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Realistic Lab 400 cartridges/stylus

Wes Teeter

Wes Teeter

New Member
I have a Lab 400 in excellent condition. I got it 3 years ago either the following cartridge/stylus combination:
Cart: R47XT (is this Shure?)
Stylus: 5X
This set up sounds good but probably has some age on it and needs replacement.
I downloaded an article for the Lab 400 and it said the Shure 1000EDT and stylus model RS8T were standard issue when turntable was new.
I have a lot of questions as I am a newbie to turntables.
1. Is it desirable to try to locate a 1000EDT and RS8T as a replacement (because that was OEM?
2. Is the R47XT I have a good cartridge and should I consider keeping that? My T T is going into a Realistic STA2000 receiver.
3. If the R47XT is not so wonderful and I want something better, what is a good medium priced option (I don’t need a Ferrari because I may not be able to actually HEAR a discernible difference for the price of the Ferrari.
4. If I keep the R47XT what is a great stylus to use (without ANY modifications). I have an Essential Tremor in my hands and delicate filing, putting in shims, etc. is just not practical.
5. What are the recommended, trusted sources to purchase cartridge s and stylii.
Thank you so much for anyone who reads this and gives their advice/ opinions!
Have a great week!
Wes Teeter
 
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My Lab 400 came with a 1000ED cartridge and Shure 91ED stylus (which was worn out, of course). According to the original owner, they came with the TT when he bought it new in the 70's. Shure is out of turntable business, so no more Shure branded cartridges and styli. You can buy replacement styli from well-known auctions sites as well as online stores like the voice of music which is highly recommended by people on this forum.
 
Thank you for your kind response. Do you have any recommendations? Do you still use your Lab 400? If so, what cart/stylus combo do you use now?
 
My Lab 400 also came with same cart and stylus as James' did. I replaced stylus with an LP Gear Vivid microline stylus. They aren't cheap. That wore out. Currently have a Shure M95 with a LP Gear vivid microline, on it. I've ran Grado Prestige line carts on it also.
 
The R47XT is a rebranded Shure M95. Any good aftermarket stylus will work well enough, or you might find a NOS special. My R47XT has a JICO hyperelliptical on it, and has a warmer, more detailed sound than my Ortofon 2M Blue.
 
^^^ Agree with the above. The rebranded Shure M95 is a very good cartridge. Of course finding a good replacement stylus you like is the key.

If you feel you want to try something new the current offerings from Audio Technica, Ortofon, and Grado, etc are available pre-mounted on a SME style headshell. This would eliminate the cartridge mounting issue. You could install it then balance the arm, set VTF, antiskate, etc. or take it to a turntable tech for help.
 
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justjed2 said:
The R47XT is a rebranded Shure M95. Any good aftermarket stylus will work well enough, or you might find a NOS special. My R47XT has a JICO hyperelliptical on it, and has a warmer, more detailed sound than my Ortofon 2M Blue.
Click to expand...
Can you share the manufacturer and model number of your JICO hyper elliptical stylus - that fits the R47XT without modifications
 
jbjsr said:
^^^ Agree with the above. The rebranded Shure M95 is a very good cartridge. Of course finding a good replacement stylus you like is the key.

If you feel you want to try something new the current offerings from Audio Technica, Ortofon, and Grado, etc are available pre-mounted on a SME style headshell. This would eliminate the cartridge mounting issue. You could install it then balance the arm, set VTF, antiskate, etc. or take it to a turntable tech for help.
Click to expand...
This is very helpful. Thank you!
 
Wes Teeter said:
Can you share the manufacturer and model number of your JICO hyper elliptical stylus - that fits the R47XT without modifications
Click to expand...
Sorry, I wish I could. I've had mine for several years, but have no clue where the documentation is. I think I got mine from Needle Doctor, no longer in business.
 
LP Gear offers JICO SAS N95ED and N95HE replacement stylus, for $282. If that's in your budget. There are other upgrade stylii to fit for less $$$. Personally I don't have experience with JICO stylii to comment on how they sound.
 
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