I have an Audio Technical LP120.
Today the stylus broke. I noticed it was so low that the cartridge was about to scrape the record. So I touched the stylus and it came right out.
First, I guess I need to adjust the balance of the arm? I assume it’s dropping too much weight? But I have no idea I’m just guessing.
Second, any recommendations on a new cartridge? I was reading some articles and it looks like I might need to spend about $250 for a decent one. That just seems like a lot for a turntable that only cost a few hundred in the first place. But, I’m willing to pay it if it actually is a true upgrade over just re-ordering the stock cartridge that came with the thing.
If I really do have to shell out $250, I was thinking the Audio Technica VM540ML.
Re-ordering the stock cartridge is $50. I really had no problems with the sound with that one. But of course, that may just be me not knowing how much better it could be.
Any thoughts / help here?
[Edited on 4/26/2020 by cmgst34]
I've asked around other places & was told the Audio Technica AT-VM95E is a great budget priced cartridge that is expandable.
You can score them for like $50 online.
I have yet to purchase one.
Thanks. That’s actually the stock one that came with the turntable. I have always been pleased with the sound
It’s seems that your turntable is very well thought of...maybe like a budget Technics 1200, which is legendary. That said, I think you have a turntable that justifies a better cartridge. However, if you using the LP120’s built-in phono preamp your money will be better spent bypassing that (with the built-in switch) and purchasing a stand-alone. A boutique phone pre is an ABSOLUTE GAME-CHANGER sonically and basically mandatory if you’re serious about vinyl playback. So you could buy a new AT95 stylus (which is excellent and a real bargain) and spend $200 on a separate phono preamp. For $150+ you could get a Schiit Mani or a Rolls Bellari VP549, both giant killers at their price point. Take another big step forward for an additional $50-$75 and u you may consider the Graham Slee Communicator or Edwards Audio Apprentice MK2. These are pieces you may never feel the need to upgrade. All light years ahead of lp120’s built-in Pre. Pair this w a shiny new AT95 stylus...dial in the tracking force and anti-skate and you should be stunned at the difference. All that said, if you have a stand-alone phono preamp you love and want to spend $250 on a new cartridge...that affords you a VERY fine cart. At that price point, I’d consider a High Output Moving Coil (HOMC) that works with Moving Magnet (MM) phone preamps and gives you a taste of the audiophile-obsessed and wildly expensive world of Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. The Denon DL-110 is what I would seek out...it’s brilliant. Lastly, if you find the discontinued SAE 1000E or 1000LT on EBay which can occasionally can be found for around $250...you have a cartidge that goes toe to toe with $750-$1000 LOMC cartridges. I own the E and the LT...unbelievable performance and the last cartridges I’ll ever own. Have fun!...it’s a fun hobby
Thank much, I don’t have a stand alone preamp, so it looks like that’s the route to go.
Btw...the AT95 that came with your table features a replaceable stylus. Sounds like u just need the stylus replaced and not an entire cartridge. The model you need is the “AUD” AT95 on sale on Amazon for $35. It may say AT95E, which stands for “elliptical” i.e the cut of the diamond tip. Far superior to conical cut styli...which are mostly found at this price point. Hence the AT95’s reputation as the ultimate bargain cartridge.
Btw...the AT95 that came with your table features a replaceable stylus. Sounds like u just need the stylus replaced and not an entire cartridge. The model you need is the “AUD” AT95 on sale on Amazon for $35. It may say AT95E, which stands for “elliptical” i.e the cut of the diamond tip. Far superior to conical cut styli...which are mostly found at this price point. Hence the AT95’s reputation as the ultimate bargain cartridge.
Amen!!! Knew I’d get a bunch of great advice and knowledge with this group.
So now, new stylus, pre-amp, and maybe someday down the road I’ll upgrade some more.
