New to Turntables

who will mount the alternate cartridge?

I suggest a 2nd headshell so you can compare/use different cartridges.

it takes some inexpensive tools, and acquired skill to mount a cartridge, I suggest you practice with the stock cartridge first, then align the new one.

note in mm the distance, from the center of the center spindle, to the stylus tip of the factory mounted cartridge. that is called ’overhang’. you want the same distance, the same overhang spindle center to stylus tip for ANY cartridge you mount (on that particular TT).

then all the other parameters to get the best sound, stylus life, and avoid damaging your LPs.

https://audio-technica.com.au/latest-news/how-to/align-turntable-cartridge/

I like this headshell because it has adjustable azimuth if needed, for this and any future TT

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293416434592?hash=item4450fb7ba0:g:fWQAAOSwq4VeXaps

That “Pats Audio Adjustable Azimuth Headshell” is too expensive. At least for me, since I have 108 cartridges. Half are on headshells. I just buy the $7 aluminum headshells. I can add mass, adjust azimuth, easily file the slots longer, remove the forward lip, basically hack it to any configuration I need. I can buy 5 for your 1!

I never use those 2-point protractors. Way too finicky, too much trial and error, no way to customize the best alignment for the particular cartridge and stylus tip geometry. For a newbie, just an absolute lesson in futility and a nightmare. I use the free Conrad Hoffman Arc protractor that’s customized to my arm, my chosen alignment (Lofgren B, Lofgren A or Baerwald, or Stevenson) and my choice of recording quantity on the records.  Line up tip on the arc, make parallel to only ONE set of grids, tighten and DONE. I align many cartridges, takes about 3-5 minutes.

@elliottbnewcombjr  

After checking the specs on the cartridge that comes with the Denon Dp-450, I decided to get the Ortofon 2m red, mostly because the Denon has to  be changed out after only 400 hours of use.  That tells me it isn't a well made cartridge to wear out that fast. The Ortofon 2m red can surpass 1000 hours of use.

@wolfie62  

I have to admit that delving into the turntable arena is a lot more complicated that I had thought.

Back in the day, you just plugged the record player in, put the record on and hit play. Most were automatic when I was a kid. I later acquired a Technics turntable.  There wasn't an internet, so there wasn't any info on balancing, adjusting, calibrating or anything.  Since I worked in stereo sales, I knew enough to get a cartridge that could handle 20hz-20Khz and replaced the stock cartridge.

After doing research on what to do when my new player comes in...it's crazy.

I have to use a level to test all four corners of the player where I place it and ensure it's 100% level. Then balance the tone arm. Then use a protractor to align the cartridge. Then  balance the tone arm again. I am sweating from effort before I have even started. ;)

 The Ortofon 2m red can surpass 1000 hours of use.

No way, probably 600, it's an elliptical tip (not even nude).
1000 hrs is for shibata and related advanced profiles, but not for an elliptical. 
 
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