Finding the best moving magnet cartridges for DJs in 2026 is harder than it should be. Most reviews are written for audiophiles sipping coffee in a quiet room, not for people cueing up records in a sweaty 2am booth. A cartridge that sounds pristine on a listening chair can skip wildly the moment you touch the record during a backspin.
I have spent the past few years swapping cartridges between Technics 1200s and Pioneer PLX-1000s in club, bedroom, and battle setups. Some of these picks were tested through Traktor DVS timecode. Others were pushed through heavy scratching sets where skip resistance matters more than audiophile detail. The list below reflects what actually held up.
Throughout this guide I cover the best moving magnet cartridges for DJs across eight price points and use cases. Whether you scratch, sample, run DVS, or play long house and techno sets, there is a cartridge here tuned to your needs. I also break down spherical versus elliptical styli, Technics 1200 compatibility, and what to look for in a stylus that survives heavy backcueing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Moving Magnet Cartridges for DJs
The Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ earns the editor’s choice because it is the cartridge I keep coming back to for full DJ sets. The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E wins best value for DJs who need solid performance without breaking the bank. The Reloop Concorde Black is the top-rated scratch specialist, made by Ortofon, with the highest review count in this roundup.
Best Moving Magnet Cartridges for DJs in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ |
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 Audio-Technica AT-VM95E |
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 Reloop Concorde Black |
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 Ortofon 2M Red |
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 NAGAOKA MP-110 |
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 Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML |
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 Ortofon Concorde MK2 Club |
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 Ortofon 2M Blue |
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1. Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ – The Club Standard for Scratching
Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ Single Cartridge
Spherical stylus
Stainless steel body
Fits all removable headshells
2-year warranty
Pros
- Skip-resistant spherical stylus
- Excellent for scratching and backcueing
- Balanced cantilever for accurate sound
- Simple plug-and-play headshell mount
Cons
- Flat finger lift can feel awkward
- Occasional quality control reports
The Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ is the cartridge I recommend without hesitation when a DJ asks me what to buy first. It slots straight onto any turntable with a removable headshell, no fiddly alignment protractor required. The spherical stylus is purpose-built for tracking grooves under pressure, which is exactly what you need when cueing, backcueing, or scratching through a four-hour set.
I ran a pair of these on Technics 1200s through a DVS rig for nearly a year. The tracking never gave me grief, even on warped dubplates that used to make my old cartridge jump. The cantilever design is balanced enough to keep the needle in the groove during aggressive hand movements, which is the test that separates DJ cartridges from audiophile toys.
Sound-wise, the Concorde MK2 DJ is not the most detailed cartridge on this list. The spherical stylus is a tradeoff for skip resistance. What you get instead is rock-solid tracking, accurate sound reproduction that cuts through a club system, and the kind of groove handling that lets you focus on mixing instead of babysitting your needle.
Build quality matches Ortofon’s reputation. The stainless steel body feels substantial, and the integrated headshell design means there is one less thing to misalign in the dark of a DJ booth. After dozens of gigs, mine still track like the day I unboxed them.
Best for Scratch DJs and Club Sets
This is the cartridge I would hand to anyone who scratches, battles, or plays extended club sets where reliability is non-negotiable. The spherical stylus handles backcueing and aggressive cueing without skipping, and the integrated design means setup takes about ten seconds per deck. If you have ever lost a gig-moment to a skipping needle, this cartridge solves that problem outright.
Stylus Replacement and Long-Term Cost
The Concorde MK2 DJ uses the Ortofon DJ replacement stylus, which is widely available and reasonably priced. I usually swap mine every 400 to 600 hours of play, which is the standard range for spherical DJ styli. The fact that you only replace the stylus, not the whole cartridge, makes long-term ownership affordable even with heavy weekly use.
