Help me decide: Grado Gold or AT440ML

This response might come a bit late, as the thread's a month old, but in that price range the Shure M97xE is worth looking into. Its tonal balance is warm when it's new but gradually takes on a well-balanced neutrality. Best of all, it's known (and justly) for its tracking ability. The Absolute Sound just made it an editors' pick. There's a well-written review of it on this site, too.

Could someone please explain to me how this interchangeable needle overall schematics works. When you insert a new needle, you are getting new tip and cantilever? How are these attached to the magnet/coils? I am trying to advise my internet buddy on whether he should get a new cart or just a needle for his 30 yo AT cart. Please help!!

A new stylus includes all the moving parts of a moving magnet cartridge--stylus mounted to cantilever at the front end, suspension in the middle, magnets mounted at the other end of the cantilever, and the snap-in housing holding the whole thing together and aligned. The coils are permanently attached to the cartridge body interior.

So when you get a replacement stylus, you are actually getting the diamond stylus, the cantilever, the suspension, and the magnets. Getting a fresh suspension that comes with each replacement stylus should keep the cartridge fresh, although I suppose the coils might oxidize at some point, but I don’t know for a fact.

What is your buddy’s 30-year-old cartridge? I have had an AT150MLX for eight years and needed a replacement. AT was discontinuing the ATN150MLX stylus--gold-plated boron cantileverwith nude MicroLine stylus for the ATN150Sa--tapered aluminum cantilever with nude Shibata stylus. The few remaining boron/Microline stylii were taking on NOS prices; I got the Shibata version for $179.59 from Wal-Mart online, of all places. Snapped it into place and it sounds wonderful--sweet, smooth, and detailed without being distracting.

@johnnyb53 Thank you!!! I have no idea where my young friend will end, our conversation started when he was outbid on my restored Teac cassette deck and now, almost a year later, he contracted audiophilia germ from me ;-)
I am trying to advise him on his first TT buy, his limit is just $100 and looking thru eBay offerings I realized that I know next to nothing about entry-level TTs. When I was his age (and in his financial shoes) I just bought whatever was sold at my local store and then switched to CDs the moment they came out!...
million thanks for your response, it always bothered me what is there inside a new needle. As they used to end the initial South Park series: Ive learned something new today! Thanks!!!

I had an AT440 that was simply too bright, and replaced it with a Sumiko Pearl. I still like that damn Pearl…even replaced the stylus recently.