Mystery AT Cartridge

[twinfin]

Fair people of Audiokarma:

I recently scored a Yamaha YP-B4 in pristine condition (except for the belt & needle). Finding the correct belt was no problem, but I am uncertain about which replacement needle I will need. If anyone can help me identify the cartridge & needle you will receive total consciousness on your deathbed.

Much thanks.

 

[SSaxdude]

Remove the cart from the headshell. AT carts usually say on the top what model it is.

 

[gusten]

I would say it´s a Signet tk1e cartridge.

 

[Grbluen]

I would say it´s a Signet tk1e cartridge.

Seconded!

 

[boreas]

Why not a Signet TK2E? Or Signet TK3E

Actually, the TK1E, TK2E, TK3E and TK5E (there was no 4) all had silver bodies and gray stylus grips. The TK7E and above (there was no 6 either) had gold bodies.

The cartridge ID is on the top surface. You'll need to remove the cartridge from the headshell to read it. The stylus can be identified by the number molded into the bottom behind the cantilever.

Doesn't really matter though. You won't find an original stylus. You can, however, use any of the Audio-Technica styli in the Pfanstiehl 212 series. They fit perfectly but look weird. (Of course, you can also transplant the cantilever from any V-magnet A-T stylus into that Signet grip too.)

John

 

[gusten]

If You want to You can find NOS needles at; http://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_330&products_id=18009
They have also other needles for this Signet. Personally I would go for this one though, I like this needle very much.

 

[twinfin]

Wow. Thank you all for your rapid responses! I went ahead and removed the cartridge from the headshell (I was a bit nervous as I did not want to upset the cartridge placememnt, in case it had been set a bit askew purposely).

The cartridge is a Signet TK5E, which I know nothing about. I went to www.turntableneedles.com to find a replacement needle and found a decent set of options between $20 - $150. http://www.turntableneedles.com/TKN5Ea-Signet-Needle_p_1890.html. I also found the on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEEDLE-Audi...147928?hash=item4176642198:g:t8EAAOxyiBpSH41k though I'm not sure it will fit, due to its square male post, and the round female receptacle in the cartridge.

From a visual standpoint, it looks like its between ordering either the:
ATN13 - http://www.turntableneedles.com/AT13-Audio-Technica-ATN13-Needle-202-DEM_p_922.html
or
ATN12XE - http://www.turntableneedles.com/ATN...ica-AT12XE-etc--our-needle-201-DEX_p_918.html

Do any of you have a recommendation, or alternative? I'm new to this, and I don't want to purchase the wrong item, and possibly damage the needle or cartridge.

...One more question: Is the Signet TK5E worth it anyway? I'm finding many positive reviews, but there are also plenty of "audio royalty" who think the only worthy cartridge set-up costs eleventy billion dollars.

Again, your comments & advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[boreas]

A word of caution: the TK5E and TK5Ea are totally different cartridges and the styli don't interchange.

John

 

[twinfin]

A word of caution: the TK5E and TK5Ea are totally different cartridges and the styli don't interchange.

John

Duly noted, hence my pre-stylus purchase trepidation. The more I search, the more I am finding limitations on the stylus options. It's definitely an "E", and not an "Ea".