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Audio Technica AT-95 needle replacement advice for TEAC TN-300

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breitung1

New Member
I just purchased a used TEAC TN-300 with a broken needle (image attached). The cartridge is fine. I've found the green plastic needle housing replacement for about $30, though I see other needles out there that look like they'll fit. Can anyone advise on which might sound best or be a slight upgrade from the original? (i can't afford the $200+ Ortifon...)

Thanks much!
 

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There are, unfortunately, no affordable upgrade styli anymore. The much loved ViVid line stylus is now more than three digits. The original stylus is a favourite of many and if you can get one for $30 that may be the best way to go.
 
Thanks for the quick replies. To clarify, between the original AT and the LP Gear ATN95SE, should I just go with the original AT, or is there a difference in shape/sound with the LP Gear you can comment on?
 
breitung1 said:
Thanks for the quick replies. To clarify, between the original AT and the LP Gear ATN95SE, should I just go with the original AT, or is there a difference in shape/sound with the LP Gear you can comment on?
Click to expand...
All I can say is, when I installed a .3x.7 stylus from Turntable Needles on my AT95E, it made a noticeable improvement in tracking ability over the stock, .4x.7 stylus. The LPGear stylus is also .3x.7. Both styli are probably from the same supplier, but I couldn't swear to it.

I'll leave you to draw any inferences, since I haven't actually used the LP Gear stylus.
 
Poinzy said:
All I can say is, when I installed a .3x.7 stylus from Turntable Needles on my AT95E, it made a noticeable improvement in tracking ability over the stock, .4x.7 stylus. The LPGear stylus is also .3x.7. Both styli are probably from the same supplier, but I couldn't swear to it.

I'll leave you to draw any inferences, since I haven't actually used the LP Gear stylus.
Click to expand...

_ Got it. Thanks again!! _
 
The stock AT needles I've come across in this category all have an SRA/VTA angle ratio in the cantilever that's too great, resulting in a stylus SRA that's negative by several degrees. The aftermarket ones I've come across seem to correct this. Tonar and Pfanstiehl are both ok...the Phansteihl being slightly brighter of the two is my impression. Both have better high frequency definition and timing over the stock needle. Never experienced IGD with any so can't comment on that.
 
Poinzy said:
All I can say is, when I installed a .3x.7 stylus from Turntable Needles on my AT95E, it made a noticeable improvement in tracking ability over the stock, .4x.7 stylus. The LPGear stylus is also .3x.7. Both styli are probably from the same supplier, but I couldn't swear to it.

I'll leave you to draw any inferences, since I haven't actually used the LP Gear stylus.
Click to expand...

ripblade said:
The stock AT needles I've come across in this category all have an SRA/VTA angle ratio in the cantilever that's too great, resulting in a stylus SRA that's negative by several degrees. The aftermarket ones I've come across seem to correct this. Tonar and Pfanstiehl are both ok...the Phansteihl being slightly brighter of the two is my impression. Both have better high frequency definition and timing over the stock needle. Never experienced IGD with any so can't comment on that.
Click to expand...

Thank you, guys, for this extra information. It seems to go against the norm for economy aftermarkets to best an original but it's good to be informed of your experiences to the contrary.
 
With any luck Turntable Needles will bring back their own .3x.7 stylus. But, for now, they're just selling a .4x.7 one.
 
I've got the AT95VL, and it is most definitely a winner, even at the new price. I plan on buying another when the time comes.
 
I'm looking into all of the options suggested but can't seem to find the Pfanstiehl - any suggestions on where or how to find the correct Pfanstiehl needle for this cartridge?
 
breitung1 said:
I'm looking into all of the options suggested but can't seem to find the Pfanstiehl - any suggestions on where or how to find the correct Pfanstiehl needle for this cartridge?
Click to expand...

Not sure where to find, but the AT95 family is the Pfanstiehl 4216 family. Look for something like 4216-de, probably.
 
beat_truck said:
The Pfanstiehl number for the AT95 should be (4)710-DE, shouldn't it?
Click to expand...

Oops. Maybe I'm wrong. I'll have to look.


Well, for reasons not known to me, both answers are right. It could be a 710 or a 216, although the 216 designation was more frequently used for the other version of the AT95 called AT3400. :idea:

http://thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/...ameNeedles&MfgName=Audio+Technica&Categories=

But thank you, my friend, for pointing out this discrepancy. Probably better to look for a 4710-DE.
 
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