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.  

 

martinman

Showing 2 responses by martinman

Thanks everyone.  Isn’t the VM750SH essentially (minimally different) when compared to the VMN50SH stylus on my 440?  No doubt it’s an up level, but I’m wondering if it’s worth it.  Not sure I want to spend the $$$ on something that will provide a small incremental gain.  Thoughts?

@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.