unused but old stylus question

[strudel]

I recently replaced an Audio Technica stylus (unknown model, but probably AT13, and installed 12 years ago) for cartridge AT13Ea. The new generic replacement had blocky looking magnets, and one channel appeared to be lower (in a wave editor). With the original stylus, the channels looked more balanced. Also the magnets were rod-shaped.
I can get an unused stylus (Superb Needle) which has rod-shaped magnets, but the seller says it's 20-30 years old. I'm concerned that the stylus and/or its part might have deteriorated over that much time.
Also, since I dont know why the generic didnt work, I'm not sure the old stock stylus would either.
Any ideas or advice?

[Bran Kulez]

The only problem I've ever had with older (late 60's thru early 80's) NOS styli has been corrosion on the cantilever.

[Whitneyville]

You might check with LPGear.com for their generic or OEM stylii. I didn't look tonight, but they recently had OEM ATN-13xx stylii with a variety of tip shapes/prices. They also have "generic" stylii some of which are made by JICO (which are very, very good) also in several tip shapes from elliptical to Shibata. I have a 1970's era ATN-14SAe stylus and the aluminum cantilever is oxidized white and no longer slick (it's also been used), but it's fine as far as performance. If stored really poorly, I guess the little rubber mount the cantilever goes into would deteriorate from heat, solvents, UV light, etc. but the box and the foam inside would be ugly at that point too.
Garage 'A Records.com has a generic replacement stylus 4203de for the ATN-13, ATN-14, ATN-15 which is an elliptical .3x.7 mil for $34.95. If you're not satisfied, they'll refund your money. I've used GAR and some of their stylii are JICO also. I have no idea if this one is or not.

[strudel]

thanks for the input. I'll take a chance with the Superb since I can return if it doesnt work out. It's also less $ than the ones on LPGear (I know, you get what you pay for).

[brianmch]

I was just in touch with dynavector who said that suspensions deteriorate over time. I'm not exactly sure how much this relates to MM cart's, but in their opinion it is an issue with MC's.

[strudel]

well, this is bad. The Superb stylus "679-DE" is doing exactly what the new generic stylus did (lower volume on left channel). The old AT stylus (model unknown) still works fine in regards to that issue. The back of the Superb package says it will replace ATN-13, 14, etc. However, it only specifies cartridges AT-15sa or xe, and AT-20sl. Mine is AT-13Ea. Something is not right, and it's probably obvious, but I'm not a TT expert.

[Bran Kulez]

Are you sure it's the stylus and not the cartridge or connections causing the faint channel?

[strudel]

It only happens when I try a different stylus. I dont think a stylus and cartridge can wear out together like a car key and door lock or ignition (so a new original key wont work in the lock or ignition). So maybe these arent the right replacements?
The Superb magnets, while rod shaped like the original, were a tad longer. I tried +/- tracking/antiskate with the new stylii but the levels were still imbalanced.

[strudel]

one thing I forgot to mention. The right channel profile is reversed vertically. That is, a rise going up is now a rise going down, etc.

[Alec124c41]

Are you saying the two channels are out of phase? Check the wires on the back of the cartridge.
Red - Right hot
Green - Right ground
White - Left hot
Blue - Left ground

Connections to headshell:
Top, from front
W - R
B - G

Cheers,
Alec

[strudel]

The headshell pins have colored wires attached as you described (from the front): W R/B G.
The cartridge pins have the same colors, but are horizontally reversed: R W/G B. The wires cross over each other to make their connections. That's how the headshell was when I got the tt. The only thing I'm changing is the stylus, and only the right channel appears to change it's profile (I dunno if "phase" is the word). I'll get some screen shots of the wave editor to illustrate.

[Alec124c41]

Makes me wonder if the polarity of one of the rabbit-ear magnets is reversed on that generic stylus.
Does the image sound spacey?
You could try reversing the R-G wires.

Cheers,
Alec

[strudel]

Alec, I dunno if you read the whole thread, but I've tried two different replacements with the same results- lower left channel relative to right channel, and right channel has phase change (whatever). The waves created with the old stylus are balanced and look like someone else's waves of their own copy of one of the LPs. The implication is the replacements arent compatible.
The audio sounds fine (not spacey) thru earbuds I'm using with my PC.
I'll try switching the R-G wires; if the volume levels for each channel are not better balanced, I'll switch the W-B wires too. Hopefully nothing will blow up in my face and it's mostly harmless.

[Bran Kulez]

If you think it's the stylus, then get a new generic from a reputable dealer such as:

http://garage-a-records.com/

http://www.lpgear.com/

http://www.turntableneedles.com/

http://stylus.export-japan.com

I've bought from all of them without any complaints...