View Full Version : It seems that I am the new owner of an AT15SA
I idly put a bid in on eBay a few days ago expecting to be outbid, but I won. :doh:
An AT15SA for €51 + postage. Can't be bad if it is in good condition.
Woodsong Audio
21-04-2016, 15:36
That is a nice cartridge , I have one that was included on a TD-160 that I picked up for a song. I did not know what it was when I purchased it, and it was not even mentioned in the transaction. It was a very pleasant surprise.
Firebottle
21-04-2016, 16:12
Sounds like a very good buy there Kevin, with the Shibata stylus as well. Hope it's AOK :D
I hope so too! It was described as little used, so if it is knackered, PayPal will be getting a message. ;)
One minor correction - it's just an AT15S - but still has a Shibata stylus. :)
RobbieGong
21-04-2016, 16:48
I hope so too! It was described as little used, so if it is knackered, PayPal will be getting a message. ;)
One minor correction - it's just an AT15S - but still has a Shibata stylus. :)
Yep, Shibatas are good as you know having had the 2MB :)
Oldpinkman
21-04-2016, 17:26
Get your EPC mounted boy ;)
At the weekend - after some sleep!
It has arrived.
It does not look "slightly" used to me. :(
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1474/26646941241_31e37fb75f_o_d.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1523/26107015314_112f76d55a_o_d.jpg
These were taken after I cleaned it so that I could see the state of the diamond.
Do you think there is a Shibata hiding under all that crap?
Jeez, that's some size of pube in the first picture! Aye, "slightly used", in the same sense as could be said for the guy who was daft enough to buy it! :D
Only kidding, mate... Hope that once you remove the caked-on smeg, it turns out to be a killer cart :cool:
Marco.
It sounds like the suspension is knackered.
A distorted sound at 1.5g vtf. If I go lighter, there is too much sibilance.
Looks like this "bargain" is going to sent back....
walpurgis
30-04-2016, 10:57
I suppose it can happen to any cartridge, but I've never come across an AT with shagged cantilever suspension. Have you checked all the alignments, overhang, etc? The diamond tip is hard to make out from the pictures, so it could be anything.
Clive197
30-04-2016, 11:08
It has arrived.
It does not look "slightly" used to me. :(
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1474/26646941241_31e37fb75f_o_d.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1523/26107015314_112f76d55a_o_d.jpg
These were taken after I cleaned it so that I could see the state of the diamond.
Do you think there is a Shibata hiding under all that crap?
The tip still looks dirty from the photo. How have you cleaned it so far? It may need an extra bit of effort to get rid of all that nasty gunk. AT's are normally fairly bullet proof so doubt that the suspension is frazzled.
So far I have used a carbon brush to clean it.
A bit more progress made yesterday, biput I am nervous about using fluid as the diamond is bonded in.
Clive197
30-04-2016, 13:10
So far I have used a carbon brush to clean it.
A bit more progress made yesterday, biput I am nervous about using fluid as the diamond is bonded in.
A good quality fluid like the AT7607 or LAST Stylus cleaner should be safe if used with a carbon brush.
The question is, do I keep it and spend the money on cleaning fluid, or send it back for a refund.
How can I tell if the suspension is really knackered?
Clive197
30-04-2016, 15:16
The question is, do I keep it and spend the money on cleaning fluid, or send it back for a refund.
How can I tell if the suspension is really knackered?
Only you can answer that question. Do you have any isopropyl alcohol in the house? Try using onto the brush before wiping the stylus. I've been told that vodka can work well. The trick is, if you only put a little onto the brush capillary action shouldn't take any fluid up the cantilever.
I do have some IPA.
I also noticed that Jico are advertising replacement OEM stylus assemblies.
hi kevin,
would you mind commenting here please?
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?34137-I-m-thinking-of-some-new-speaker-cable&p=753231#post753231
It sounds like the suspension is knackered.
A distorted sound at 1.5g vtf. If I go lighter, there is too much sibilance.
Looks like this "bargain" is going to sent back....
I've had similar problem with glue bonded stylus , as it happened stylus came bit loose and arm parallel to platter was giving no more than 82 degree SRA , azimuth was slightly out as well . I see you have UBS microscope , try to measure SRA , I use Solide Edge (other CAD software would be as good ) to determine the angle , you need to perfectly align camera though . I use bit of aluminium sticking slightly out of the platter , cartridge parallel to the end and stylus sitting close to the edge (with some weight on opposite end) to take proper pics with microscope.
With arm lifted to the max , I managed to get 86 degrees
16834
Arm parallel to platter :
16835
I realized something was wrong when tried HiFi News Test LP , cartridge distorted horribly beforehand but I thought wasn't bed-in properly at first
I have cleaned it up a bit more with isopropanol and a carbon brush.
