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Acutex 312 Stylus info?

janikphoto

janikphoto

Lunatic Member
I picked up a turntable that has an Acutex LPM with the stylus 312. I had never heard of Acutex before, but found some very basic info that suggests this might be a very nice cartridge. A replacement 312 looks to run around $175, which says it's at least not a bargain basement cart! Can someone tell me some info regarding it, and maybe some specs? I can't seem to find this info.
 
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janikphoto said:
I picked up a turntable that has an Acutex LPM with the stylus 312. I had never heard of Acutex before, but found some very basic info that suggests this might be a very nice cartridge. A replacement 312 looks to run around $175, which says it's at least not a bargain basement cart! Can someone tell me some info regarding it, and maybe some specs? I can't seem to find this info.
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More info and a better price.

http://www.turntableneedles.com/Acutex-M312-Stylus_p_3845.html

John
 
janikphoto said:
Thanks... it says Shibata tip. Is that a certain size? I've heard of Shibata tips being equated with expensive carts, but don't know a ton about them.
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Shibata is a type of line contact stylus. The name comes from the JVC(?) engineer who developed it as a stylus for quad recordings. That doesn't make it inappropriate for stereo or mono at all. In fact, it and other line contact styli like the JICO SAS or the Audio-Technica "Microline" are great for stereo. You have a pretty darn good and exceedingly rare cartridge there. The LPM (Lowest Possible Mass) cartridges are very highly regarded.

John
 
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Surprised you couldn't find any info, it should of been on Rauls list of MMs. As you might be suspecting that ain't no run of the mill cheapo catridge. Can't remember off hand but it's fairly close to the top of the Acutex line, lets just say if it was on Ebay there would be a fist fight to get it. Check Vinyl Engine, Audio Asylum, Audiogon and I'm sure there are a couple references here on AK to Acutex cartridges.
 
Pardon, a follow-up.

NOS carts can be found at:

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/ebusines...Altro_Audio_da_Casa&rt=nc?_trksid=p4340.l2562

The 312/412 are respectable performers. Some may find the 415 a little "hot". Very detailed, hfs sound etched until broken in. The 312 is "warmer". Like the 412, a bonded, modified "Shibata tri-radial" (STR) stylus. Titanium cantilevers, bass transients are noteworthy.

The 310 is elliptical, not quite up to the others.

Cart bodies are resonant, suggest a small tab of electricians tape between the stylus assembly and motor to firm things up. In spite of the high compliance quoted, carts perform best at 1.5 - 1.8gm VTF, accurate setup is crucial.

Vendor (no relation ;) ) has been very reliable.

Peace.
 
Wow, never heard of these til now. One Audiogon member claimed the 315 III STR was better than the Technics EPC-P100CMK4, the Audio Technica ATML180-OCC and the Grado The Tribute, and Empire 1000 ZE/X

I'm in disbelief!
 
I have a 310 and it is a very special cartridge. I recently got a 412 and haven't mounted it yet. Based on my experience with the 310, I believe the hype about these cartridges. My 310 is VERY clear and detailed and VERY fast.

This last Easter I had the whole family over. As we digested our feast I put on Copland Fanfare, Appalacian Spring... It got everyone quite stirred up.

Timeltel, I believe you have exposed the motherload. ...swoop!
 
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Cool, I was looking for that seller! Too bad I don't want to buy anymore cartridges.....well I guess one more couldn't hurt! But, they are quite high compliance and will need low mass tone arms. Probably great for Duals for your more commonly found tables. I should have kept my Q50 for this!
 
412 vs 312, whats the difference? Spec-wise all i see is the Internal Impedance differs from 710 ohms to 580 ohms
 
Have a look at the link to Lencoheaven posted by tiltel. There is an excellent illustrated discussion of the differences. The build quality of the 400 series seems to have taken a step down. That said, many people still love the 400 series and there is some disagreement as to which one is best, though most seem to prefer the 300.
 
I've had the BOTL Acutex LPM lying around here for years, the 206 II, complete with the Saturn V integrated headshell. The stylus, a .7 mil conical, was busted when I got the cartridge so I've never heard the thing.

Mine is, as mentioned the bottom of the heap from the "Standard Series", the lesser of the three ranges. The OP's is the 312 III STR, the better of the two cartridges from the middle range, consisting of the "Almost Perfect" and the "Best Elliptical".

This thread has revived my interest in this cartridge. Since all three bodies in the Standard Series are the same, I can upgrade my 206 II by using the 210 II E stylus. It's a .3 x .7 mil (nude??) with a titanium cantilever (according to TTN). It's the same stylus and cantilever found in the "Best Elliptical" 310 III E.

I think the principle difference in the bodies from the Standard Series and those above is that the upper levels have area three pole induced magnet design and the lower level, like mine, is also IM but a two pole type.

So, this long-winded post is really a request for opinions on the Standard Series. Do these approach the performance of the "300" series cartridges like the OP's? I'm probably going to order a stylus just to satisfy my curiosity but I'd still be grateful for opinions.

TIA,
John
 
boreas said:
This thread has revived my interest in this cartridge. Since all three bodies in the Standard Series are the same, I can upgrade my 206 II by using the 210 II E stylus. It's a .3 x .7 mil (nude??) with a titanium cantilever (according to TTN). It's the same stylus and cantilever found in the "Best Elliptical" 310 III E.

I'm probably going to order a stylus just to satisfy my curiosity but I'd still be grateful for opinions.

TIA,
John
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I also have a Accutex LPM 210IIE that came with a CL Pioneer PL-7 turn table.

Looking forward to your review of the cartridge and stylus. :music:
 
Balifly said:
I also have a Accutex LPM 210IIE that came with a CL Pioneer PL-7 turn table.

Looking forward to your review of the cartridge and stylus. :music:
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No fair, Earl! You're supposed to tell me how you like yours first! ;) Also, do you have the headshell?

John
 
boreas said:
No fair, Earl! You're supposed to tell me how you like yours first! ;) Also, do you have the headshell?

John
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OK, the Accutex LPM 210IIE sound kinda like a Stanton 680EEE to me. :D

Are you referring to the Pioneer PL-7 headshell? :scratch2:
 
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