Cartridge/stylus/headshell recommendations for technics SL-1700

[Lulu N]

Hello friends,

I’m relatively new to vintage audio and was recently gifted a Technics SL-1700 (original not mkii) in great condition. I’m hoping to get some advice for upgrading the cartridge/stylus and possibly the headshell.

It came with an Audio Technica VM8 cartridge/stylus mounted on a technics headshell. I can’t find much information on this cartridge, but from what I’ve read upgrading the current stylus to something like an ATN12XE ($60) or AT12S ($190) would be an improvement.

That being said, I was originally planning on spending a bit more than this (think $200~$300) in total on upgrading. Since I don’t know much about the VM8, I’m curious about how replacing the cartridge with something like an Audio Technica VM540ML (open to suggestions on this) would compare to the VM8 with an upgraded stylus.

My only other concern is that the technics headshell it currently has is an old sh-98 (single screw on top with a sled underneath). I don’t have experience with this style of headshell and can’t find much info on it. I’m wondering if this is also worth replacing.

In summary:

My budget is 200-300.

Would spending a bit more on a whole new cartridge be noticeably better than just upgrading the stylus on my current AT VM8 cartridge?

In either case, should I consider replacing the headshell as well?

any info/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[C Hart]

I don’t know that cartridge so can’t give any feedback on stylus upgrades. But I found that new cartridge vs. new stylus is financially often not much different. I can vouch for the Shure M95ED with a new Jico stylus on the OEM headshell and the AT VM95ML in the preinstalled AT headshell. Both sound great on my SL-1600. The AT was $230(? I think) and was the easiest path via Amazon. But there is nothing wrong with the OEM headshell if you want to reuse it.

 

[malden]

Hello friends,

I’m relatively new to vintage audio and was recently gifted a Technics SL-1700 (original not mkii) in great condition. I’m hoping to get some advice for upgrading the cartridge/stylus and possibly the headshell.

what are the other components in your system? what type of music will you be listening to?

My only other concern is that the technics headshell it currently has is an old sh-98 (single screw on top with a sled underneath). I don’t have experience with this style of headshell and can’t find much info on it. I’m wondering if this is also worth replacing.

that's a great headshell, easy to mount a cartridge and easy to adjust the overhang

 

[Lulu N]

what are the other components in your system? what type of music will you be listening to?

that's a great headshell, easy to mount a cartridge and easy to adjust the overhang

Currently, I have it hooked up to an hk330c receiver running OLAs. I listen to a mix of all genres but, if anything, I lean slightly rock-heavy.

Good to know about the headshell.

 

[malden]

I have four Technics direct-drive turntables now, SL-1300, SL-1400, SL-1600, SL-1800. I've used about a dozen or more different cartridges in them and found they sound best when using my collection of Shure M44 cartridges, especially with rock music and Jazz.

The Technics direct drives all seem to need a little more bass boost that the M44 has. Lower powered amplifiers, like your HK330C, benefit from the higher output of the M44 series as well. Shure discontinued them but since they were manufactured from the 1960's thru 2018, there are plenty on the used market and many NOS. I now use JICO after-market styli for them, they are an improvement over the later "Made in Mexico" originals that could sound a little harsh.

N-44G IMP NUDE

Manufacturer : SHURE NUDE Tip is used for this product: The entire tip of a NUDE Stylus is composed of diamond, as opposed to bonded tips. The tip angle and round shape are identical to those of a standard bonded tip, while the diameter size is similar in comparison to the SAS series. #N44G...

www.jico-stylus.com

N-44-7 IMP NUDE

Manufacturer : SHURE NUDE Tip is used for this product: The entire tip of a NUDE Stylus is composed of diamond, as opposed to bonded tips. The tip angle and round shape are identical to those of a standard bonded tip, while the diameter size is similar in comparison to the SAS series. #N447...

www.jico-stylus.com

In addition to replacement styli, JICO has also cloned the M44 cartridge body to meet the demand.

J44D IMP NUDE

Cartridge with NUDE stylus Main features Produces a well balanced and solid sound. Generates a broad, smooth sound with a musical audio response and 3D audio image, similar to the specification of the genuine Shure M44G cartridge. Specs [Technical specifications] phono height : 16mm / frequency...

www.jico-stylus.com

J44A 7 IMP NUDE

Cartridge with NUDE stylus Main features Provides a lively, vigorous, and dynamic sound. Reproduces powerful bass frequencies with a smooth, balanced sound, similar to the specification of the genuine Shure M44-7 cartridge. Specs [Technical specifications] phono height : 16mm / frequency range...

www.jico-stylus.com