PHONO STYLUS SIZE
All phonograph pickup cartridges are manufactured with and installed LP stylus. That is 99.9% of the what the average customer is looking to buy. There are a handful of specialty cartridges that are made with a 78 stylus. So when we advertise a cartridge with both an LP and 78 stylus as a combo, we are selling a cartridge as manufactured with and LP stylus along with an extra 78 stylus.
Phono styli come in basically two sizes and two configurations. Microgroove records, such as, LPs and 45s require a stylus that have a tip radius of approximately 0.7 to1.0 mil. The 1.0 mil was the old standard for mono records. These are normally referred to as "Conical" or "Spherical" in shape, that is, a cone shaped point with a round tip. Older records, such as, 78 rpm shellac records require a stylus with a radius of approximately 2.5 mils. Broadcast transcriptions typically required 2.3 mils. For most applications there was little practical difference, especially in regard to 78 rpm records. In practical terms, most 78s work best with 3.0 mils. That is because most have been well played, and 3.0 plays higher in the groove thereby avoiding some wear.
The most common 78 rpm styli made have been 2.5 mils. Beginning in the 1950s, some stylus and cartridge manufacturers began producing 2.7 mil "compromise" styli for such coarse groove records. There were genuine 3.0 mil styli too. Caution: a common misconception in the press for such styli are "3 mil styli." True only when they round off 2.5 or 2.7 to 3. They can confuse you. So they may write "3 mil stylus", but actually mean "78 stylus."
In later years, LP styli manufacturers began manufacturing styli that more closely approximated the shape of the actual cutting stylus. These were known under various names and shapes: elliptical, Shibata, Pyramid Point, or line contact. Their main benefit was that they could reproduce highs with more efficiency and less audio distortion. The latter produce that and often less surfaced noise, but they are not commonly found. The most common and popular and moderate cost is the elliptical shape.
Shure 78 rpm stylii were all 2.5 mil radius, making them more fine tuned for later 78s and radio transcriptions. On the other hand, Grado's standard 78 rpm stylus has a radius of 3.0 mils, making them ideal for most 78s. Stanton's 78 rpm stylus is specified as 2.7 mils and is a decent compromise. However, 2.3 and 2.0 often produce better results with radio transcriptions.
CHOOSING PHONO CARTRIDGES AND STYLI
In general, elliptical styli produce better high frequencies and with less distortion than do conical shapes. So, if your main interest is in audiophile LP production, a cartridge that comes with an elliptical LP stylus should be strongly considered. On the other hand, if you main interest is in 78 rpm and similar discs, a cartridge, whose basic LP stylus is conical, could be considered.
For instance, if you will normally be playing vintage 78s, a Grado 78C/78E, or Shure M78S would be a good choice. If custom styli are used the Stanton 500 series would be a good choice. The former two are mono pickups. On the other hand, if your primary interest would be in playing LP records, and audiophile records, then a Grado Gold, or Shure M97xE would be the better choice. For top sound a Grado Sonata or Nagaoka MP-500.If you want the convenience of mono, i.e., not needing to have a mono button to cancel our vertical noise from lateral cut records, which is desirable when recording them, the 78C (or 78E) would be a good choice. That would be best used with 78 RPM records. Their 3 mil styli would work with most transcriptions, but not optimally. Using them with our DJ-NAB, which has a 2.3 mil stylus would work fine, but we do not advise going back and forth, as stylus exchange is awkward, and you can break them. It is best to use two Grado cartridges, mounted on separate headshells.
If stereo is needed, or other means can be used for mono listening or recording (one can record on a computer in stereo and combine the channels there), a DJ100 is a good choice. It comes with an LP stylus and the 2.3 mil, DJ-NAB will fit it.
With vintage records you have the choice of either conical or elliptical with some cartridges. Conical might be considered for more worn records, while vintage records in better condition will deliver enhanced sound with an elliptical stylus. In the case of vintage records, what ever works for each particular record is the best regardless of any general rules of thumb. There are no magic bullet styli. That can only be determined by trial and error. Hence, our Archival Disc Play Kit of a cartridge plus styli ranging from 1.5 mil to 4.0 mils, and our Audiophile Elliptical Stylus Kit with sizes from 2.0 to 4.0 mils, plus an 8 mil for specials records. Yes, even using an LP stylus on a beat-up 78 rpm record may produce the best results. Hence our 1.25, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.3 sizes.
In practical terms consider either a 2.7 or 3.0 mil for most 78s. If mostly pre 1940 get a 3.0 mil. After 1940 get a 2.7 or 2.5 mil.. For transcriptions get either a 2.3 or 2.5 mil. This is only for records in moderately good to very good condition. For many worn 78s, we have a 3.5 mill that may help many. After that, it is trial and error selection.
REPLACING STYLI
All styli will eventually wear out. Dust on records acts as an abrasive. Both records and styli are worn by such abrasion. Keeping your records clean with some of the devices sold by us will help reduce both noise and damage to records and styli.
Almost all styli are now made of diamond and previously had been expected to last from 600 to 1000 hours of use. That can be a very long time. We have examined many styli, that are decades old, under powerful microscopes and they still in appear in excellent condition. However, more recently, audiophile styli manufacturers have trimmed that back, and considered the increase in audio distortion and not record wear as the major criteria. They are now talking about 250 hours.
