Audio Technica AT ML-180 Cartridge Advice

I've been reading this thread with interest.  AT's 'interchangeability' mantra has proven a definite boon for me.  :-)  In fact, that had me salivating about the 150 cart that chakster has/had up for auction.  Looking at the numbers, it appears that a 150mlx stylus/cantilever is a very close substitute.  Then, I began to look at my 'be good to myself' purchase of a NOS AT25 with spare NOS stylus and I realized I don't wish to be broke (again) during the holidays.

Of course, that won't prevent me from following this thread ad infinitum  :-)  Looks like I need to buy more lottery tickets!

Happy Holidays!
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Live long and perspire!

@ronco

haha, nice
Still have it for christmas

never tried the AT25, but i got the AT20SLa with genuine 20SL stylus made in Japan in the 70’s. I do not trust the LPgear webstore, because their current AT parts always looks different! The original stylus must have a gold Audio-Technica logo and stamped model number! I know that Audio-Technica AT20SLa stylus comes with Aluminum cantilever (maybe "SLa" means Shibata, Limited edition, Aluminum), but the AT20SL stylus (without "a") probably means the cantilever is not aluminum ("a"), but a much higher graded Beryllium. Anyway i’m just guessing. This is very rare limited edition model (nude Shibata diamond)! The cartridge is so good anyway (SL or SLa). The upgrade of the stylus could be very rare AT20SS replacement.

As an update, I just picked up a NOS Signet TK10 ML.

Can't wait to see how it compares to the AT ML180/150 combo.

 

@chakster 
I understand your preference for authentic items.  Earlier in the year, I was able to score a NOS ATN15ss stylus for my AT15sa cart.  Wow!  What a detailed little beauty!  Just afterwards, I found a 1978 AT ad brochure that detailed the stylus/cantilever improvements.  Of course, AT encouraged everyone to take advantage of their suggestion.  :-)  IIRC, my AT15sa cart is an earlier model with 370 mh inductance, unlike the later 450 mh models.  Nonetheless, it ranks a very close second tier to my Signet TKs and AT 25.

@ateal

Congrats on the Tk10 acquisition.  I will be interested to read your opinion of it.  I have one TK9lca, the rest have ATN25 stylii.  So, far, I have not been able to hear a great difference between them.  Of course, the super-small 2x7 stone will not last as long as a microline, but that's why I've been stockpiling stylii.  Personally, I'd rather have a factory replacement than a sleeved and super-glued after market fix.

On a tangental note, I have fallen in love with Beryllium cantilever stylii.  Besides the ATN23a, and ATN 25, the AT15ss and AT155lc deliver such an open soundstage, as does an AT9v.  I'm listening to "LA 4  Scores!" as I type.  Might as well be in the club with them:-)

I digress.  L'Chaim to all.

@ateal

BTW, if that TK10 greatly disappoints you, please give me a shout.  :-)