A thread on LP Gear stylus and carts - the good and bad.

[cafe latte]

I agree with all you say about the benefits of the very thin boron rod and very tiny SAS tip. But in concentrating on those, you make me wonder if the cartridge itself is really so special.

The EPC205 series is legendary, and the Mk4 is praised as best of the lot. That's one reason I wanted to try the very cheap $40 stylus from LP Gear (discontinued). It had an elliptical (no specs) but by comparing it to other carts with ellipticals I might hear if the cartridge itself was considerably better — and if so, then take the SAS plunge.

Did you hear your Mk3 with the original stylus/cantilever?

PS: I just noticed this from StratoKaster almost a Year ago:

"The $39.95 gilded blingy stylus for 205C looks exactly like Jico."

That's the one I didn't buy, and now it's too late. And Stratokaster makes it even worse by hinting it MIGHT have been a Jico in disguise.

Yes I have the original stylus, but as with many of mk3 and 4 the tieback has gone loose (thread not wire) and someone before me has had a go at loosening the retaining screw to retension the tieback and they chewed the screw up. Stylus works but only tracks at 0.9g, it sounds really nice but a bit thin probably due to tracking force and stylus position. I want to order a replacement screw and drill out existing retaining screw as there is another hole on rear than can be used for new screw. My feeling the magic was both the cart and the stylus.
Chris

 

[Vinylmasters]

Only experience with LP Gear was an Ortofon 2M Blue stylus upgrade for my 2M Red. Guess it doesn't count since it's a current cartridge.

Recently got a Signet AM40s without a stylus and found a replacement at Turntable Needles. Haven't changed back to my 2M Blue since I put the Signet on.

They ALL count! New, old, standard or p-mount. I'd like to see some discussion on others like 'Bliss' and such as well.

 

[Vinylmasters]

I agree with all you say about the benefits of the very thin boron rod and very tiny SAS tip. But in concentrating on those, you make me wonder if the cartridge itself is really so special.

The EPC205 series is legendary, and the Mk4 is praised as best of the lot. That's one reason I wanted to try the very cheap $40 stylus from LP Gear (discontinued). It had an elliptical (no specs) but by comparing it to other carts with ellipticals I might hear if the cartridge itself was considerably better — and if so, then take the SAS plunge.

Did you hear your Mk3 with the original stylus/cantilever?

PS: I just noticed this from StratoKaster almost a Year ago:

"The $39.95 gilded blingy stylus for 205C looks exactly like Jico."

That's the one I didn't buy, and now it's too late. And Stratokaster makes it even worse by hinting it MIGHT have been a Jico in disguise.

It's proven to be just about impossible to figure out who manufactured a lot of the aftermarket styli out there. That doesn't matter to me as much as how they sound however.

 

[JJCalvillo]

They ALL count! New, old, standard or p-mount. I'd like to see some discussion on others like 'Bliss' and such as well.

The Signet stylus is Bliss, and it sounds really nice.

 

[Wolfie62]

I have the LPG S917E (made by Russell Industries with "Empire" on the guard) for the Empire 2000X that is a .2x.7 elliptical. Its an expensive ($100- $180), but good stylus and compares favorably to the original for the Empire S917E. But.....It needs some break in time at 1.5 grams. Tracks well, no sibilance, smooth and airy, nice detail retrieval.

The LPG S917E stylus .3x.7 elliptical (house brand), red plastic for $40 is pretty decent, also for the Empire 2000X cart. Tracks well, no sibilance.

The LPG S917VL for the 2000X and EDR.9 is a very nice stylus. Great detail retrieval, tracks perfectly, no sibilance. Nice and sweet, airy, great bass.

LPG RSX for the ADC XLM MKIII is the best aftermarket stylus I have found for the ADC cart. Not as good as original, it seems limited because its bonded, not nude elliptical. But its not a waste of money for $40. I've tried many other aftermarkets, this one is the only one I can recommend, so far. I haven't tried the VL version, though.

 

[Wolfie62]

Someone was mentioning the LPG stylus for the Shure M97xE. I don't have one.

But..... I got in a Kyowa several days ago, their version of the N97, and also an N95. Both fit on the M97 Era IV and M97xE. I have 3 original N97xE to compare to. That Kyowa is a true "dead ringer" for the original styli. It has the brass cantilever anchor and tie (tension) wire also. $20. Very nice! Has the same bold mids and bass, and nice smooth treble. Truthfully, I can barely tell them apart when playing, except the Kyowa extends the treble out more. NO BRUSH, though. No sibilance, and tracks very well, and is quiet in the groove.