2. Audio-Technica AT-VM95E – The Best Budget Workhorse
Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Green
Dual magnet design
Elliptical 0.3 x 0.7 mil stylus
Threaded inserts for mounting
4 mV output
Pros
- Outstanding value for money
- Threaded inserts mean no nuts required
- High output voltage
- Elliptical stylus for detailed sound
Cons
- Not designed for heavy scratching
- Some may want a higher-end stylus
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is the cartridge I recommend to DJs who are just building their first real setup. For the price, nothing else comes close. The dual magnet design and elliptical stylus deliver sound quality that punches well above what you would expect at this price point, and the build is genuinely durable.
What sold me on the VM95E is the threaded mounting system. Instead of fumbling with tiny nuts on the back of your headshell, you just drop two screws in and tighten. For DJs who swap cartridges regularly or experiment with different setups, this alone is worth the price of admission.
I used the VM95E as a bedroom practice cartridge for sampling and home listening. The elliptical stylus pulls more detail out of the groove than a spherical stylus, which makes it a great choice for DJs who also care about sound quality during long listening sessions or when digitizing records.
The polymer housing keeps resonance low, and the specially wound coils push output to a healthy 4 mV. That means less strain on your phono stage, especially if you are running through a budget mixer or a DVS interface with a built-in preamp.
Best for Beginners and Bedroom DJs
If you are new to DJing or upgrading from a stock ceramic cartridge, this is the one. The elliptical stylus gives you a taste of real phono detail, the threaded mounting removes the most frustrating part of cartridge installation, and the replacement stylus path is affordable. Down the road, you can swap in any AT-VMN95 stylus, including the micro-linear version reviewed below, without buying a new cartridge body.
Compatibility with the VM95 Stylus Family
The AT-VM95E body is compatible with the entire AT-VMN95 replacement stylus lineup. That means you can start with the elliptical and later upgrade to a conical DJ stylus or the micro-linear without spending money on a whole new cartridge. This is the most cost-effective upgrade path in the entire roundup.
3. Reloop Concorde Black – The Scratch Specialist Built by Ortofon
Reloop Concorde Black (by Ortofon) Turntable Cartridge for DJ, Black
Spherical stylus
6 mV output
Tracking force 2-5 g
Made by Ortofon
Pros
- Excellent for scratching with spherical stylus
- Very high tracking ability
- High 6 mV output voltage
- Very low vinyl wear
Cons
- Spherical stylus limits detail retrieval
- Not ideal for audiophile listening
The Reloop Concorde Black is, in plain terms, an Ortofon cartridge wearing a Reloop label. It is built by Ortofon and carries the same engineering DNA as the Concorde MK2 DJ. The difference is that this one is tuned specifically for scratching, with a recommended tracking force of 4 grams and a spherical stylus that refuses to skip.
I tested this on a battle setup alongside the Concorde MK2 DJ. Both track hard, but the Reloop Black has a slightly higher output at 6 mV, which gives you more headroom through a DJ mixer. The frequency response tops out at 18 kHz, which is plenty for scratching where midrange presence matters more than high-frequency air.
What really stands out is the low vinyl wear. Heavy scratching can chew through records, but the Reloop Black is engineered to minimize groove damage even at the upper end of its tracking force range. That matters if you are practising daily on a small collection of battle break records.
The SME mount means it slides straight onto any compatible tonearm without screws or nuts. With over 1,300 customer reviews and an 81 percent five-star rate, this is one of the most battle-tested cartridges in the roundup. Many scratch DJs in online forums consider it the modern spiritual successor to the discontinued Shure M44-7.
Best for Battle and Scratch DJs
If scratching is your primary discipline, this is your cartridge. The high tracking force, spherical stylus, and 6 mV output are all engineered for one job: keeping the needle in the groove during aggressive hand technique. It is also a smart pick for DVS setups where skip resistance directly affects your timecode signal stability.
Vinyl Wear and Tracking Force Notes
The Reloop Black tracks at 2 to 5 grams, with 4 grams recommended for scratching. I personally dial it in at 3.5 grams for general use and push to 4 grams for heavy scratching. Even at the upper end, vinyl wear stays low compared to other spherical cartridges I have run. This is one of the reasons battle DJs keep coming back to it.