It still has ssssssibiliance, and if I increase the VTF to 1.75g it distorts badly, so I think that the suspension is gone.
Strangely enough, the vendor says it worked fine and I must have damaged it. My response saying that I took photos of it with a microscope when it arrived were met with an offer to take it back.
I was hoping to get a cheap Shibata version of the AT15/150 but it looks like this is not going to happen. Oh well. Just need to decide if I keep it or not now, and try a Jico Shibata.
RobbieGong
01-05-2016, 20:29
I have cleaned it up a bit more with isopropanol and a carbon brush.
It still has ssssssibiliance, and if I increase the VTF to 1.75g it distorts badly, so I think that the suspension is gone.
Strangely enough, the vendor says it worked fine and I must have damaged it. My response saying that I took photos of it with a microscope when it arrived were met with an offer to take it back.
I was hoping to get a cheap Shibata version of the AT15/150 but it looks like this is not going to happen. Oh well. Just need to decide if I keep it or not now, and try a Jico Shibata.
Hi Kevin, Thankfully you didnt pay much - Did the seller state approx hours by any chance ?
No, but he claimed it to be in "tres bon etat (tbe) a peine utilise" or "very good condition, with little use".
Absolute rubbish.
I was thinking the worse when I first unpacked it, and had to clean the fluff off just to confirm there was still a diamond there. :eek:
RobbieGong
01-05-2016, 20:45
No, but he claimed it to be in "tres bon etat (tbe) a peine utilise" or "very good condition, with little use".
Absolute rubbish.
I was thinking the worse when I first unpacked it, and had to clean the fluff off just to confirm there was still a diamond there. :eek:
I know what you mean... had similar experience once with a midi system years ago when I first started using the 'bay' ( learned quickly from that one) and the odd tune in so called 'excellent condition' :rolleyes:
No, but he claimed it to be in "tres bon etat (tbe) a peine utilise" or "very good condition, with little use".
Absolute rubbish.
I was thinking the worse when I first unpacked it, and had to clean the fluff off just to confirm there was still a diamond there. :eek:
Lol... That's the problem when dealing with other people's standards. He probably thought it was fine. It's the same when buying second-hand records: one man's 'pristine' is another's barely useable! :rolleyes:
Anyway, mate, hope you get it sorted out to your satisfaction, ASAP :)
Marco.
It's an old cartridge, so I was not expecting "hours of use" to be accurate or available.
I have set the VTF to 1.5g and taken a photo. It looks like collapsed suspension to me.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1689/26484859420_84d1501ac7_z_d.jpg
RobbieGong
01-05-2016, 21:00
It's an old cartridge, so I was not expecting "hours of use" to be accurate or available.
I have set the VTF to 1.5g and taken a photo. It looks like collapsed suspension to me.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1689/26484859420_84d1501ac7_z_d.jpg
Yep! if that's 1.5g it looks fecked !
walpurgis
01-05-2016, 21:23
Yep! if that's 1.5g it looks fecked !
I agree. Unusual for an AT in my experience. Maybe the suspension got contaminated with something that affected it or perhaps the cartridge was kept somewhere too warm.
I don't think it has been looked after, and it is likely it was found on an old turn table, and the vendor has sold it without testing it - judging by the amount of crap that was on it when Imreceived it.
Clive197
01-05-2016, 23:56
Sorry you've had this problem, clearly from the photo no amount of cleaning was going to help.
Clive,
I didn't check the ride height when I first installed it. Also, I didn't want to let it get anywhere my vinyl until it had a good clean, and I could verify there was a diamond in good condition. Only when I installed it a second time did I notice that it was knackered.
Thanks for the tips on cleaning it though. They worked a treat.
Out of interest, can the suspension be repaired?
The cartridges seem to go for reasonable money if in good condition and "original" although repaired suspension would mean that it is no longer original. :scratch:
Paypal dispute opened to be on the safe side.
If he lets me keep it for €10 I will fit an elliptical stylus for now, if not then it's going back.
It's on it's way back.
Apparently the vendor has also marked the sapphire so he knows it's his I am sending back.
A clever chap. I wonder what he did that with? :lol:
Kevin, when you get this sorted out, if you fancy taking a punt on another vintage AT MM, I'd thoroughly recommend this (from a trusted Japanese seller): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-technica-AT-650E-MM-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge-/291706980927?hash=item43eb174a3f:g:CRcAAOSwr7ZW4-iy
Nowt wrong with the stylus on that baby! I've also heard one of these before and they sound superb :)
Marco.
I actually have an EPC205 coming, but that AT certainly looks interesting.
Trust me, it is. I'd keep it on your radar ;)
Marco.
Looks a nice cart. Some of the at,s are very good...in fact most at bodies are, its some of their styli that let them down
The 205 I have bought comes with the aftermarket Jico elliptical stylus.