When purchasing a cartridge, thought should be given as to whether you will be exchanging styli casually, as going back and forth between LP and 78 rpm records. Most styli are easy to replace and exchange. Others, such as Grado, require a bit of force and a supplied tool to prevent damaging the stylus. The best solution is to purchase two headshells and two cartridges, one for each basic stylus.
The early microgroove records were made for 1 mil. If the records get worn, it is usually downwards. So a modern 0.7 may fall into that area. That’s where our 1.0 mil and 1.2 mil styli may be of use. The 1.2 is so large that we made it elliptical to help trace out the highs. Then again, if the old mono records are mint, the modern 0.7 may better trace the highs. It all goes back to that tool kit. You have to use what works best, but start on the appropriate for the record’s type and age.
Most 78 styli were probably 2.5 mil, but often called 3.0...or were they? 2.5 rounds of to 3. So, what were they really talking about in ancient journals? My guess is that they were really 2.5. You can find old pickup/styli ads that would sell you both a 2.5 or 3.0 for 78s. Stanton went in between with 2.7. It get's deeper. Some publications would say 2.5 was for either transcriptions of 78s. Then others (GE)would say 2.0 for transcriptions. The NAB (1949) recommended 2.3. So how a record will sound may well do with its past use history and what it was played with. You can play a transcription with the D5127J, but I'd recommend it more for 78s of all vintage. We get few customer comments one way or the other.
Raw aluminum records were made with a spherical diamond stylus at a weight of about a pound. The groove is embossed and appears somewhere between "V" and "U" shaped. Because the aluminum was soft and tracking force was about 1 - 2 ounces on most phonographs, a cactus needle or "V" shaped piece of bamboo was advised for playing. So, any modern pickup with a 78 stylus will work. The grove undulations may be greater towards the top so using 3 even 3.5 mils may buy you a little better s/n ration.
Using different styli often requires selection by ear. They are like tools in a kit. You use the one that works. Elliptical styli cost more to make and require large minimums to make. That drives their cost up even more. The elliptical may work best with mint records, revealing the sound with greater clarity. If of a larger size, its greater size may reduce noise on some worn records. Then again the stylus shape might reveal it more. In general, people perceive better sound.
Generalities about stylus types and sizes can be suggested for genres of disc, but when dealing with vintage discs of unknown past history, those are frequently a starting point. On our website, we repeatedly state that there are no magic bullets styli for particular genres of discs and that trial and error with different styli are the only way to obtain best results. Their usage is for your discretion when and if to use. Sometime even an LP stylus can be the only solution for a 78 or radio transcription. Often, several sizes or shapes of styli , and from different manufacturers will produce identical results. We cannot predict or guarantee results on unknown records.
PICKUP CONNECTIONS FOR MONO RECORDS
In general they work very well. No modern mono cartridge made can play vertical cut records, i.e., Edison, Pathe’, old OK, etc. A mono cartridge can be very useful and convenient when one’s amplifier has no mono switch. They are usually made for more common, lateral cut records and are best used with records with groove walls that are little worn, or the wear on each groove wall is somewhat identical.
However, the only way to determine the latter may be to first listen with a stereo cartridge. If the wear on the groove walls is not identical, you would do best to record only or mostly the better wall groove wall. More commonly one uses stereo cartridges, and in a mono configuration, i.e., left and right channels connected together either by a wire jumper on the pickup, the audio amplifier's "mono" button, or if none, connecting its L & R outputs together via a "Y" connector. If not, greater surface noise would be the result. The left/right mono connection is usually imperative. If you purchase a mono cartridge, the above can be ignored.
When you reproduce only one groove wall with a stereo cartridge, you lose the benefit of reduced vertical noise, as when you connect L to R (like with a mono switch). These noises are often the result of vintage turntables used during the disc recording a process or in the pressing process. Our Re-Equalizer III has a variable BLEND CONTROL to gradually adjust for minimum noise. Also, our Dehisser has a switch to listen to one or the other groove wall about 200 Hz (where all he wear noise is normally found), while it cancels out all low frequency noise. So we offer two ways of getting similar results.
It can get more complicated. The wear can change back and forth. Thus digitizing in stereo and editing back and forth can produce a much improved sound, not possible with a mono cartridge. So, there are very good reasons to use both mono and stereo cartridges when playing mono records.
MOUNTING A CARTRIDGE TO A HEADSHELL
The specified overhang number is often mentioned, but it is really only a good place to start. What you want to do is make the cartridge body to be parallel to the grooves (or tangent) at both the inside and outside diameters of the discs to be played. That is impossible.
What you really do is get the best compromise. This can be daunting with so many headshells and cartridges because you have limited vision of the body's position. The headshells are not transparent. To align the cartridge, you will have to loosen its mounting a bit and movie it forward or backwards, even twist it to on side or the other. You will need a gauge to serve as an aid in determining a cartridge's tangency. Keep checking the alignment at both min and max radius on the gauge till you cannot get it any better. Then tighten the screws. If you are really concerned you might set up one head for 16" transcriptions and another for 12 Lps.
PHONO CARTRIDGE REVIEWS IN THE AUDIO PRESS
AND ELSWHERE - BEWARE!
