• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Toshiba SR230: cartridge upgrade?

S

Sobsey

Member
I have and like this CEC-made deck from the late 1970s. It’s probably due for a new stylus. Thinking about a new cartridge, but I read elsewhere that compatibility can be a problem with this table. Anyone have suggestions? Would I be best off just to buy a new stylus? And does anyone have an opinion about Audio Origin? They offer an entire headshell/cart/stylus bundle (with a “top quality AT cartridge,” whatever exactly that means) for $75. Too good to be true?
https://www.amazon.com/Titanium-Headshell-cartridge-Toshiba-SR-A230/dp/B0768NNZBG
 
Register to hide this ad
I'm not sure what the compatibility issues would be with that turntable in that it looks like a typical Japanese offering from the late 1970s with medium-mass S-shaped tonearm. A wide range of cartridges should be suitable, preferably medium-compliance.

That AT cartridge is actually not "top quality" - it is the AT91 which is bottom of the range with a conical stylus, if you exclude the cheaper AT3600L (which is mainly available as the stock cartridge for many modern turntables). Having said that, both the AT91 and AT3600L are excellent value for money, but the AT91 on its own would be less than $30.

The titanium-plated headshell looks nice but is basically a copy of a Technics headshell and a basic black or silver painted version would set you back only about $10 or so. I therefore don't think $75 for this headshell/cartridge combination is very good value for money.

If you want to buy a cartridge already installed in a headshell, I think this Audio Technica package at $64 would be a better bet, featuring the new AT-VM95C cartridge - this has a conical stylus and is effectively a replacement for the AT91:

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-VM95C-Turntable-Headshell-Cartridge/dp/B07JLXZ58X

Or, this similar combination featuring the AT-VM95E with elliptical stylus at $79:

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-VM95E-Turntable-Headshell-Cartridge/dp/B07JLX1JZ7

Note that even though the cartridge is pre-installed in the headshell, you'll have to align the cartridge for optimium playback once it has been installed on the turntable.
 
P.S. You don't say which cartridge is currently fitted to the turntable. You may be able to get a better performance with a replacement stylus.
 
So, the problem is the slots in the stock headshell don't allow the AT cartridges (mentioned in the VE thread) to go forwards enough to achieve the correct overhang/alignment. But it seems that alignment was just about possible with an AT headshell, the cartridge being all the way forward.

They don't say which AT headshell was used. It may well have been this one based on the Technics SL1200 headshell:

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-Universal-LP1240-USB-Direct-Drive-Turntables/dp/B0048XFL18

I suspect the AT headshell in the packages I pointed out is similar in terms of the positions of the slots:

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-HS6BK-Universal-Turntable-Headshell/dp/B07N3W8B5L

I've had the opposite problem on my Pioneer PL12D and ended up with the cartridge right at the back of the slots with the Technics-type headshell. So I've always thought the slots are quite far forward on these headshells, which is a good sign for you. This type of headshell may be your best shot, unless someone else can suggest an alternative.

To get a new stylus for your existing cartridge, you will need to know the make and model of the stock cartridge. I found a website that suggested it might be the AT71 - does the stylus look like this one:

https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATN71.html
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom