Is a new stylus worth it on this one?

billbillw

I'm currently using an old Audio-Technica AT14Sa cartridge with my SL-Q2. I'm pretty sure that the stylus is a generic replacement;In other words, its probably not the original Shibata tip. It sounds pretty good, tracks perfect and didn't cost me anything. Fine for the time being, but I'm considering an upgrade down the road.

I found a couple places that still have the correct ATN14 stylus for this cartridge, but its $77+shipping. I was just wondering if the AT14Sa would sound better with the correct stylus or if I would be better off getting a M97Xe ($60+ship) or an AT440ML ($85+ship). Anybody here ever use the AT14Sa with the correct stylus? It seems pretty highly regarded from back in the day when Quad was the rage.

billbillw

I guess nobody is familiar with the AT4Sa?

candyliquor35m

I'm running the same cartridge but have never upgraded so I have nothing to compare it to. Here's a post that has the specs in it:

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/archive/index.php/t-20552-p-2.html

cmy330go

Sorry not familiar with the cartridge you currently have, but I have read many favorable comments on the Shure M97Xe. In fact you might check with RuSsMaN, I believe he was going to try one out.

You might also consider the Goldring Elan. They can be had on eBay for around $50 elsewhere for $60. I have one on my Music Hall MMF-2.1 and have been quite happy with it.

Sorry I can't be of more help.
Dave

Tour2ma

You're happy with the sound of your AT, and that's what's key. Nonetheless, I'd suggest that you look at the stylus under a microscope. Say this because it doesn't sound like you know much about it's history, condition, etc. If it's worn, you may not detect it, but your vinyl may be suffering for it.

If you do not have access to a scope, a local audio store that sells TT's should.

As for future buys... I see nothing above that seems like a resonable step up. I loved Shure, but they've all but turned their back on the home audio.

billbillw

Tour,
Thanks for the input. You're right, I don't know the history of this stylus and I only have a big **** magnifying glass, which isn't enough to see wear on the stylus. I can't think of any stores that might be able to help me with a microscope. The one that us locals thought might be good for 2-channel lovers (Audio Atlanta) recently proved otherwise to Troy and Russ when they stopped by a few weeks ago. That is the major reason why I'm thinking of either getting a new (and correct) stylus for this cartridge or getting a new cart all together.
I'm not neccesarilly looking for a step UP, just want to know for sure that I'm running a good stylus on my vinyl. I was really trying to see if anyone had a feeling whether the two new carts that I mentioned (M97Xe or AT440ML) would be the same, better, or worse than my AT14Sa with a new ATN14 stylus. From everything I've read, those two new carts are about the only choices that make sense until you go up to well over $100, which is what I'd like to stay under. I'm just not enough of a vinyl snob to justify spending any more, especially with the low end TT that I'm using right now.

reeltrouble1

billbill and Tour

Tour sold me a Shure cartridge a while back, that now has about one hour at most on it as I was not able to get the old Kenwood TT running to me satisfaction, Bruce chime in would that cartridge and stylus be a good match? I just cant remember the model here at the job, but I can check when I get home, I think I paid Tour like 40.00 bucks for it, and it was brand new when I got it.

If its a match and you want to try it out let me know, its sitting in a box right now and doesn't sound worth a damm in there.

RT1

billbillw

Hey, that sounds cool. Let me know what model the cart is. Chances are, I'll try it out.

reeltrouble1 wrote:

billbill and Tour

Tour sold me a Shure cartridge a while back, that now has about one hour at most on it as I was not able to get the old Kenwood TT running to me satisfaction, Bruce chime in would that cartridge and stylus be a good match? I just cant remember the model here at the job, but I can check when I get home, I think I paid Tour like 40.00 bucks for it, and it was brand new when I got it.

If its a match and you want to try it out let me know, its sitting in a box right now and doesn't sound worth a damm in there.

RT1

Tour2ma

Hooked Ted up with the venerable old Shure M91ED. In its day was THE intro cartridge to nab. Also it uses one of the few replacemnt stlyii (N91ED) Shure has (so far) continued to produce.

For the price Ted's quoting, you can't go wrong trying it.

reeltrouble1

Got your message and sent you a reply billbill.

Thanks Bruce.

RT1

billbillw

Thanks Ted and Bruce. I think I'll stick with what I got for the time being.

I talked to my brother and it turns out he knew a lot more about the history of this cart/stylus than I orignally thought.

He got it from a guy who bought the stylus, installed it on a Dual, and then used it for about 5-10 hours, then the Dual crapped out. He gave the whole setup to my brother for free. My brother fixed the Dual and sold it, but kept the cartridge. Now I have it. So it should be in great shape still.

Tour2ma

You're welcome...

I'd still recommend peeking at it under a scope. Generic stylii run the gambit from garbage to great.

EDIT: And Ted's Shure is still a deal just to have seomthing different to try/ hear.