CLICK HERE
FOR OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VARIOUS TURNTABLES
CLICK HERE FOR OUR RECOMMENDED CARTRIDGE SETUP
UNLESS NOTED, CARTRIDGES ARE MANUFACTURED WITH AN LP STYLUS
STYLI FROM DIFFERENT COMPANIES FIT ONLY THEIR CARTRIDGES!
PRICES SHOWN ARE LESS SHIPPING
NOTE: CAN'T INSERT A STYLUS INTO A CARTRIDGE, RETURN THEM TO US.
IF YOU DESTROY A STYLUS IT'S ON YOU!
USA, ship & ins. $16.75. ($14.70 under $125.00)($300+, write). IL residents add 8.00% IST
Note: the US government has increased charges 3 times this year. It will get worse!
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Confused about cartridges for your hifi system? We have a demo CD that provides you with the sound of some of the cartridges we sell. They were all mounted to an SME 3012 tonearm and played through a rebuilt McIntosh C-20 tube preamplifier. Record sources were high quality discs of 3 different genre's, mostly by performers we have personally met or listened to live. The signals were sent directly to a ProTools HD digital editor and recorded at 24bits/96 kHz. After all levels were balanced, a standard CD was produced. Cartridges included are: Shure V15V (reference), Stanton 681EEEMkIII, Stanton 500.V3, Grado Green, Grado Platinum, and Nakaoka MP500. Alittle dated as to available product, but still useful. The cost of the CD is deductible if you purchase any of our cartridges. Esoteric Sound Cartridge Demo CD.......................$7.00 ppd in USA |
| SPECIALS VALUE CARTRIDGES | |
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The Audio-Technica AT3600L is our lowest cost, high-quality, standard-mount moving magnet cartridge. It features an alloy tube cantilever with a 0.6 mil conical diamond tip for extended frequency response. Output is 4.2 mV at 5 cm/sec. Channel balance is within 1.5 dB. Tracking force is 2.0 to 3.5 grams grams. A good match for the Gemini CN-15. It is used on many big box store phonographs, such as Denon, Sony, TEAC, Pioneer, Panasonic, Realistic, AIWA, JVC, others. Cartridge weight: 5.00 Grams. A good general-purpose cartridge. Bulk packaged. This is a real bargain. Compare it anywhere.
How to
replace/exchange stylus AT3600L Cartridge (LP
supplied)...........................$24.85 |
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The Audio-Technica
AT3482P/Technics P34 is a low cost, but quality moving magnet cartridge. The stylus
is a 0.7 mil conical diamond tip. It is a P-Mount only for many turntables,
such as, the VINTAGE II. It can be mounted in standard headshell with a AT3482P Cartridge
(LP supplied)........................$17.95
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The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Magnet
stereo cartridge is supplied with their AT-LP120X-USB turntable.
It does not require fiddling with small nuts to mount, as they are built-in
and come with the screws. Its LP, elliptical stylus size is 0.3 X 0.7
mil.
lTracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 grams.
Cartridge weight is 6.1 grams, output is 4.0 mV. Internal cabling is
twisted pair mini copper wire. Excellent choice if you want one head
with LP and another head with a 78 sylus. Sorry, but we don't carry
the matching 78 stylus. AT-VM95E Cartridge (with LP stylus) ..........$49.00 |
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The Lowest cost Elliptical 78 cartridge available anywhere. The CN78E is ideal for turntables and even record changers because it can track up to at 7 grams. With it's small height, it can fit more records on a changer platter during the change cycle. Transcriptions and 78's are reproduced with less distortion with an elliptical stylus + heavier tracking force. Notes: The CN78E cannot be used with a turntable Vertical-Lateral switch. Output is stereo; so you will hear best with a "MONO" switch on your amplifier for true mono. Both issues fixed by our ReEqualizer III.
"I’d...lost my love on...78’s. Not anymore! Hearing them ...for the first
time...back to life!" |
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STANTON CARTRIDGES |
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The Stanton 500.V3,
with optional "78" styli, provides excellent
tracking of normal or damaged 78's and transcription discs. Sound
quality can be described as "Retro," with hints of Shure's classic M3D, or
GE's VRII. Mellow lows, and restrained, but not diminished highs. With our custom
sized styli, it can be used for sophisticated noise reduction. It is comes
supplied with a 0.7 mil stereo LP stylus and tracks at
from 2 - 5 grams. Cartridge weight: 5.43 Grams. Also,
recommended for record changers. We exclusively manufacture elliptical
78 styli for it. |
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Stanton 680E.V3 (cartridge with LP stylus).................$99.00
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SHURE BROTHERS CARTRIDGES - Supplies Limited |
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The Shure M92E is a modest priced cartridge for low to medium end turntables and it comes with an elliptical tipped LP stylus. It tracks from 0.75 to 1.50 grams, and has the advantage of offering both standard headshell mounting and P-Mount for turntables. Cartridge weight: 5.93 Grams. Shure M92E
Cartridge (with LP stylus) ..........$40.00 |
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The Shure SC35 is designed for the heavy tracking requirements of the DJ and broadcast industry. Also, recommended for record changers. Both the spherical tip Lp and "78" (2.5 mil) track up to 4 - 6 grams. Cartridge weight: 6.13 Grams. Review here Shure
SC35C Cartridge (with LP stylus).............$190.00 |
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Because the Shure M44-7 it is designed for rugged use, it has been adopted as a favorite for DJ’s in night clubs. Because it tracks from 1 to 3 grams, it can easily accommodate both LPs and 78s. Cartridge weight: 6.29 Grams. Also, recommended for record changers. We exclusively manufacture the 3.0 mil, N-44-3E elliptical 78 stylus for it.