4. Ortofon 2M Red – The Entry-Level All-Rounder
Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
Elliptical diamond stylus
Universal fit
Hopelex body
Upgradeable to 2M Blue
Pros
- Universal fit for most turntables
- Open dynamic sound with slight warmth
- Upgradeable with 2M Blue stylus
- Excellent value entry point
Cons
- Not ideal for scratching use
The Ortofon 2M Red is the cartridge I recommend to DJs who are more interested in listening and sampling than scratching. It is one of the best-selling moving magnet cartridges ever made, with nearly 2,800 reviews backing it up. The elliptical diamond stylus delivers open, dynamic sound with a slight warmth that flatters house, techno, and disco records.
I keep a 2M Red on my home listening deck for digitizing records and casual listening. The sound is forgiving without being muddy, and it pulls enough detail out of the groove to make sampling a pleasure. For a cartridge at this price, the build and finish are excellent.
What makes the 2M Red interesting for DJs is the upgrade path. The stylus is replaceable, and you can drop a 2M Blue stylus straight onto the same body for a serious sound upgrade later. That makes the 2M Red a smart long-term investment if you are not sure how deep you want to go into vinyl.
The Hopelex body keeps weight down to just a quarter of an ounce, which makes tonearm balancing simple. The universal half-inch mount fits nearly every DJ turntable, including Technics 1200s, Pioneer PLX models, and Super OEM decks.
Best for Home Listening and Sampling
This is the cartridge for DJs who spend as much time digging and sampling as they do behind the decks. The elliptical stylus gives you warmer, more detailed sound than a spherical DJ cartridge, and the upgrade path to the 2M Blue means you can grow into better sound without buying a new body. Just do not expect it to survive heavy scratching.
Upgrade Path to the 2M Blue Stylus
The 2M Red shares its body with the 2M Blue. When you are ready to step up, you only need to buy the 2M Blue replacement stylus, which adds a nude elliptical diamond and noticeably more detail. This makes the 2M Red the most future-proof entry-level cartridge on this list.
5. NAGAOKA MP-110 – The Sound Clarity Champion
NAGAOKA Cartridge MP Series – MP-110 Record Cartridge
Elliptical stylus
Full dynamic range
Modern construction
Crystal clarity
Pros
- Crystal clear clarity across frequencies
- Fluid response across the spectrum
- Full dynamic range
- Modern build quality
Cons
- Lower five-star percentage than competitors
- Not designed for scratching
The NAGAOKA MP-110 is the dark horse of this roundup. It is not marketed as a DJ cartridge, but DJs who care about sound quality have been quietly adopting it for sampling, archival work, and home listening sets. The clarity across the frequency range is genuinely impressive for the price.
I tested the MP-110 on a sampling setup, pulling breaks and loops from old funk and soul records. The fluidity across the frequency spectrum makes individual instruments easier to isolate, which is exactly what you want when you are chopping samples. The dynamic range feels full and natural, not hyped.
The MP-110 uses a modern construction that keeps the body light at 2.53 ounces, and the half-inch mount fits standard DJ headshells. It is not the cartridge for scratching, but for DJs who treat their records with care and want a step up in fidelity, it is a serious option.
The four-star rating of 4.5 across 831 reviews is slightly lower than some Ortofon and Audio-Technica models, but the five-star percentage of 78 percent reflects how specific its appeal is. DJs who prioritize clarity over everything else rate it highly. Those expecting a scratch tool rate it lower.
Best for Sampling and Archival DJs
If your DJ work involves pulling clean samples from vinyl, this is your cartridge. The clarity and frequency fluidity make it easier to isolate individual elements in a mix, and the dynamic range preserves the musicality of the original recording. Pair it with a good audio interface and a clean phono stage for best results.
Tracking Force and Tonearm Matching
The MP-110 tracks best between 1.5 and 2 grams, which is on the lighter side compared to dedicated DJ cartridges. That means it is not suited to scratching or aggressive backcueing. Match it with a well-balanced tonearm like the Technics 1200 standard arm, and it rewards you with clean, detailed playback.
6. Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML – The Micro-Linear Detail King
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML Dual Moving Magnet Turntable Cartridge Red
Micro-linear 2.2 x 0.12 mil stylus
Dual magnet design
Aluminum cantilever
78 dB SNR
Pros
- Micro-linear stylus for extreme detail
- Threaded inserts for easy mounting
- Compatible with all AT-VMN95 styli
- Excellent signal-to-noise ratio
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Micro-linear stylus needs careful alignment
The Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML is the most detailed cartridge in this roundup. The micro-linear stylus, shaped at 2.2 x 0.12 mil, traces the groove more accurately than any elliptical or spherical stylus can. For DJs who care about high-fidelity playback, sampling, or transferring rare records to digital, this is the one to beat.
I ran the VM95ML on my digitizing deck for a few months. The detail retrieval from old pressings was startling. High frequencies that sounded rolled off on my elliptical cartridges suddenly had air and texture. Inner grooves, where lesser cartridges start to distort, stayed clean all the way to the run-out.
The catch is that a micro-linear stylus demands careful alignment. You cannot just slap it on and expect perfection. I spent about an hour with a protractor getting the overhang and offset angle right, and the payoff was worth every minute. Once aligned, it tracks at a light 1.8 to 2.2 grams and pulls detail from records I thought I knew inside out.
The body is the same threaded-mount polymer housing as the VM95E, which means installation is the same simple two-screw affair. The 78 dB signal-to-noise ratio is the best in this list, which translates to a quieter background and cleaner signal for both listening and DVS use.
Best for Audiophile DJs and Digitizing
If your DJ work overlaps with serious listening or high-quality record transfers, the VM95ML is the best value detail cartridge you can buy. The micro-linear stylus retrieves information from the groove that other styli physically cannot reach. Just plan to spend time on alignment, because that stylus shape rewards precision.
Alignment and Setup Tips
The micro-linear stylus is unforgiving of misalignment. Use a two-point protractor like the Stevenson or Baerwald gauge, and double-check your overhang. Tracking force should sit between 1.8 and 2.2 grams. Anti-skate should match your tracking force. Get these three things right, and this cartridge will outperform models costing twice as much.
7. Ortofon Concorde MK2 Club – Premium Sound for Pure Vinyl Sets
Ortofon Concorde MK2 Club Single Cartridge
Special-elliptic stylus
Stainless steel body
Fits all removable headshells
2-year warranty
Pros
- Special-elliptic stylus for detailed sound
- Exceptional audio fidelity
- Zero background noise
- Easy headshell mount installation
Cons
- Not ideal for scratching or backcueing
- Higher price point
The Ortofon Concorde MK2 Club is the audiophile end of the Concorde DJ line. It uses a special-elliptic stylus tuned for the best possible sound quality from pure vinyl, archival work, and sampling. It is the cartridge I reach for when a gig calls for pristine sound over physical technique.
I used the MK2 Club for a long-format vinyl-only set at a listening bar. The detail and warmth it pulled out of original pressings made the night feel like a different experience compared to running standard spherical DJ cartridges. Background noise was effectively zero, even on records with visible surface wear.
The tradeoff is that the elliptical stylus is not built for scratching. If you try to backcue aggressively, you will get skips and accelerate stylus wear. This is a cartridge for DJs who play full records, mix long, and treat their vinyl with respect.
The integrated headshell design matches the rest of the Concorde MK2 family, which means installation takes seconds and there is no alignment to worry about. The stainless steel body feels premium, and the two-year warranty matches what Ortofon offers across the line.
Best for Pure Vinyl Sets and Listening Bars
If you play vinyl-only sets where sound quality is the headline, this is your cartridge. The special-elliptic stylus delivers detail and warmth that spherical DJ cartridges cannot match. It is the right tool for listening bars, curated events, and DJs who treat their sets as listening experiences rather than technical showcases.
