How to change the cartridge of the AKAI BT100 turntable?

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You can replace the cartridge (stylus) of your AKAI BT100 turntable to improve sound quality or to replace a worn part. Your BT100 is equipped with an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge with an elliptical diamond stylus (0.4 x 0.7 mil). Before you begin, completely unplug the turntable from the electricity to avoid any risk.

Removing the old cartridge:

Gently move the tonearm away from the platter to access the cartridge.
If your model has a removable head, carefully remove it by unscrewing or unclipping it depending on the fastening mechanism.
Using fine pliers or small tweezers, very carefully disconnect the four colored wires connected to the back of the cartridge by holding the metal connectors and not the wires themselves to avoid damaging the contacts.
With a small screwdriver, remove the two small screws that hold the cartridge on the head shell.

Installing the new cartridge:

Position the new cartridge under the head shell, roughly aligning it in place of the old one.
Insert the two screws and tighten them slightly to allow for adjustments.
Reconnect the four colored wires to the corresponding pins of the new cartridge. Refer to the cartridge manual or consult the color code if your cartridge indicates it.
Correctly align the cartridge using a cartridge alignment template placed on the platter so that the stylus is perfectly parallel to the alignment points.
Once the alignment is satisfactory, fully tighten the two fixing screws.

Setting the tracking force: This is an important step for audio quality and preserving your records. The recommended tracking force for the AT95E cartridge is 2 grams, with an acceptable range of 1.5 to 2.5 grams. Use a stylus weight (small special scale): place the measuring platter on the record, gently lower the tonearm until the stylus rests on the scale, then adjust the counterweight of the arm until it reaches exactly 2 grams. This adjustment ensures good sound quality without risking damage to your vinyl records.

Final check: After installation and adjustments, test the turntable by playing a record. Make sure the sound is clear without distortion, that the cartridge engages smoothly in the groove, and that the tonearm returns correctly to its resting position. If you detect poor sound quality or unusual noises, check that the cartridge is properly aligned and that the tracking force is precisely set.

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