Shure M44-7 Cartridge (with LP stylus)........................$295.00 |
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The Shure M97xE is
the top of their line. It is designed to play all records,
including audiophile LPs. Its incorporated Dynamic
Stabilizer brush greatly reduced the effects of record warps and discharges
static electricity from you records.
Winter-time crackles will
disappear. Shure M97xE
Cartridge (with LP stylus)...........$256.00 |
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ATTENTION |
GRADO SOLD ONLY TO USA ADDRESSES. SORRY |
| BELOW TWO CARTRIDGES ARE FOR MONO RECORDS ONLY | |
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The 100% US-made, Grado ME+ is a mono cartridge designed for mono LP records. Mono cartridges deliver better sound with lower noise in most situations. It produces a pair of true mono outputs that connect easily to a standard stereo arm/headshell. The Grado Prestige ME+ utilizes a modified four piece OTL cantilever technology, oxygen free wire in the coils and a specially designed, highly polished, 1 mil elliptical diamond mounted in a brass bushing. It delivers outstanding performance from mono LPs. Output level is 4 mV. It tracks at 1.5 grams and mounts standard head shells. Cartridge weight: 5.44 Grams. Grado ME+ Cartridge
(with LP stylus)............$185.00 |
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The 100% US-made, Grado 78E is a mono cartridge designed for 78 RPM records. Mono cartridges deliver better sound with lower noise in most situations. It produces a pair of true mono outputs that connect easily to a standard stereo arm/headshell. Only usable with lateral cut mono 78s and transcriptions. The Grado Prestige 78E utilizes a modified 4 piece OTL cantilever technology, oxygen free wire in the coils and a specially designed, high polished, conical/spherical 3.0 mil. spherical diamond mounted in a brass bushing. It delivers outstanding performance from 78s. Exchanging styli is difficult.
So, we recommend two cartridges & headshells. Output level
is 4 mV. It tracks at 2 - 5 grams and mounts standard head shells.
Cartridge weight: 5.44 Grams. Recommended for all but but warped or
eccentric 78s. Grado 78E Cartridge
(with 3.0 mil 78 stylus)....$199.00 ****************************************************************************************************************** The Grado 78C (discont.) was similar, but made to lowered specs, and had a 3 piece cantilever to hold the jewel tip. "I used the Grado 78C on...some pretty beat up vinyl 78s from the 1950s, and they sounded great"
"bought a Grado 78C...very happy with it" |
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BELOW CARTRIDGES ARE FOR STEREO RECORDS, BUT WILL ACCOMMODATE MONO |
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A CARTRIDGE TUNED FOR RADIO
TRANSCRIPTIONS Output level is 2.5 mV. It can be mounted in standard head shells, and can handle 2 - 5 grams. Cartridge weight: 5.65 Grams. Recommended for most 16" transcriptions, pressed or acetate, AFRS and similar transcriptions, and many coarse groove acetates. Also a decent fit for Berliners! This is our go-to stylus when playing transcriptions. It delivers excellent, lower noise sound from most radio transcriptions. We rarely deviate from it. Radio
Transcription NAB Cartridge..................$235.00
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The 200% US-made, Grado DJ200 comes with an elliptical tipped LP stylus, and utilizes a 3 piece cantilever. The Grado 78C (discon) & 78E, 3.0 mil spherical tip reproduces most 78's with less noise, but may have some tracking problems with warped or eccentric discs. Exchanging styli requires care. So, we recommend multiple cartridges & headshells. It tracks at 2 - 5 grams and mounts in standard head shells. Cartridge weight: 5.70 Grams. Recommended for 78 RPM and Vintage records. Custom 78 styli available. Check further down this page for our custom made styli to fit Grado cartridges. Grado DJ100 Cartridge (with LP stylus).....$120.00 (Last One) Grado DJ200 Cartridge (with LP stylus).....$185.00
(click here for
complete specs) |
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Exchanging styli requires care. So, we recommend two cartridges & headshells. Output level is 2.5 mV. It tracks at 1 - 2 grams and mounts in standard head shells. Cartridge weight: 5.65 Grams. Recommended for audiophile LP, and best quality 78s. Custom 78styli available. Grado Green Cartridge (with LP stylus)..............$125.00 (click
here for review) Grado Black Cartridge (with LP stylus).................$99.00
(click here for review) |
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Exchanging styli requires care. So, we recommend two cartridges & headshells. Output level is 2.5 mV. Recommended tracking force is 1.5 grams and mounts standard head shells. Cartridge weight: 5.75 Grams. Recommended for audiophile LP, and best quality 78s.
