Technics 1200 w/ AT440ML/OCC ... BENT!


Bah!  I bent the stylus after mishandling handing a record.  It survived for almost 8 years before my caveman mannerisms interfered.  The mourning / anger phase has passed, so on to replacement options.  I had a at120e stylus from an old table that I'm currently swapped in, so I can take time to research. 
stylus replacement only: 

VMN40ML - basically what I have now (ML) 

VMN50SH - Shiba version

As you probably already know, stylus replacement for my AT440 is about 70% of the way to a brand new cart.  So, wondering if I can do better (i.e. head and shoulders better)?  My top level is about $500 for a newer cart.  Maybe a bit more if it might be considered 'end game'.  As it is, i'm already in ~$250 for a new stylus so might as well research options.  

Here's my setup:
technics 1200 fully KAB upgraded

Parasound Hint6 (using phono pre)

Kef LS50

Mogami wire.  

 

128x128martinman

@martinman  A good friend worked for AT. I have 2 of these, 1 has never been mounted... maybe trade something?

Then you need to move up to the 760 or the AT33PTG/II or Nagaoka MP500.

Not sure I want to spend the $$$ on something that will provide a small incremental gain.

If your cartridge was 8 years old and still with its original stylus, then either you play LPs very infrequently or the stylus needed replacement anyway.  In the latter case, you just did yourself a favor by forcing the issue of replacing the stylus.  There are innumerable fine cartridges that can be bought for $500 and less.  Take your pick.

@timlub Appreciate the offer, but I picked up a replacement over the holidays.  I'm already about 8-10 hours in. 

 

Lewm:  Yep agree; I'd say about 5-10 hrs a week.  Plus I bought it used with an undetermined amount of hours.  I don't feel too bad considering the cost I paid + how many hours of use I had with it.  

 

I guess it begs the question - how to cartridges fail?  I'd imagine most meet their demise by careless handling.