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Audio Technica AT ML-180 Cartridge Advice

Just acquired an Audio Technica AT ML-180 cartridge with broken cantilever and was looking for advice on where to get a new cantilever rebuild and what material to choose from. My preference is a new Boron cantilever but was not sure who, apart from Soundsmith, offers this service.

Also would like to know which is the best tonearm to use for this cartridge once it's fixed. It can either go on my Audiomods Series 5 (eff. mass approx. 11g) or the arm on my Yamaha GT 2000 which has an effective mass of approx. 20g.

Thanks in advance.
ateal
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@ateal where did you find the specs for the AT-ML160 model? Can you provide the link to the actual scan of the manual for this model? I’ve never seen any info about AT-ML160, but i have info about all others in this series.

I hope you’re not mixed up the AT-ML160 and AT160ML - these are two completely different cartridges and they are not compatible at all.
ateal OP
97 posts
 
Chakster, i referenced the 160ML which Nandric mentioned and I also know it is not compatible with the ML150, 170 & 180 series. That's why I asked the question for Nandric. 
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
AT used two kinds of stylus holder coupling with the body in naive
hope to prevent styli. switching: round and rectangular. But they
''forget'' to change stylus construction. On the inside of each stylus
holder one can see a small hole with (painted) screw which function
is to center and fasten the whole cantilever/stylus construction. By
removing the paint and loosen the screw the whole stylus can be
''transplanted'' to the other stylus holder. So what is ''completely
different'' for chakster is not for other, more experienced members
(grin). But he probably can inform ateal  about the kind of mentioned
coupling. If those are the same by AT 150/160 and 170/180 than no
''surgery'' or transplant will be needed.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
I can't remember when I used any MM cart for the last time while trusting my memory at my age is asking for trouble. So I checked some of hose that I still own. AT 160 ML, AT 155 CL and Signet
TK 7 LCa. All of them have rectangular coupling and all can be
substituted for each other. 





chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@nandric ok, so if your cartridge is AT160ML then it is not a rare cartridge and not on the same level as the AT-ML160 (i thought you have this one). 

here is the AT160ML and it looks exactly like the AT earlier cheap models
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATSAT0160ML.html

And here is the AT-ML170 with ceramic body and a way different size of the stylus replacement assembly. 
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19875572_1778198518864974_1199791816042376599_n.jpg?oh...

The transplant of the cantilever from one series to another series is another question, but those carts are different and specs are different, even the size of the diamond is different as pointed @ateal 
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