Cartridge find Audio Technica AT155LC - any good?

Caveat Emptor. It seems one doesn't know whom to trust in this apparently shady business of internet sales of vintage phono cartridge styli. Bluz Broz is another company that has misrepresented product, in their case it was Acutex styli. Are there not laws in place to protect the consumer from stuff like this? A lawyer once told me that if someone misrepresents something sold through the mail, they are liable for "mail fraud", but I don't know of any audiophile who has pursued compensation via legal channels. I write as someone who has bought a few vintage styli over the last few years, and I worry about their authenticity. I am always suspicious when vendor X is selling stylus Y that no one else has seen for sale for several years previously.

How on earth, for one example, can one tell whether the cantilever is beryllium or boron and not alu, or worse, pot metal? For ruby, we have color as an identifier, I guess. And only a real expert can distinguish among the shapes of different styli, seen under a microscope.

Turntableneedles even shows the 208-dex under, Astatic instead of Audio Technica, but other than that they make no mention of this being Astatic.

I owe Indianrider an apology. I should have done my homework before posting.

Maybe it's time to move on to an AT150MLX. Currently in production and has a MicroLine stylus (excellent tracker, very long lasting) instead of the Line Contact.

Regards, anxious ones: Three ATN155LC styli here. One unmarked, one with the notorious blue dot, another with a black dot. Also a SN (Signet) TK7LCa, unmarked. The significance of those markings may relate to production schedules, assembly station or inspection. Among other possibilities, who other than AT can say for certain?

Of the four cantilevers, all are ground at an angle at the stylus interface, equal length and of a diameter slightly greater than the "V Magnets". A quick look at the end should show a solid rod, not a pipe. Beryllium's color is close to polished steel, a slight grey"ish" cast. Boron tends towards a bronze. The stylus in question should be exceptionally clear, jewel quality and nude mounted. Even at 10X, the radical cuts to the face of the stylus should be evident, as well as the high level of polish.

Purchased over a span of four years the three ATN155LCs as well as the OEM Signet have the compliance screw set with a white sealant. I've seen AT compliance screws set with yellow, blue, red, green, black and clear. It's unlikely any meddling with the cantilever would be undetectable.

I've patronized TTN for years. All examples have been exactly as described. In one transaction excessive sealant on an ATN15Xe prevented the assembly from seating in the cart, distortion was evident. Emails were exchanged. Once "Steve" (IIRC) concluded there was no intent to perpetrate a scam it was agreed the excess could be removed without compromising return privileges, he offered to send his last example immediately. At that point, five seconds with a hobby knife and the issue was resolved.

Indianrider, I see nothing errant about the TTN reference to the beryllium cantilevered ATN155LC, shown now as obsolete (unavailable). The last time I checked StereoNeedles did still offer the OEM assembly. Due to personal preferences I'll do business elsewhere.

No associations with TTN other than confidence, caveat emptor is always good advise.

Peace,

Hello Timeltel, any ideas why TTneedles would take the 155lc out of the original box, and install it in a tin?

Also, as described above, the 155lc shows to come out of the Astatic line at the top of the TTneedles page. i don't believe they were monkeyed with, I am suspecting they are Astatic replacements.

I have enjoyed this, whatever 155, for a few years on different cartridges. In a way, it is a good thing, as I will now hear the other 155lc in an AT box and compare.

It only matters now, because I hate to put out bad info.