Cartridge Options for Vintage Pioneer PL-518 Turntable

[ianxponent]

Since the advent of digital media, I got away from the vinyl I collected from the 1960's to the 1980's. However, I still have the collection and my trusty Pioneer PL-518 turntable I bought new in the late 1970's. As I prepare to get listening to my vinyl again, I'm looking to make sure my turntable is up to snuff. The existing cartridge is an Audio Technica AT92E. It's probably quite serviceable since it was purchased in the late 90's (I think) - and not used a lot afterwards - to replace a very nice Audio Technica TP112Sa cartridge whose Shibata stylus was damaged. I opted to go with the cheaper AT92E since at that time my interest in vinyl was at a low ebb. My understanding is that the AT92E is not a bad cartridge but, recently, I found my old TP112Sa cartridge and wonder if it might be a good idea to get a replacement stylus for it. It seems Shibata styli are available for it as aftermarket items in the $200 range. What do folks here think?

 

[lini]

(...) It seems Shibata styli are available for it as aftermarket items in the $200 range. What do folks here think?

If you'd prefer an original AT needle, it looks like LPTunes would still offer the ATS12S, which you could use instead of the ATN12S - and that for quite a good bit less than their sister site LPGear. Unlike the ATN12S the ATS12S doesn't sport a visor guard, tough - but on the other hand in case of the ATN12S the diamond is always bonded only, whereas in case of the ATS12S some exemplars even sport a nude diamond.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

P.S.: Interestingly enough, LPGear apparently also offers the ATS12S for quite a good bit less, if one searches for the 4DT-35X, which was the original needle designation for the 4MD-35X, i.e. the JVC version of the AT12S.


edit: post scriptum added.

 

[PDQBob]

I think you get a replacement stylus for the A-T 112. If you like the cart and the price of a replacement is within your budget then go for it. Happy listening!