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Audio Technica needle replacement

TechnicsSL

TechnicsSL

Member
I would like to find an exact replacement for my Audio Technica needle but I can't find my old paperwork that tells me what I have. I would be grateful for any help. I really would like to start listening to my old vinyl again. upload_2022-4-22_9-27-42.jpegupload_2022-4-22_9-27-42.jpegupload_2022-4-22_9-27-42.jpegupload_2022-4-22_9-27-42.jpegupload_2022-4-22_9-27-42.jpeg
 
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The model number will be on the top of the cartridge. Someone may recognize it so hang tight .
 
Welcome to AK! As kermit points out, you will need to remove the cartridge from the headshell to see the top surface of it. This will entail removing the single screw that holds the cartridge holder in place on the headshell. Careful not to damage the headshell wires. Then you might be able to see the model number, but chances are you will need to remove the other two screws that hold the cartridge into the holder. Mark the exact position of the cartridge in the holder for re-assembly before you remove those two screws and you should get it back together in pretty good order, although most will recommend a re-alignment after such a procedure. As kermit also points out, someone may recognize the thing so before you go doing all the above, give them a chance to chime in. Although, should you ever need/want to replace the entire cartridge you will need to perform the procedure I describe any way, or have someone that knows about such things do it for you .
 
I remember just replacing the purple piece with the needle on it about 35 years ago and it worked fine. Should it have been adjusted when I did that? I am hoping to just do this again and replace the purple piece.
 
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I got looking at replacement styluses online recently. I could be wrong, but it looked to me that buying just the stylus costs just as much as buying the whole cartridge. You might want to look to see what your options are.
 
TechnicsSL said:
I remember just replacing the purple piece with the needle on it about 35 years ago and it worked fine. Should it have been adjusted when I did that? I am hoping to just do this again and replace the purple piece.
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Yes, just replacing the "purple piece," called the stylus, will be just fine but in order to do that you will need to first know the model of the cartridge. AT typically will have that on the top surface of the cartridge, which is why we are suggesting you remove it from the headshell with that single screw on the top. Then, if you can't see the model number because of the cartridge holder, the thing that is attached to the cartridge by the two other screws, you will need to remove those to then get a glimpse of the actual top of the cartridge itself.

Again, wait until some others who know about these older AT carts to respond before you do the above. @lini might be able to give you the information you need should he see this thread.
 
It really looks like an ATS14, but that is really a guess. As for the adjustments, this will help care for the records and sound it's best. As Fishead points out, if you end up needing to pull the cartridge to confirm, then the best thing to do is adjust it. Not hard really.
 
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AT VM35 if I were to venture a guess.....but that's all it is, a guess.....Manfred will no doubt come to the rescue shortly. Wait for it............;)
 
lini said:
Andreas: The VM35-EL would be more towards the red side. Should indeed be an ATS14, as k_z has already guessed.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
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So doing a quick search for the ATS14, it looks like they are discontinued/out of stock? Found a couple of places that appear to have in stock and they are $200 for just the stylus. Does this sound right? I also read somewhere an ATS13 will fit as well? They are a little cheaper if this is correct?
 
TechnicsSL said:
So doing a quick search for the ATS14, it looks like they are discontinued/out of stock? Found a couple of places that appear to have in stock and they are $200 for just the stylus. Does this sound right? I also read somewhere an ATS13 will fit as well? They are a little cheaper if this is correct?
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That's what I was seeing . . . replacing the stylus isn't any cheaper than replacing the whole cartridge.
 
mobob said:
That's what I was seeing . . . replacing the stylus isn't any cheaper than replacing the whole cartridge.
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So I can get an AT13E for about $100 if it will actually fit. Would like to know for sure. I would not mind doing that. If there are no replacements then what would you recommend for an entire cartridge?
 
TSL: Yes, in a way. At least the ATS13 needle is the one, that you can use. However, there also was another AT13E with ATN13E instead of the ATS13 - and the ATN13E wouldn't be compatible to your AT body.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
That's the "burgundy" ATS-14 Shibata. I own 4 of them (strange but true) along with an AT-14S. It is obsolete, I've found all mine as NOS. Also had one retipped with a hypereliptical by Steve at VAS ($235). The AT-14S was originally designed to play quadrophonic vinyl in the 1970's, hence the 5- 45k frequency response. The hypereliptical holds up well against the Shibata so the ATS-13 should probably sound pretty good. The AT-14S is a great cartridge. I'd hold on to it.
PXL_20220422_231632642.jpg
 
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I have bought ats13 stylus from VMAudioenthusiasts.com. on the AT page it is found in 2 places. The one on the top row has been out of stock for a while. Down further is a drawing of a stylus with a brush. That one is a conical for a magnavox but there is also an elliptical ats13 at a reasonable price. It is very good. I have a standing search on eBay and they are rare. A NOS can be a couple hundred. Lpgear should have one but it's more expensive. Although I've had no problems with lpgear/tunes that is not true for everyone. I just checked, 2nd from left, 5th row, $32 for a nude EVG ats13@VMAudio. Not affiliated but owner, Gary Stork, is a pleasure to do business with.
 
oldman54 said:
I have bought ats13 stylus from VMAudioenthusiasts.com. on the AT page it is found in 2 places. The one on the top row has been out of stock for a while. Down further is a drawing of a stylus with a brush. That one is a conical for a magnavox but there is also an elliptical ats13 at a reasonable price. It is very good. I have a standing search on eBay and they are rare. A NOS can be a couple hundred. Lpgear should have one but it's more expensive. Although I've had no problems with lpgear/tunes that is not true for everyone. I just checked, 2nd from left, 5th row, $32 for a nude EVG ats13@VMAudio. Not affiliated but owner, Gary Stork, is a pleasure to do business with.
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Do you have a link? I can't seem to find them.
 
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