Grado
Gold1 Cartridge (with LP stylus)...............$260.00
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The 100% US-made, Grado Timbre Series, Platinum 3 incorporates a wood body to facilitate reducing internal resonance, and an elliptical diamond stylus is mounted on a reduced mass armature to better follow transient high frequencies. The stylus is elliptical and is mounted on a very low mass, but stiff armature. Generating coils utilize oxygen free copper wire. It will deliver a very high quality of sound from LP records. The sound quality is superior to any of the above cartridge. Output level is 4.8 mV. Recommended tracking force is 1.5 grams. Cartridge weight: 8.43 Grams. Grado Platinum
3
Cartridge (with LP stylus)....................$400.00
(click here for review) |
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The 100% US-made, Grado Timbre Series, Sonata 3 incorporates a wood body to facilitate reducing internal resonance, and special nude elliptical stylus, mounted on a reduced mass armature. This greatly enhances its ability to reproduce the most complex of high frequencies. Generating coils utilize oxygen free copper wire. It will deliver an extremely high quality of sound from LP records. Output level is 4.8 mV. Recommended tracking force is 1.5 grams. Cartridge weight: 8.43 Grams. Grado Sonata
3
Cartridge (with LP stylus)......................$600.00
(click here for review) |
| NAGAOKA CARTRIDGES | |
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The Nagaoka MP-500 is a top of the line moving permalloy cartridge that features a line contact stylus mounted on a very stiff, and very low-mass, boron cantilever. This enhances its ability to reproduce scintillating high frequency content with dynamics and intensity, and improves its ability to ignore surface noise. Think CD quiet, but analogue sound. Even spoken voices will sound as if in the room. Output level is 3 mV. Recommended tracking force is 1.3 - 1.8 grams. Cartridge weight: 8.0 Grams.
"the new MP500...make the vinyl sound so much cleaner"
Nagaoka MP-500 Cartridge (with LP
stylus).............................$839.00 |
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The Nagaoka MP-110 is high quality moving permalloy cartridge that is supplied with a 0.4 X 0.7 mil elliptical bonded LP stylus mounted on a stiff, aluminum alloy cantilever. Frequency response is quite flat and comparable to more costly pickups. We supply custom-made 78 rpm styli in several sizes. Styli are easily removed by slipping them out. Output level is 5 mV. Recommended tracking force for LPs is 1.5 grams. Cartridge weight: 6.35 Grams.
"I ordered the Nagaoka and it sounds great"
Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge
.................................................$169.00
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SHIPPING COSTS CAN VARY IN EXTREMES DEPENDING ON VALUE,
STATE OR COUNTRY. SO IT IS BEST TO EMAIL US FOR A TOTAL
REK-O-KUT
ARCHIVAL DISC PLAY KIT
(Audiophile Cartridge Plus 7 Styli - Microgroove to Vintage)
Older
records often require styli of various sizes to avoid noise in record grooves caused
by wear and abuse. There is no optimum size stylus. The one that produces
the best sound is the correct stylus to use. This kit consists of an
audiophile Nakaoka MP-110 phono cartridge and seven diamond conical styli, the six
displayed plus the 0.4 X 0.7 mil elliptical Lp mounted in the cartridge.
The styli are easy to exchange; pull out and push in.
SPECIFICATIONS
Nakaoka MP-110 Cartridge
Frequency response: 20 - 20 kHz; 50 - 15 kHz +/-1.25 dB
Tracking force LP: 1.5- 2.0 Grams
Tracking force custom styli: 2 - 5 Grams
Output: 5 mVolts
Cartridge weight: 6.35 Grams
Custom Styli & Common Applications
1.5 mil - worn Lps, some AFRS
transcriptions, and transcriptions
2.0 mil - worn Lps, some 78s,
Berlines,
most AFRS transcriptions, and transcriptions.
2.5 mil - good condition 78s,
Berlines, many transcriptions
3.0 mil - average condition 78s, some transcriptions
3.5 mil - old or worn 78s, transcriptions
4.0 mil - Some very old or worn discs, non-coated aluminum discs , RCA home
recordings
Price (ROKADPK): $967.00
(In Illinois add 8.00% IST)+
$28.90 USA
Shipping
& Insurance
Non-USA shipping: Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95
(Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but
does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time
with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance. Full ins, add $64.00.
These prices will vary upwards in Asia & Oceania.
DON'T FIDDLE WITH TEENY STYLI, JUST SWITCH THE HEAD
(Individual Cartridges With Custom Styli)
Use styli of various sizes to overcome surface noise from wear and abuse. There is no one size for all. The one that produces the best sound is the correct stylus.
It is usually faster, safer for the stylus and more convenient to just switch the whole head. Hence this kit of cartridges.
The kit consists of five stereo (you may want to isolate the quieter groove wall) Grado 2 - 5 Gram tracking cartridges, each with different radius, custom-made styli. Grado are revered for their detailed and accurate sound by audiophiles. Each stylus is conical/spherical in shape and can be used for archival or casual play of records without concern for undue wear on the record.
Here are some typical starting
points:
1.5 mil - (extra-cost optiona)
- worn Lps, some AFRS and later transcriptions
2.0 mil - worn Lps, Berliners, Many AFRS and later transcriptions
2.3 mil - AFRS, later transcriptions (NAB recommended), Berliners (not
included in sets)
2.5 mil - many 40's-50's 78's, many transcriptions, also Berliners
3.0 mil - many 30's-40's, raw aluminum 78s, transcriptions,
Edison discs
3.5 mil - some older or worn 78s & transcriptions; raw aluminum 78s
4.0 mil - badly worn, raw aluminum 78s;
RCA home recordings
Price (ROKARK): $1095.00
(In Illinois add 8.00% IST)
+
$28.90 USA Shipping
New: 6 cartridge version (+1.5 mil stylus) - $1314.00
Non-USA shipping: Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance. Full ins, add $64.00. These prices will vary upwards in Asia & Oceania.
