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Need help! Stylus replacement

S

Swsulliv

New Member
I have had my TT, Technics SL 23, for a little while now. Bought it used with a used stylus on it. The cartridge is a Shure SPS-4, with the model number D15DX, but it does not have the N14 original stylus. I’ve probably put around 500 hours on it, but I’m not sure how many were played on it prior to me owning the TT. I’ve recently noticed a slow decline in sound quality and, when I put on a record last night... the distortion and fuzz/static was through the roof. Especially on higher piano notes, so I figure it’s time to get it replaced. I saw a thread on here from ‘07 talking about replacements and how the N14 replacement stylus is known for being faulty. What I’m getting at is that I’m somewhat lost in what and where to buy a replacement? Do I buy a hyperelliptical N15 or N16 from EBay? Do I buy a Jico replacement like stated in the thread (model e007437)? What websites are reputable? Any and all help/advice is welcome! Thank you!
 
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Swsulliv said:
I have had my TT, Technics SL 23, for a little while now. Bought it used with a used stylus on it. The cartridge is a Shure SPS-4, with the model number D15DX, but it does not have the N14 original stylus. I’ve probably put around 500 hours on it, but I’m not sure how many were played on it prior to me owning the TT. I’ve recently noticed a slow decline in sound quality and, when I put on a record last night... the distortion and fuzz/static was through the roof. Especially on higher piano notes, so I figure it’s time to get it replaced. I saw a thread on here from ‘07 talking about replacements and how the N14 replacement stylus is known for being faulty. What I’m getting at is that I’m somewhat lost in what and where to buy a replacement? Do I buy a hyperelliptical N15 or N16 from EBay? Do I buy a Jico replacement like stated in the thread (model e007437)? What websites are reputable? Any and all help/advice is welcome! Thank you!
Click to expand...

For those that are sensitive to the IGD - inner groove distortion, get the hyper elliptical or VividLine stylus. :thumbsup:

The extra cost for the finer stylus with the superior performance is worth it in the long run.

VividLine
https://www.lpgear.com/product/SHN015.html
 
I believe you can use aftermarket versions of the N11 thru N15 on that cartridge. These are the specs of the originals:

  • N11 stylus 0.2 x 0.7 mi ellip. Brown 0.75 to 1.5 grams -NUDE mounted elliptical
  • N12 stylus 0.2 x 0.7 mil ellip orange 0.75 to 1.5 grams
  • N13 stylus 0.4 x 0.7 mil ellip Tan 1.5 to 3.0 grams
  • N14 stylus 0.4 x 0.7 mil ellip Blue 1.5 to 3.0 grams
  • N15 stylus Hyperelliptical Green 0.75 to 1.5 grams
LP Gear is a reputable distributor, altho sometimes slow on delivery. You can also buy direct from Jico, a respected manufacturer of aftermarket stylii in Japan. It is interesting that they show availability for all of these, plus the N16 (which I assume fits as well), all at the same price ($27). That doesn't make sense to me, as there is a wide variation in specs (and cost of manufacturing) across these stylii.

Jico is a major supplier to LP Gear. LP gear charges about $30 for the N14 replacement, and $70 for the N15 replacement. I wonder if the Jico website prices are correct? Jico's site is not as consumer-friendly as most retail sites.
 
Two more retailers to bookmark are thevoiceofmusic.com and turntableneedles.com. I've ordered from both, and LPGear, and all have been good but I like TVOM for their great prices and quick shipping.
 
if possible buy two, these needles (and carts, new, old, broken, etc) have gone up in
price and some have gone NLA.
 
spark1 said:
I believe you can use aftermarket versions of the N11 thru N15 on that cartridge. These are the specs of the originals:

  • N11 stylus 0.2 x 0.7 mi ellip. Brown 0.75 to 1.5 grams -NUDE mounted elliptical
  • N12 stylus 0.2 x 0.7 mil ellip orange 0.75 to 1.5 grams
  • N13 stylus 0.4 x 0.7 mil ellip Tan 1.5 to 3.0 grams
  • N14 stylus 0.4 x 0.7 mil ellip Blue 1.5 to 3.0 grams
  • N15 stylus Hyperelliptical Green 0.75 to 1.5 grams
LP Gear is a reputable distributor, altho sometimes slow on delivery. You can also buy direct from Jico, a respected manufacturer of aftermarket stylii in Japan. It is interesting that they show availability for all of these, plus the N16 (which I assume fits as well), all at the same price ($27). That doesn't make sense to me, as there is a wide variation in specs (and cost of manufacturing) across these stylii.

Jico is a major supplier to LP Gear. LP gear charges about $30 for the N14 replacement, and $70 for the N15 replacement. I wonder if the Jico website prices are correct? Jico's site is not as consumer-friendly as most retail sites.
Click to expand...
I thought the same thing when I was looking at Jico, which made me hesitate and eventually come here for some reassurance. I really appreciate all of the help!
 
Bob said:
if possible buy two, these needles (and carts, new, old, broken, etc) have gone up in
price and some have gone NLA.
Click to expand...
My initial plan was to buy two of whatever needle I needed. But I felt like the waters got a little muddy once I started looking for a replacement. I’m going to look into a hyperelliptical N15 replacement when I get home from work!
 
DavidTT said:
Two more retailers to bookmark are thevoiceofmusic.com and turntableneedles.com. I've ordered from both, and LPGear, and all have been good but I like TVOM for their great prices and quick shipping.
Click to expand...

The only option from turntableneedles is $130 or thereabouts! Voice of Music offers great service, but I think their version is produced by Pfanstiehl. In my experience, Pfanstiehl stylii are highly inconsistent in quality.
 
spark1 said:
The only option from turntableneedles is $130 or thereabouts! Voice of Music offers great service, but I think their version is produced by Pfanstiehl. In my experience, Pfanstiehl stylii are highly inconsistent in quality.
Click to expand...
What about the replacement from LPGear? Is LPGear pretty reputable? I think it was like $65 on there or a little more maybe
 
Swsulliv said:
What about the replacement from LPGear? Is LPGear pretty reputable? I think it was like $65 on there or a little more maybe
Click to expand...
It’s $69. And for that I’d buy two. But at $130 a pop I might as well buy a new AT and rid myself of ever having this problem again, yeah?
 
Swsulliv said:
What about the replacement from LPGear? Is LPGear pretty reputable? I think it was like $65 on there or a little more maybe
Click to expand...

As I noted earlier, LPGear is a reputable operation, altho they used to sometimes be slow about delivery. I don't know if that is an issue anymore. Perhaps you should think about just buying a regular elliptical ($30) and seeing if you like it. If after that you feel the need for something "better", you could upgrade to the HE and have the elliptical as a spare/back-up, or buy a different cartridge altogether.
 
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