Victrola Stream Carbon Replacement Needle
Belt drive · Manual · 33 and 45 rpm · Built-in phono preamp
Model codes: VPT-3000-BSL, VPT-3000-WSL
The needle you need
Stylus 2M Red
The Stream Carbon takes the Ortofon Stylus 2M Red needle.
- Named by Victrola as the replacement
- Elliptical tip
Upgrades that fit the Stream Carbon
Ortofon makes the Stylus 2M Blue, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same 2M Red cartridge. It pushes into the same body as the standard Stylus 2M Red, so you change only the needle. The standard Stylus 2M Red has an elliptical tip.
Stylus 2M Blue
Elliptical tip · Diamond
New cartridge instead?
The VPT-3000 takes cartridges with a standard half-inch mount, on a headshell you can take off. We have not found a cartridge weight range for its tonearm, so check the weight of a new cartridge with Victrola before you buy.
Do you need a phono preamp?
A phono preamp boosts the very quiet signal from the cartridge.
The Stream Carbon has one built in that cannot be switched off, so plug it into powered speakers or a line input, not a phono input.
Speakers that work with the Stream Carbon
Connect the Stream Carbon's RCA output to the line input on any of these.
Coda W
Takes Bluetooth too, so it can play the Stream Carbon's Bluetooth signal with no cable.
M20
Also has an optical input, for a TV.
ORA
Has a subwoofer output, if you want more bass later.
Key facts: Victrola Stream Carbon
- DriveBelt drive
- OperationManual
- Speeds33 and 45 rpm
- Cartridge2M Red
- Cartridge mountHalf-inch
- Removable headshellYes
- Tracking force1.8 g
- Built-in phono preampYes
- BluetoothYes, sends to speakers
- USBNo
- Dust coverYes
- PlatterAluminium
- Power supplyAC 100-240V 50/60Hz
- Size (W × D × H)430 × 345 × 111 mm
- Weight5.99 kg
Other record players that take the Stylus 2M Red
How to change the needle on the Stream Carbon
With the arm on its rest, hold the 2M Red cartridge still, pull the old needle straight forward off its front, then push the Stylus 2M Red on until it seats fully.
We take these details from Victrola's own website and check them carefully, but makers change parts and part numbers, and we may miss an update. Before you buy, check the part on Victrola's official website. If you spot an error, please tell us.
Questions about the Stream Carbon
Does the Stream Carbon need a separate phono preamp?
No. The Stream Carbon has a phono preamp built in, and it cannot be switched off, so connect it to powered speakers or a line input rather than a phono input.
Is there an upgrade needle for the Stream Carbon?
Yes. Ortofon makes the Stylus 2M Blue, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same 2M Red cartridge. The standard Stylus 2M Red has an elliptical tip.
Can I fit a different cartridge to the Stream Carbon?
Yes. The Stream Carbon has a standard half-inch mount, so you can swap the 2M Red cartridge for another of the same mount, and the headshell comes off to make it easier.
Can the Stream Carbon play 78 rpm records?
No. The Stream Carbon plays at 33 and 45 rpm only.
Which cartridge is on the Stream Carbon?
The 2M Red, a moving magnet cartridge with a standard half-inch mount. Its replacement needle is the Stylus 2M Red.