(Stylus Alone)
Larger styli can play older and/or worn 78 rpm records above the groove wear.
Smaller tips play records below surface blemishes. These Rek-O-Kut produced styli fit Grado cartridges,
such as the DJ-100. They are conical/spherical in shape, track at 2 - 5 Grams, and can be used
for archival or casual play of records without concern for undue wear on the record.
"I am very happy with the stylus I have ordered, and would like to buy a second one"
Sizes available
from Rek-O-Kut:
1.5 mil - worn Lps, some AFRS and later
transcriptions................................ $150.00
2.0 mil - worn Lps, Berliners, Many AFRS and later transcriptions................$150.00
2.3 mil - AFRS, later transcriptions (NAB recommended),
Berliners..............$175.00
2.5 mil - many 40's-50's 78's, many transcriptions, also
Berliners.................$160.00
3.0 mil - many 30's-40's, raw aluminum 78s, transcriptions,
Edison discs....$140.00
3.5 mil - some older or worn 78s & transcriptions; raw aluminum
78s..........$165.00
4.0 mil - badly worn, raw aluminum 78s;
RCA home recordings....................$170.00
Suggested usage is not written in stone. What works best IS BEST!
In USA, please include Shipping
& Insurance of $16.75
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs
$19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no
insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95
(Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but
does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time
with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
REK-O-KUT
ARCHIVAL ELLIPTICAL STYLUS KIT FOR
STANTON 500 & PICKERING V-15
SOLD OUT!
(Assorted Custom Elliptical Styli)
Older
records often require styli of various sizes to overcome noise in records caused
by wear and abuse. There is no one size stylus. The one that produces
the best sound is the correct stylus to use. The kit consists of five
Stanton 500 compatible, elliptical diamond styli and one very large, conical
sapphire stylus. So, you will need to have a Stanton 500 series
cartridge or similar. Their tracking range is 2 - 7 Grams, often greater. They are
made to our specs. Others might charge
well over $1000.00 minimum for six such styli. These are kits.
Only the few in listings below and with individual prices are available separately.
"That needle did the trick!"
"Your styluses have allowed me to hear...voice...with modern clarity. Thank you very much"
WHY ELLIPTICAL? - PINCH EFFECT
A
conical tipped stylus will have a difficult time following wide side-to-side
motions of the groove with high frequencies. The groove narrows at transitions
and tends to “pinch” at the stylus, especially at the inner diameter, near the
end. This is a cause of diminished high frequencies, distortion
and under some conditions, chance of record wear. An elliptical stylus easily follows these
side-to-side motions.
"There is only
one thing to say about it; FANTASTIC – THANK YOU! The improvements
with this 3.0 stylus was much better than expected, lesser noise overall and
better sound all in all"
"these...very rare and valuable...records usually sound bad, but...using a 4.0 stylus... joy"
OPERATING HINTS
Most vintage recordings do not have to be played with any particular stylus,
but they were made to be played with certain standard styli. 78s and radio
transcriptions require a coarse groove stylus of approximately 2.3 mil. You should
choose the stylus that provides the best overall sound regardless of size.
We have even gotten best results on some 78s with LP styli! Here are some
recommendations to start with:
D5120EJ - 2.0 X 0.4 mil elliptical diamond - some worn Lps,
Berlines, many transcriptions.
D5125EJ - 2.5 X 0.5 mil elliptical diamond - some 78's, Berlines, many transcriptions.
D5130EJ - 3.0 X 0.5 mil elliptical diamond - most 30's-50's, slightly worn 78s &
transcriptions, and Edison discs.
D5135EJ - 3.5 X 0.8 mil elliptical diamond - old or worn 78s, transcriptions.
D5140EJ - 4.0 X 1.0 mil elliptical diamond - very old or worn discs,
non-coated aluminum,
RCA home recordings.
D5180J - 8.0 mil conical sapphire - Pathe discs and some RCA home recordings.
| "Standard" 78 stylus | Selected stylus |
 |
|
USA Shipping & Insurance - $28.90
Approximate Europe/Canada shipping: Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $43.00
(Canada - $31.00). The USPO advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10
days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free ins. For $650 ins,
add $26.00. Full ins, add $64.00.
These prices will vary upwards in Asia & Oceania.
REK-O-KUT CUSTOM 78 RPM ELLIPTICAL STYLI
HALF THE PRICE OF COMPETITORS - BUT THERE ARE NONE!
REK-O-KUT Low-Cost Styli are 78 RPM styli for use in popular cartridges.
They feature precision ground and highly polished
diamonds with mounts compatible with several cartridges. Their diamonds
are made to the same specs as our premium D5130E, but by non-US producers.
They look the same under a microscope.
As with audiophile LPs, the sound of 78 RPM records can be improved by the use
of elliptical styli. Elliptical styli can reproduce the highs of old records
with much more accuracy while reducing the distortion.
