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,
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,