Audio Technica ATN150Ea cantilver transplant

[KinoRodori]

Hi all, I need advice on my ATN150Ea dilemma. I'm using the AT150Ea cartridge with this stylus however it has very low output volume in comparison to my ATN120E. With the ATN150Ea, i have to turn up the volume to 12 o'clock in comparison to the ATN120E which is 9 o'clock at listening volume.

Initially it had a suspension problem which made the entire cart drag on the record at 1.5g. I also noticed a weaker left channel. I fixed the suspension problem by re-tightening the "compliance screw" and pushing the cantilever assembly a bit further in. I did my best to match the usual springiness of the suspension. It tracks properly now.

But after that, it now has very weak output volume as I mentioned in paragraph 1. I remember touching the small magnets on the ATN150Ea with my metal screw driver when I was tilting it to align. It might have demagnetized them.

Does anybody have an idea on how I can save this stylus+cantilever? I really want to use this stylus on its original cartridge. It costed me a lot to buy this stylus after a year of searching.

I'm thinking maybe a cantilever transplant or magnets transplant could help, but is it possible to D.I.Y.? I'm thinking of taking the ATN120 magnets or replacing the ATN120E cantilever with my ATN150Ea. OR a re-magnetizing on the ATN150Ea magnets, but is that even possible to homebrew? Any based on experience/practice idea is appreciated.

 

[lini]

KR: Noticed your message on my profile page. Unfortunately this is a new kind of problem to me. But I could imagine, that remagnetisation would be possible, after determining the original field orientation of the two magnets.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[KinoRodori]

KR: Noticed your message on my profile page. Unfortunately this is a new kind of problem to me. But I could imagine, that remagnetisation would be possible, after determining the original field orientation of the two magnets.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

Oh no, I'll have to figure that out somehow.. I guess since it's already like this, I'll just experiment with using magnets at home. If not, maybe I can sell the stylus as is. The needle is in good condition after all.

 

[Tiver]

Any chance the magnets were misaligned when you were tweaking the cantilever? I don't know if the stylus would snap in properly if they were somehow moved, but it seems if the field was not as strong due to being out of line that might produce a weaker signal.

 

[KinoRodori]

Any chance the magnets were misaligned when you were tweaking the cantilever? I don't know if the stylus would snap in properly if they were somehow moved, but it seems if the field was not as strong due to being out of line that might produce a weaker signal.

That's a good query! I do notice since that the stylus carrier does not flush to the cartridge as i thought it should... I'll try to push up the cantilever upwards so the magnets can go further inside. Thank you! I'll update if there's good news.

 

[KinoRodori]

Sadly no avail... I've tried moving the cantilever a bit upwards but the low volume still recurrs. Suspicions on the shot magnets prove to be true. I guess I'll have to set this stylus aside for a long shot DIY project that hasn't crossed my mind yet. For now I'm eyeing 2 AT150Sa styli for sale. I'm hoping to make a good deal.

On a separate short discussion, I am wondering if a AT150Ea + ATN-150Sa combo would sound better than the original stylus. I've heard gripes on the AT150Sa not cutting the cheese for many enthusiasts. Higher inductance, impedances and such on the body.