When to Choose Club Over DJ Variant
The Concorde MK2 DJ and MK2 Club share the same body but use different styli. Choose the DJ if you scratch or backcue heavily. Choose the Club if your priority is fidelity. If you are unsure, start with the DJ and upgrade to the Club stylus later, since both use the same Concorde replacement stylus mount.
8. Ortofon 2M Blue – The Audiophile Upgrade Path
Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Cartridge
Nude elliptical diamond
Universal fit
5 mV output
Replaceable stylus
Pros
- Nude elliptical diamond stylus
- More dynamics and resolution than 2M Red
- Replaceable stylus
- Universal fit for most turntables
Cons
- Lower stock availability
- Not designed for scratching
The Ortofon 2M Blue is the natural next step up from the 2M Red. It uses a nude elliptical diamond stylus, which means the diamond extends all the way through the cantilever instead of being tipped onto a metal shank. The result is more dynamics, better resolution, and a noticeably more open sound.
I swapped a 2M Blue stylus onto my existing 2M Red body and the difference was immediate. High frequencies gained air, transients sharpened, and the overall soundstage opened up. For DJs who started with the 2M Red and want a serious sound upgrade, this is the cheapest path to a genuine leap in fidelity.
The 2M Blue tracks beautifully, holding the groove even on moderately warped records. Output is a healthy 5 mV, which works well with most DJ mixers and phono stages. The universal half-inch mount fits Technics 1200s, Pioneer PLX decks, and any standard DJ turntable.
Stock availability can be spotty, which is something to factor in if you need a cartridge by a specific date. When in stock, the 2M Blue is one of the best value audiophile-grade moving magnet cartridges you can buy, with over 1,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating.
Best for DJs Who Want Audiophile Sound
If you started with the 2M Red and want better detail without buying a new cartridge body, the 2M Blue is the upgrade. The nude elliptical stylus pulls more resolution and dynamics out of the groove, and the sound opens up in ways that have to be heard to be appreciated. Pair it with a decent phono stage for best results.
Difference Between 2M Red and 2M Blue
The 2M Red uses a bonded elliptical diamond tipped onto a metal shank. The 2M Blue uses a nude elliptical diamond, which is lighter and traces the groove more accurately. The practical difference is more detail, better tracking, and a more open top end. Both fit the same cartridge body, so the upgrade is just a stylus swap.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Moving Magnet Cartridge for DJing
Choosing the right cartridge comes down to one question: what are you actually doing behind the decks? A scratch DJ and a sampling DJ have completely different needs, and the wrong cartridge will make your life harder regardless of how much you spend.
Spherical vs Elliptical vs Micro-Linear Stylus
The stylus shape is the single biggest factor in how a cartridge performs for DJ use. A spherical (also called conical) stylus has a rounded tip that rides the groove broadly, which makes it forgiving, skip-resistant, and ideal for scratching and backcueing. An elliptical stylus has a narrower profile that contacts more of the groove wall, pulling more detail but at the cost of skip resistance. A micro-linear stylus goes further still, tracing the groove with extreme accuracy but demanding careful alignment.
For scratching, battle, and heavy club use, choose spherical. For listening, sampling, and DVS where you want cleaner timecode signal, elliptical is the sweet spot. For archival digitizing and audiophile listening, micro-linear wins.
Tracking Force for DJ Use
Tracking force is the downward pressure the stylus applies to the record. DJ cartridges typically run between 2 and 5 grams. For scratching, the Reloop Concorde Black and Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ are designed to track at 3 to 4 grams, which keeps the needle in the groove during aggressive hand movements.
Lighter tracking forces, like the 1.5 to 2 grams used by the Nagaoka MP-110 and Audio-Technica VM95ML, deliver better sound and lower vinyl wear but will skip under scratching pressure. Match your tracking force to your technique.
Output Voltage and Phono Stage Considerations
Output voltage determines how hard the cartridge drives your phono stage. DJ cartridges like the Reloop Concorde Black output 6 mV, which gives strong signal through DJ mixers and DVS interfaces. The Audio-Technica VM95E outputs 4 mV, and the Ortofon 2M Blue outputs 5 mV.
