Does JICO make a replacement?
Replacement for Audio Technica ATN-150 MLX stylus?
I hope smarter folks than I can help guide me. I have a Thorens TD-320 turntable (stock photo just for reference) with an Audio Technica ATN-150 MLX dual moving magnet cartridge and stylus. Or at least I DID have the stylus. During a recent move, the movers dislodged the turntable arm, which snapped the boron cantilever and needle right off the stylus. (Seems like I am not the first, from some other forum discussions). So I need a replacement. But the ATN-150 MLX was discontinued a while ago, and the only available ones are used ones off Ebay, with questionable quality/longevity and ridiculous prices ($500+) as if they are brand new, not used. And it is for the whole cartridge, not the stylus.
I like the setup, which was done by a friend who refurbished the Thorens turntable, and the cartridge is still fine, just the stylus was broken off. So one option is to just replace the stylus, possibly with two alternatives, hopefully with a line-contact or Microline needle.
If I just replace the stylus, what would you recommend as (1) a bargain replacement and (2) as an upgrade replacement? I found a few options, but the letters are kinda jibberish to me, and I'm just making an educated guess at this point:
Audio Technica VMN40ML for $209,
Audio Technica ATN-150SS (Shibata) stylus for $220
Audio Technica VMN60SLC for $530.
Are these good options, or are there better options out there? Is there something even better than the VNM60SLC?
I also found this page on steroneedles dot com, which seems to indicate that there are "compatability/upgrade/interchangability "groups" in the Audio-technica line,, as well and I think my group is "K," but I can’t find anything out there to confirm? (Of course, most of the "K" group is out of stock at Stereo Needles, but the compatibility grouping might help identify other candidates).
If there are better cartridges out there for similar money that would pair well with the Thorens TD-320, then please advise, as well. Thanks much!