REK-O-KUT low-cost styli are not of the conventional 2.7 mil size, but are 3.0
mil in radius, and will play above some of the groove wear, while the elliptical
shape compensates for the larger shape with an improvement in the reproduction
of highs. The jewel tips are made to the same specs as our D5130EJ.
| "Standard" 78 stylus | Low-Cost Elliptical 78 stylus |
|
|
|
Compatible cartridges: Stanton 500/720, Shure M44,
M55, CN1000, Sanyo/Fisher/Rondine Jr
Tip material:
Diamond
Tip shape:
Elliptical
Stylus dimensions: 3
mil X 0.5 mil (75 microns X 13 microns)
Tracking force:
2 to 7 Grams
Recommended discs: All electrical, most acoustic 78s,
Edison
Diamond Discs, some 16" transcriptions
For Stanton
"I
am amazed at the quality I'm getting from these beat up old 78s, using your
D5130EJ stylus and the Stanton 500 cartridge -- it has made all the difference
in the world...the cartridge and stylus...really knocked my ears off"
"The new 3.0 stylus with the new cartridge captures more music with less distortion...It is very noticeable"
"one record...which was hopeless...played exceptionally well with the 3.0EJ...and the highs were kinder"
"the
3.0 x 0.5 elliptical...removed some of the surface noise and too-hot
highs...it's an improvement"
"The results have been very (VERY!) satisfying! My
records are playing...clean and
clear...the D5130EJ is a great improvement"
"the
quality is amazing. The records sounds great now"
"Sounds great!"
D5130EJ: $199.00 (IL Residents add 8.00% IST) + $15.75 Shipping
For
Shure M44 and M55
"The 78 needle you sell for the M44 is the
single greatest upgrade...to my 78 playback"
"What impressed me most about this stylus is the way it greatly improves the
sound
quality of my vintage RCA 'Program Transcription' record"
" this needle...plays very well...so just send me another"
"I really like this stylus. Thanks for offering it!"
N44-3E:
$199.00 (IL Residents add 8.00% IST) +
$13.50Shipping
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs
$19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no
insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95
(Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but
does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time
with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
ATTENTION PATHE' RECORD LISTENERS!
also good for RCA HOME RECORDINGS
REK-O-KUT D5180J 78 RPM STYLUS
CUSTOM STYLUS FITS STANTON 500 & PICKERING V-15 CARTRIDGES
"so glad to get excellent sound by 8.0mil stylus for Pathé vertical discs !!"
"a...Pathe’...made its first noises in well over 50 years...happy to... hear the record instead of just look at it"
"The 8.0 mil stylus...working particularly well with the Pathe...marvelous, as though hearing them for the first time"
This stylus was originally designed for playing Pathe'
and similar recordings. We find that it's size is also compatible with
many 1930's RCA home recordings that basically had the modulation embossed at
the top of he groove.
Show is the D5180J stylus tip on the left and a mint 1930's RCA special playback stylus. Larger
D5180J: $250.00 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST)
USA Shipping & Ins: $15.75 (non-USA as above)
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs
$19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no
insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95
(Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but
does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time
with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
REK-O-KUT D5127J 78 RPM STYLUS
GENUINE 2.7 MIL - FOR STANTON 500 & PICKERING X-15.jpg)
We had this made to exact Stanton specifications. So, it
has the same, slightly larger than average, spherical tipped, 2.7 mil diamond stylus
that Stanton discontinued. "78" styli from other manufacturers are
either 2.5 mil or 3.0. 2.5 may do will with 78 and transcriptions, while
3.0 may do well with older or worn 78s. 2.7 is a decent compromise. Tracks at 2 - 7 grams.
Price: $89.00 (In Illinois + 8.00% IST)
+ $10.60
Shipping (non-USA as above)
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs $19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
REK-O-KUT D5135EJ 3.5 MIL ELLIPTICAL 78 RPM STYLUS
FITS STANTON 500 &
PICKERING V-15 CARTRIDGES
As with audiophile LPs, the sound of 78 RPM records can be improved by the use
of elliptical styli. Elliptical styli can reproduce the highs of old records
with much more accuracy while reducing the distortion.
The
REK-O-KUT D5135EJ stylus has larger dimensions than the conventional 2.7 mil size.
This makes them ideal with many 78 RPM recordings from the turn of the century
into the middle 1930's, and for playing worn conventional 78s. This stylus
is the same as the included in our REK-O-KUT ARCHIVAL ELLIPTICAL STYLUS KIT.
Compatible cartridges: Stanton 500/720,
Pickering V-15
Tip material: Diamond
Tip shape: Elliptical
Stylus dimensions: 3.5
mil X 0.8 mil (88 microns X 15 microns)
Tracking force: 2 to 7 Grams
Recommended discs: many acoustic 78s, Edison
Diamond Discs, some16" broadcast
transcriptions
"78...records have never sounded this good! Even the green label Columbia
records,
that I wasn't able to play on my old turntable sound absolutely great."