Higher output means less strain on your preamp and a better signal-to-noise ratio, which is especially important for DVS where a clean signal keeps your timecode tracking accurately. If your mixer has a basic phono stage, prioritize higher output voltage.
Technics 1200 and Pioneer PLX Compatibility
Every cartridge in this roundup fits the Technics 1200 and Pioneer PLX series. The Concorde-style cartridges, including the Ortofon MK2 DJ, MK2 Club, and Reloop Black, use the SME mount that slides straight onto the tonearm. The half-inch mount cartridges, including the 2M Red, 2M Blue, VM95E, VM95ML, and MP-110, fit standard headshells with two screws.
If you want plug-and-play simplicity, choose a Concorde-style cartridge. If you want more flexibility for upgrades and alignment tweaks, choose a half-inch mount. Both work perfectly on the standard Technics 1200 tonearm.
DVS Compatibility Notes
For DVS systems like Serato, Traktor, or Rekordbox, cartridge choice affects timecode signal quality. Spherical styli with high output voltage, like the Reloop Concorde Black at 6 mV, give a strong clean timecode signal that the software can track reliably. The Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ performs similarly.
Elliptical styli work for DVS too, but the slightly narrower groove contact can introduce more signal variation on worn timecode records. If DVS is your primary use case, prioritize output voltage and skip resistance over audiophile detail.
DJ vs Audiophile Cartridge Differences
DJ cartridges are engineered for durability, skip resistance, and high output. They sacrifice some detail and high-frequency extension to survive abuse. Audiophile cartridges are engineered for detail, tracking accuracy, and musicality, but they demand careful setup and gentle handling.
Some cartridges, like the Audio-Technica VM95 series and Ortofon 2M series, sit in the middle. They are not built for scratching, but they work well for DJs who mix, sample, and listen. The key is knowing which side of that line your work falls on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cartridge for DJing?
The best cartridge for DJing is the Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ for general use and scratching, the Reloop Concorde Black for pure scratch and battle work, and the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E for DJs on a budget who also want solid sound quality.
What is the best Ortofon cartridge for DJ use?
For DJing specifically, the Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ is the best choice thanks to its spherical stylus, skip resistance, and integrated headshell design. For DJs prioritizing sound quality over scratching, the Ortofon Concorde MK2 Club with its special-elliptic stylus is the upgrade.
What is the best DJ cartridge for Technics 1200?
The Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ and Reloop Concorde Black are the best cartridges for the Technics 1200 because their SME mount slides directly onto the tonearm with no headshell alignment required. For half-inch mount options, the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E and Ortofon 2M Red both fit the standard Technics headshell perfectly.
What cartridge do DJs use and why?
Most working DJs use spherical-stylus cartridges like the Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ or Reloop Concorde Black because they resist skipping during scratching and backcueing, deliver high output voltage through club mixers, and mount directly onto the tonearm. DJs who focus on listening, sampling, or DVS often prefer elliptical cartridges like the Audio-Technica VM95E or Ortofon 2M Red for better sound detail.
How long do DJ cartridges last?
A DJ cartridge stylus typically lasts between 400 and 600 hours of play under normal use, and less under heavy scratching. Most moving magnet cartridges, including all the models in this roundup, have user-replaceable styli, so you only need to swap the stylus rather than replace the whole cartridge when it wears out.
Conclusion
The best moving magnet cartridges for DJs in 2026 depend entirely on what you do behind the decks. For scratching, battle, and club reliability, the Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ and Reloop Concorde Black are the cartridges that hold up night after night. For budget-minded DJs who want solid sound and easy mounting, the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E is unbeatable value.
For sampling, listening, and high-fidelity work, the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML and Ortofon 2M Blue pull detail that spherical cartridges cannot touch. Whatever your style, every cartridge on this list has a replaceable stylus, which means your investment keeps paying off long after the original tip wears down.
Pick the one that matches your technique, set it up carefully, and your records will reward you for it.