Sony HP-161 Stylus question

[jubal]

I just bought this compact radio/turntable set up for five bucks. It's pretty functional, but I mean it's not worth a lot, probably fifty bucks tops if I can get it to work. The sound on the radio works perfectly for what it is, with both channels producing equal sound with the balance tab in the middle. However, on the turntable, it's highly favoring the right side. A metal ring in the turntable itself is not flush with the surface, so I'm buying a felt pad to see if I can alleviate that issue, but also I would like to replace the stylus/needle and I'm not sure which one to get. Like I said, I don't want to put a lot of money into this unit, but I would like to get it working correctly.. It looks like this one currently on Ebay (disclaimer, I'm not the person selling it) https://www.ebay.com/itm/175636025643

 

[dankik]

However, on the turntable, it's highly favoring the right side.

Your problem with the weak phono L channel may not be the stylus unless you can see physical damage. The problem could be wiring in the turntable or more likely the selector switch that is oxidized and needs cleaning. You might be able to isolate the weak L channel by swapping the cartridge wires for the L and R channel to see if the weak channel remains on the L side or if it changes sides. If it does not change sides, then your problem is in the phono preamp, not the cartridge or stylus.

It appears that this seller has options on the type of replacement stylus from very cheap ($19) to better ($34) or higher.
Assuming that you have the original phono cartridge installed, you can probably find multiple sellers.
What you buy depends on what you plan on doing with the turntable, selling it or keeping it for your own use.
Since you don't list the model number of your cartridge it will be your responsibility to ensure the correct fit of the replacement.

Here is one (not affiliated with seller).

 

[jubal]

Your problem with the weak phono L channel may not be the stylus unless you can see physical damage. The problem could be wiring in the turntable or more likely the selector switch that is oxidized and needs cleaning. You might be able to isolate the weak L channel by swapping the cartridge wires for the L and R channel to see if the weak channel remains on the L side or if it changes sides. If it does not change sides, then your problem is in the phono preamp, not the cartridge or stylus.


Thanks. That's helpful.

 

[sound hound]

How weak is the sound? Is it something that be compensated with the balance control? Any static or increased distortion or just lower volume?

 

[jubal]

How weak is the sound? Is it something that be compensated with the balance control? Any static or increased distortion or just lower volume?

Very weak. And today, I added a felt pad on the turntable and the problem with the sound moved to the right side. If I turn put the balance nearly all the way to the weak side and turn up the volume nearly all the way, it sounds nearly normal.

 

[sound hound]

So, if you take off the felt pad, the sound problem will shift back to the left side?

 

[jubal]

So, if you take off the felt pad, the sound problem will shift back to the left side?

I thought it would, but it stayed on the right. So then I wondered if the needle was a little off kilter and used my thumbnail to push on it and then the problem occurred on the left. I tried rotating the needle as it has 33 marked on one side and LP on the other--I've ordered a new one, but it hasn't arrived yet, so this is the one that was on it when I purchased it last Saturday.