New PL-518 identification help

Dumont

Dumont

Active Member
Picked up what looks like a pretty minty PL-518 today. Cosmetically excellent but have not turned it on yet. Owner said it was from a relatives estate and that all functions as it should.

Would like some help identifying the cartridge, I tried looking it up but couldn't find anything that looked identical.

Also, other than listening, is there a way to tell what kind of condition the stylus is in? Looks good to the naked eye but the arm wasn't secure when I picked it up and I'm worried the arm had a chance to do some bouncing.


IMG_20190417_114116

IMG_20190417_114116

  • Media owner Dumont
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Audio Technica AT11E or any one of several reissues.

The best way to evaluate stylus condition is with a microscope with about 200x resolution. Otherwise, listening is the easiest way but, since the sibilance and mistracking distortion which characterizes a worn stylus can also result from a poorly aligned stylus, it would be important to verify alignment first.
 
So, as I download the manual for the PL-518, since I don;t know exactly what cartridge I have, how do I determine the tracking force?
 
You do know what cartridge you have, an AT11E. In any case, tracking force is determined by the stylus, not the cartridge. The spec for tracking force for that stylus is between 1.5 and 2.5 grams. Set it at 2 grams for starters.
 
OK, so the table seems to be practically new, runs and functions perfect (so far). I was going ot test it but looked at the stylus and am guessing it should be straight? Assuming this means I've got to get a new one?
IMG_20190418_172508

IMG_20190418_172508

  • Media owner Dumont
  • Date added
 
Yes, it's supposed to be straight, You could try to straighten it. It's often possible to do it and, if you fail, you're no worse off than you are at the moment. In its present condition it's not usable.
 
Check your overhang distance to make sure it wasn't installed with the wrong overhang. The distance from the tip of the stylus to the back of the headshell (including the rubber washer thickness on the shank) should be 49 mm.
 
mccalljd said:
Check your overhang distance to make sure it wasn't installed with the wrong overhang. The distance from the tip of the stylus to the back of the headshell (including the rubber washer thickness on the shank) should be 49 mm.
Click to expand...

How would that affect the bend? Am I missing something?
 
Nothing to do with the bend ... I believe the comment was to the idea 'get a new stylus and make sure the cartridge is aligned properly before you use it'.

Here's a good reliable source: https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/cat...ameNeedles&MfgName=Audio+Technica&Categories= Some original AT styli still available (AT hasn't made that cartridge in quite a while) as well as aftermarket ones. If the latter is what you go for, those EVG, made in Japan, styli are good ... and EVG recently had to shift suppliers to Swiss makers, and they aren't as good quality. You'd want to buy Japan ones while still remaining stock. Get an elliptical one (4200-DET would work just fine).
 
Van_Isle said:
Nothing to do with the bend ... I believe the comment was to the idea 'get a new stylus and make sure the cartridge is aligned properly before you use it'.

Here's a good reliable source: https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/cat...ameNeedles&MfgName=Audio+Technica&Categories= Some original AT styli still available (AT hasn't made that cartridge in quite a while) as well as aftermarket ones. If the latter is what you go for, those EVG, made in Japan, styli are good ... and EVG recently had to shift suppliers to Swiss makers, and they aren't as good quality. You'd want to buy Japan ones while still remaining stock. Get an elliptical one (4200-DET would work just fine).
Click to expand...

OK I contacted them and they recommended the 4200-DEC not the DET. Any idea why or what the difference is?
 
 
That's the aftermarket copy of the original ATS!!E stylus. It's a good stylus at a good price and V-M Audio Enthusiasts is highly reputable.
 
OK, got the new 4200-DEC stylus from V-M.....hell if I can get the old one off, what's the trick? Tried to find a video but no luck.
 
No trick - they pull straight down. no forward or backwards movement. Make sure stylus is all the way on when replacing.
 
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