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Need cartridge advice for Philips turntable

I recently inherited a Philips GA312 turntable and wanted to upgrade the discontinued Grado cartridge (currently installed). I reached out to Grado Labs for assistance. Grado service replied, "the GA312 is not compatible with Grado phono cartridges".

Since Grado is not an option, what cartridges would mate well with the Philips tonearm?. My current price range is up to $150. I plan to upgrade, when my kids are out of college. Thus, a cartridge that allows the user to upgrade the stylus is an attractive option.

Thanks. Your help is appreciated.
mtb_ww
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I'm not sure why Grado would say that. It looks like it has a standard 1/2" mount. They may have been thinking of a different turntable. Check your current cartridge. Measure the distance between the mounting holes. Should be 1/2". If so you can use just about any modern cartridge.
The Grado Prestige Blue would fit the bill perfectly and allow you to upgrade the stylus in the future.
oldears
386 posts
 
I set up  a Philips GA 312, or maybe 212, for a friend several years ago.It is a very good basic table.Go to vinylengine.com for a manual, and other info.Go to turntablebasics.com to look at their inexpensive cartridges. Also check for a belt, alignment gauge, stylus force gauge, dust brush, etc.They show a lot of helpful basic info on their site with pics of 1/2" and P-mounts.
mtb_ww OP
18 posts
 
A Grado cart will definitely fit; no question about that. I assumed the Grado cart was "not compatible" due to a compliance issue.
mtb_ww OP
18 posts
 
...or maybe a hum issue. Grado Service didn't elaborate on why it was not compatible.
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