Advice on budget stylus for Dual ulm60e wanted

[Lennie.no]

Hi there fellow analog sound lovers!


I just acquired a 714q TT that is in a surprisingly good condition: The 'lift' button was not working and the LED strobe just gave a flash on startup before going dim.
I opened the TT up, and after cleaning the contacts and pins, they both work a treat now!

The original stylus, dn160e, is in a sad state though and needs to be replaced.

I have read that Ortofon OM styli from OM20 and up fit the cartridge, but I do not want to put that much money in it at this date.

So, has anybody tried the following styli, and would you recommend one of them?

From MrStylus:
https://mrstylus.com/en/product/dual-dn-149-150-152-155-160_black-diamond/

From Thakker:
https://www.thakker.eu/en/needles/dn-160-e-stylus-for-dual-ulm-60-e-generic-stylus/a-6781/

From Pickupnaalden
Two with same description, but different item no's:
https://www.pickupnaalden.com/deutsch/tonnadel_detail.asp?M=Dual_DN-160-E__1916_3237

https://www.pickupnaalden.com/deutsch/tonnadel_detail.asp?M=Dual_DN-160-E__1916_1690


Thanks in advance,


Lennie

 

[olddude55]

I don't have much experience with Ortofon carts, but in my opinion if you plan to keep the turntable and buy a lot of LPs, pay for the factory replacement stylus.
I've pretty much given up on Shure because of the uneven quality of the replacement styli. They're cheaper than factory but many of them aren't worth the price.

 

[johnjhazel]

The Thakker and MrStylus are nude. The Pickupnaalden are bonded. IMHO...the Black Diamond.

 

[Lennie.no]

Cheers guys for your rapid responses!

Dude: the dn160e has since long been out of production from its producer, Ortofon. The 155e is still on the market, but is a downgrade that costs more than better quality 3rd party replacements. Or so I'm told...

John: thanks for the confirmation on the none nude diamond on the Pickupnaaldens

L

 

[johnjhazel]

Cheers guys for your rapid responses!

Dude: the dn160e has since long been out of production from its producer, Ortofon. The 150e is still on the market, but is a downgrade that costs more than better quality 3rd party replacements. Or so I'm told...

John: thanks for the confirmation on the none nude diamond on the Pickupnaaldens

L

Pickupnaalden(there are two...your link was to the 3rd largest needle retailer in the world owned by Fred Caris) sells mostly Tonar brand which is JICO sourced. JICO ellipticals are bonded. JICO Shibata and SAS are nude. The Swiss nude are quite good. The Ortofon OM20 is nude and a $200 stylus. So the Black Diamond is quite the bargain.

 

[Lennie.no]

Thanks again John!
Good to know the different brands of the same product.
I think I will go for the BD if I'm not warned against it - or if someone has better things to say about Thakkers Swiss one.

L

 

[johnjhazel]

Thanks again John!
Good to know the different brands of the same product.
I think I will go for the BD if I'm not warned against it - or if someone has better things to say about Thakkers Swiss one.

L

They are the same needle. MrStylus is one of my suppliers. They are above board. Thakker is cool too.

 

[Lennie.no]

Ta' once more John.
The choice is easy then!

L

 

[Crab33]

I bought the Nudeline / Black Diamond OM stylus and it is a nice stylus - lovely mids and highs but probably less dynamic than the original Ortofons. I assume the DN stylus will be similar.

 

[johnjhazel]

Ta' once more John.
The choice is easy then!

L

You are welcome. I am glad that I could help.