Audio Technica AT ML-180 Cartridge Advice

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...

Chakster can I ask what the main sound differences were between the 150 and the 170. For example frequency extension, soundstaging, tone, imaging, smoothness, etc, etc.

Thanks

Chakster, isn't the generator in the body of the cartridge (which I have the 180)?

Thanks

If you have the 180 generator then all you need is a better stylus/cantilever designed for this generator. 

I do not have my old AT-ML150 on hands now, but i have AT-ML170 and AT-ML180 - my top cartridges, i just love them, they do everything right compared to many other serious cartridges of much higher price. Last night i played records with AT-ML180 on Victor UA-7045 tonearm against FR-7f on Lustre GST-801 tonearm with Luxman silver SUT. I have not used AT-ML180 for a while, but the sound of than Audio-Technica is just spectacular! I can not say the same about AT-ML150, it was good, but not so impressive. Cartridges are impressive of not, but it's important to make comparison. Two days ago i just put together my new stands for 2 Luxman PD-444 aroung a rack with different phono stages, sut, headamp. Now i can use 4 tonearms, must be some fun for the winter.