Audio Technica AT ML-180 Cartridge Advice

Thanks Raul for your helpful comments. Some very good things to consider.

Can I ask a simple question. Apart from the cantilever, stylus and suspension what else is installed in the replacement stylus holder. Is there something electrical, or is all that in the cartridge body. 

The reason I ask is that there is a rectangular shape on the underside of the stylus with a screw, and I wondered if this held something.

Thanks again.

This is the MicroLine tip under microscope:
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20915345_1832165316801627_5760303121509827871_n.jpg?oh...

I will add more pics from my camera below:

1) This is the MicroLine tip factory mounted on hollow pipe gold plated Boron cantilever of the AT-ML170 cartridge:
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20139640_1791997270818432_584247051679766313_n.jpg?oh=...

This is the side view of the same ML tip on Boron Cantilever:
https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20476291_1811602778857881_2214966213583186174_n.jpg?oh...

2) The lower model (AT-ML150) has Beryllium cantilever (not Boron) and utilizing different mounting method of the stylus tip (the stylus tip mass is higher). This is how it looks: https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15977210_1531424726875689_1265492799104053173_n.jpg?oh...

Another view on ATN150ML: https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14359084_1375631022455061_9194266573847102555_n.jpg?oh=6b6125d75ae5af1738e155da3114acc2&oe=5A8F0F61

3) And here is a broken ATN170ML stylus/cantilever assembly and AT-ML150 generator: https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22046807_1885755611442597_8339245905224038637_n.jpg?oh...

I think I may have answered my question. The only other components in the stylus holder apart from cantilever, stylus and suspension is the compliance adjustment screw and the suspension filament.

Therefore the only difference I can see between the ML150 stylus and the ML180 stylus is the cantilever material (boron tube vs Beryllium) and size of microline stylus (0.08 vs 010).

Chakster, thanks for those images they are very interesting.

I am guessing from those photos and the differences you have personally heard between 150 and 170, it all comes down to the mass and rigidity of the cantilever.

I think it is this single factor that sets the two apart. Especially since the diamond profile and size are the same. 

I therefore agree with everyones comments that the only way to improve would be to have a short boron tube cantilever installed with a microline type stylus. 

Interestingly enough I have had a verbal quote from Van Den Hul who can provide new boron pipe cantilever with VDH natural diamond and rebuild the suspension, all for US$750 incl. shipping and insurance.

I may give it some consideration, however I feel very happy with the current set up especially since it is a brand new stylus.

@ateal

Therefore the only difference I can see between the ML150 stylus and the ML180 stylus is the cantilever material (boron tube vs Beryllium) and size of microline stylus (0.08 vs 010).

Not ONLY, the AT-ML180 is superior also because the different genegator (the inductance is lower) and some other parameters are different from all others. Check this http://img.ukaudiomart.com/uploads/large/1644009-very-rare-atn170ml-stylus-for-repair-with-fully-wor...