Audio Technica stylus upgrade

@lewm 

It is because you have aluminum ears:-)

@edbay 

I do believe that the ML stylus is better than the Shibata which is easier to make. I would stick with it.

@dogberry 

That is exceedingly true and may be the reason for "break in" in some instances. The person is accommodating to the sound, the new normal. Most people do not measure their systems and have no idea what their systems are doing. I have seen some pretty awful normalcy in very expensive systems.  

@dogberry 

You are an audiophile! Suck it up and get out that protractor. Lofgren B DIN please.

Not sure there’d be a huge difference between the ML and SH, but you’ll never know unless you try it. You could get another ML (or SH), and add a RigB metal body. Or another logical step would be the VM540ML. Or try something completely different like the Nagaoka MP200. It’s really a matter of preference, and synergy with your system.

New Cartridge? Mount and Align It? That’s Intimidating, BUT, u can do it!

Rather than replace your stylus, knotscott’s suggestion of AT’s MM VM540ML is an excellent one, and a true upgrade. I recommend that cartridge all the time. I have one, some of my friends have taken my advice, all quite happy.

VM540ml’s wider channel separation and tight channel balance are important factors for imaging, that’s the large upgrade. Many, many very expensive cartridge’s separation and tight center abilities are not as good, thus imaging are less than the VM540ML.

Sound characteristics of a cartridge, subjective, is a separate factor, the VM540ml sounds great in my and many opinions. Think ’preferred’, not necessarily ’better’.

(After a darn good MM, and saving some more money, it’s time to move into the MC Moving Coil world).

Cartridge Alignment is tricky, but well worth learning how, having the skills for the rest of your life, for you and your friends.

You may have a friend, or live near one of us to get help the 1st time. (I’m NJ near NYC 07062).

All that is needed to install a new cartridge is a few inexpensive tools and steady enough hands to attach 4 wires and tighten two screws.

The alignment is easy enough to understand, and you have the advantage of an old cartridge to practice with.

MM Moving Magnet Cartridges also have the advantage that you can remove the stylus for some adjustments, thus avoid breaking it. Stylus back in for final alignments, then adjust the tracking weight and lastly the anti-skate.

Your TT has a rare magnetic anti-skate mechanism, that’s both easy and excellent. One of my arms has both magnetic tracking weight and magnetic anti-skate, great features.

Somewhere here I made a list of the tools needed, I could find it if you decide to go for a new cartridge.