"I've bought the 3.0 and 3.5 mil 78 styli from you... and they worked miraculously well"
"I've had some amazing results with these 3.5 styli"
"They're great"
| "Standard" 78 stylus | D5135EJ stylus |
|
|
|
Price: $245.00 (IL Residents add 8.00% IST)
USA Shipping & Ins: $15.75
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs $19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
REK-O-KUT MONO LP & 45 RPM STYLI
GENUINE MONO STYLI FOR
STANTON
500 PICKUP CARTRIDGES
A 1.0 MIL STYLUS FOR GOOD CONDITION MONO LPS & 45S -D5110J
"incredible" - from repeat customer
"I really like powerful sound comes out from this stylus"
"thank you for the stylus. What a difference on my treasured mono LPs!"
"I got the 1.0 Mil stylus...and the records are playing considerably quieter "
"You seem to be the only place still offering something like this…for these older records"
"It sounds very good with my old jazz mono collections. It definitely I
got more dynamic out"
A 1.2 MIL STYLUS FOR WORN MONO LPS & 45S - D5112EJ
"I
am playing my Saint-Saens #3 from 1950...
Charles Munch, on Columbia ML4120...the
1.2…It’s wonderful!
"I like your stylus 1.2 ... with my vintage mono records...1950 and early 60s
press"
The styli are most excellent, and I thank you!"
When LP and 45
RPM records were introduced, they were intended for
"microgroove styli" of 1.0
mils radius. While modern stereo styli can play these records fairly well,
their size varies from 0.5 to 0.7 mil in radius, thus lower in the groove, in
the area of most wear.
You will usually hear an improvement in noise and distortion when older mono records are played with their intended stylus, the D5110J. For more worn records, we have the larger D5112J, a 1.2 mil stylus. Being larger, we made it elliptical to better trace the highs. It does wonders on beater 45s. Sometimes, these styli can even help some 78s and broadcast transcriptions.
Compatible cartridges: Stanton 500/720,
Pickering V-15
Tip material: Diamond
Tip shape: Elliptical
Stylus dimensions: 1.0
mil (D5110J), 1.2 X 0.5 mil (D5112EJ)
Rec. tracking force: 1 to
3 Grams, can go to 5 Grams
Recommended discs: Mono LP & 45 rpm records, worn stereo LP &
45 rpm records
The following examples are of a severely worn record:
Standard Stereo
Stylus
1.0 Mil Mono Stylus
1.2 Mil Mono Stylus
D5110J: $80.00 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST)
D5112EJ: $99.00 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST)
Shipping & Ins: $14.75
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs $19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
CN22 LP & CN25 LP/78 STYLI FOR RA-6 AND RONDINE JR
CN22 LP (0.7 MIL)
CN22 78 (2.7 MIL)
CN25 LP (0.7 MIL)
CN25 LP not available
ALL HAVE RED BODIES. SO, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER A COLOR DOT OF PAINT TO IDENTIFY EITHER.
Price: $25.00/each (In Illinois add 8.00% IST) +$10.60
(10 or more) Shipping
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs $19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
SHURE N75-3 78 RPM STYLI
These are Shure 2.5 mil diamond styli made for specifically for the ME75
cartridge, but which also fit the M91, M92 cartridges, possibly some others.
Price: $29.00 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST) +$10.60
Shipping
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs
$19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no
insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95
(Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but
does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time
with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
GENUINE STANTON
D5100AL-II LP STYLUS FOR "500" CARTRIDGES
"The
D5100...sounds better than anything else I’ve used on older HIFI and early
stereo records"
The Stanton D5100 replacement LP stylus fits Stanton 500 series and Pickering
X-15 series cartridges. These are much easier to grip, hold, and replace
than the newer design styli, which were redesigned by Stanton for no observable
reason. These are high quality, spherical tipped, 0.7 mil diamond styli
and track at 2 - 7 grams, and can go higher.
Price: $75.00 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST) +$10.60 Shipping
GENUINE
STANTON D71EE LP STYLUS FOR "500/720" CARTRIDGES
The Stanton D71EE replacement LP stylus was designed for the
Stanton 720 (P-Mount) series, but also fits the 500 series and Pickering
X-15 series cartridges. These are high quality, 0.7 X 0.4 mil
elliptical, diamond styli and track at .75 - 1.5 grams.
Limited quantity.
Price: $98.00 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST) +$10.60 Shipping
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs $19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
AUDIO TECHNICA AT-3600 78 RPM STYLUS BY
REK-O-KUT
These are 78 RPM diamond styli made specifically for the Audio Technica
AT3600
cartridge, but which also may fit some others in their lineup. The ATN-3600-78
radius is 2.9 mils, and recommended tracking force is 2 to 4 grams.
Price: $33.50 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST) +$10.60 Shipping
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs $19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.
AUDIO TECHNICA 78 RPM STYLUS BY
REK-O-KUT FOR AT-95e CARTRDGE
For Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Turntable
These are 78 RPM diamond styli made specifically for the
Audio Technica
AT95e
cartridge. The ATN-95-78
radius is 2.5 mils, and recommended tracking force is 2 to 5 grams.
Price: $32.50 (In Illinois add 8.00% IST) +$10.60 Shipping
Non-USA shipping: 1st Class costs $19.95 (Canada - $17.00) and has no advertised delivery time, no insurance, no tracking available, but has been very reliable for us. Flat Rate Priority Mail costs $46.95 (Canada - $31.00). The USPS advertise, but does not promise, 6 - 10 days delivery time with tracking, and $200.00 of free insurance.