Effective Tonearm Mass: What It Means for Cartridge Matching

When pairing a cartridge with a turntable, most people focus on mounting style, stylus shape, or brand reputation. Yet one of the most important—and most misunderstood—factors in cartridge matching is effective tonearm mass. Get this wrong, and even a high-end cartridge can underperform. Get it right, and your system can sound balanced, controlled, and musically