MAGNETIC STYLI (NEEDLES) FOR STEREO TURNTABLES

  
Beginning in the 1950's crystal and ceramic cartridges were largely replaced with magnetic pickups to facilitate the better sound reproduction available from stereo, microgroove records. Piezo-electric pickups are not as desirable for stereo reproduction, as the stiff coupling between the crystal or ceramic element, and the stylus prevents close tracking of the needle to the groove modulations. This tended to increase wear on the record, and introduce more distortion.