully object, others have experimented with these substitutions and even if not entirely appropriate, have found the results pleasing.
It should also be mentioned that cartridges rarely fail. A little additional information such as the model of your cartridge and a description of why you believe your cartridge is faulty would be helpful.
Peace,