Cartridge find Audio Technica AT155LC - any good?

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.

Hi, Acman3: I can only guess as to why styli are not kept in original packaging, this may due to standardizing cataloging/storage procedures. AFAIK, typical TTN packaging is a fairly fragile plastic box. The more costly styli are shipped in sturdier tins. Several years past, I received a genuine Acutex stylus in the plastic package from TTN. Shipped in a padded envelope, the flimsy box was shattered. "Steve" responded the tins were relatively expensive, since that episode the several styli I've received have been in the very handy tins.

Astatic reference codes are fairly universal regardless of provenance. The presence of a copyrighted logo such as AT, Shure or Empire on the assembly should be an assurance of authenticity. If absent then it's very likely an aftermarket replacement. For these aftermarket styli, Astatic used a four-digit code, usually beginning with either "N" or "4". such as 4718-DEQ.

It's a good practice to confirm with the vendor that the stylus is indeed OEM. I recently reserved a Pickering TL4 stylus with the condition that it was, as indicated, a genuine Pickering product. The supplier B--z something-or-other ;) didn't bother to respond.

Danny, I don't see any bad information contained in your posts, nor on the TTN site. What I do see is several online vendors picturing a package showing the Astatic three digit code such as *718-DEQ, indicating an OEM stylus, meanwhile the stylus offered is obviously a generic replacement.

Caveat emptor indeed.

Peace,

Musichead,Any of the ideas above are good for replacement stylus. There are 155lc stylus available. The 140lc is a good stylus at under $100, and I like Johnnyb's idea on the 150 stylus.

I was off work today and broke in the new AT155lc stylus, it sounds exactly the same as the old AT 155 stylus with the blue dot from Turntableneedles , just like Timeltel said.

Much adu about nothing. Enjoy your cartridge.

Regards, Danny: Glad it worked out'

Musichead: Some comments about the AT155LC (& styli):

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=76347

A Tk7e arrived today, LpGear ViVid line stylus already on it. Bold mids, solid bass but lacking detail & hf nuance of the Signet cart with an ATN155LC.

Peace,

Anyone familiar with the Pickering XLZ7500 S? Is this one
similar with Stanton 981 XLZ? I just got one.

Regards,