AT440 - Best Pairing and General Questions

[kws87]

Hi AK -

I just got a good deal on a replacement stylus for Audio Technica AT440mlb (just stylus, no cart). Currently I run an AT-120e and AT-130e (also a spare 120e).

Some questions for those with exp;
- What are the best cartridge matches for this stylus?
- Would it pair well on either the 120 / 130 cart I already have?
- How similar is the sound profile to the other AT's? I had planned on branching our brand-wise for my next cart.

Any other tips or thoughts on the 440 are welcome. TIA

 

[tubewade]

Hi AK -

I just got a good deal on a replacement stylus for Audio Technica AT440mlb (just stylus, no cart). Currently I run an AT-120e and AT-130e (also a spare 120e).

Some questions for those with exp;
- What are the best cartridge matches for this stylus?
- Would it pair well on either the 120 / 130 cart I already have?
- How similar is the sound profile to the other AT's? I had planned on branching our brand-wise for my next cart.

Any other tips or thoughts on the 440 are welcome. TIA

Those cartridges you already have will be fine ones to use with the 440 stylus. Its sound profile is similar to the other ATs in this family but it will have lower distortion than those other styli when it is set up correctly. On records in perfect condition you may find the ATN130 sounds about as good, but with slightly worn records the 440 will probably sound better, especially as approaching the label. Your records need to be clean. Dirty records are noisy with the ATN440. If it seems too bright, lower the load capacitance, if possible. If you cant do that, lower the resistance load from 47k to 33k or lower.

Best,

 

[RonniB]

The 440stylus will work fine with either cart. You can also run 1.4 or 1.5 g tracking and get good sound with less groove wear. If you have multiple headshells, swap it between carts and let your ears be the judge.

just my $0.02

 

[Hitachi561]

Hi AK -

I just got a good deal on a replacement stylus for Audio Technica AT440mlb (just stylus, no cart). Currently I run an AT-120e and AT-130e (also a spare 120e).

Some questions for those with exp;
- What are the best cartridge matches for this stylus?
- Would it pair well on either the 120 / 130 cart I already have?
- How similar is the sound profile to the other AT's? I had planned on branching our brand-wise for my next cart.

Any other tips or thoughts on the 440 are welcome. TIA

Tubewade's advice is very sage. I have not heard the 440 micro-line; but, have much experience with AT Shibata, ellipticals and line contacts. The Shibatas are the most at letting surface noise "through" while the line contacts the least (less even than the standard elliptical). Thus, the MLs will likely let you near as much surface noise as the Shibata. The ATN-13ex is rumored to provide almost as much as the ATN-14/15s without the surface noise. These advanced tips to sound their best are very dependent upon proper VTA and tend to track at the upper end of recommended tracking forces. Be aware, sometimes much force and effort is required to swap in the ATN- styli, almost like they are not supposed to mate and much more effort than one thinks ought be required, but the results are worth it.

 

[RonniB]

The 440 stylus swaps easily on an AT7v, 140lc, 130e cart(s). Just pay attention to the slight angle of the 'square' plug and snap it onl
1.5g works well for me. Was a bit bright during first 30 hours, but settled down beautifully and renders a very balanced sound.

Keep it simple.

 

[WaynerN]

I think the 120 and 440 bodies are one and the same. I have a 120 body with an ATN150Sa shibata, and its pretty damn fine, mounted to a 2007 Technics SL1200MKII. At least the coils have the same resistance.