I am hoping that now that Technics have released the new 1200, the cartridges get revived.
I know that Jico are working on a replacement for the SAS, so I may get one of those when it is released.
Full refund received from PayPal.
I reckon that the AT14S will reappear on eBay, if it is not already there.
Audio Al
09-05-2016, 11:11
Kevin, when you get this sorted out, if you fancy taking a punt on another vintage AT MM, I'd thoroughly recommend this (from a trusted Japanese seller): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-technica-AT-650E-MM-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge-/291706980927?hash=item43eb174a3f:g:CRcAAOSwr7ZW4-iy
Nowt wrong with the stylus on that baby! I've also heard one of these before and they sound superb :)
Marco.
I just put a cheeky offer of $80 on this and it was
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.
.
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.
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Accepted , all paid for and hopefully on its way to the UK :D
Let me know what you think of it when it arrives.
Audio Al
09-05-2016, 11:17
Let me know what you think of it when it arrives.
Will be different to my usual MC carts , time will tell :)
I actually have an EPC205 coming, but that AT certainly looks interesting.
My EPC-U205 mk3 has arrived.
So, I popped it on the end of the FX1200 and I have to say it's sounding rather splendid.
So many cartridges, so little time..... :doh:
I think a Jico SAS is in order for this little beauty.
Audio Al
12-05-2016, 15:10
My order is now marked as dispatched :)
Anybody fancy an AT15S? http://www.ebay.fr/itm/RARE-AUDIO-TECHNICA-AT15S-CELLULE-STYLET-NEUF-SHIBATA-AUDIO-TECHNICA-ATN-15-/201601510025?hash=item2ef062ea89:g:r-EAAOSwmtJXWtjf
If so, I would suggest that you don't touch this one with a barge pole, as this is the one I shipped back in that very box.
My EPC-U205 mk3 has arrived.
So, I popped it on the end of the FX1200 and I have to say it's sounding rather splendid.
So many cartridges, so little time..... :doh:
I think a Jico SAS is in order for this little beauty.
And I have now managed to find an EPC-U205 with the original Boron cantilever.
The seller assures me it works 100%, so I had to click the "buy it now" button. :doh:
I have my doubts, due to the age of the cartridge, but we shall see.
Anybody want a Technics EPC-U205 with a Jico elliptical stylus? :eyebrows:
CornishPasty
28-11-2016, 21:07
I have a 205 mk3 in need of a stylus but I've never seen a Jico stylus advertised for the mk3. Does the Jico stylus for the mk2 fit? It looks the same to me.
Arkless Electronics
28-11-2016, 21:12
Very nice! One of the best MM's ever made. I have the EPC-300MC low output MC and it's also a real gem! I was lucky enough to get one still factory sealed, with its cellophane around the box, FOC from a mate :eyebrows:
I have a 205 mk3 in need of a stylus but I've never seen a Jico stylus advertised for the mk3. Does the Jico stylus for the mk2 fit? It looks the same to me.
Apparently from what I have read elsewhere, this is a Jico stylus for a Mk3 - https://www.thakker.eu/en/needles/eps-205-ed3-stylus-for-technics-national-epc-205c-mk3-generic-stylus/a-7564/
CornishPasty
29-11-2016, 01:05
Thanks for that Kevin. I've looked at that Thakker stylus a few times and wondered who the maker might be.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5473/31449169606_e90e7b398f_z_d.jpg
:cool:
Gordon Steadman
07-12-2016, 17:35
My regular cartridge. Pretty things. I have no intention of ever trying to upgrade it.
Mine came free attached to, of all things, a Garrard Zero 100!! One feels it wasn't giving of its best:rolleyes:
Having heard an "upgraded" one, I want to keep this standard for as long as possible. I have been looking for an original one for a long time.
A mk.IV would be nicer - apparently. However, this Mk.III sounds superb, and the boron cantilever and suspension seem in good condition.
Here is the stylus as received:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/714/30672543234_ccc05c0d06_o_d.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/516/31366633332_3723e9d8b8_o_d.jpg
There is apparently, a diamond there somewhere.
And after a gentle clean:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/481/31397834601_1f70b4983c_o_d.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/288/31397834751_6a8e67afc7_o_d.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/697/31397834911_63657286a5_o_d.jpg
It looks ok to me, and sounds fine.
As I am not an expert in these things, is there anything in the pictures that suggest it's worn out/near to being worn out?
The tip looks ok now that I can see it. It certainly sounds a little bit better than it did yesterday,
Certainly looks a lot better without the beard, Kevin! :eyebrows:
Can you detect any distortion, dullness or lack of treble extension in the sound?
Marco.
Nope. It sounds absolutely fine.
Then, bro, relax and enjoy. There's fook all wrong with it :)
Always trust your ears first, before anything else! :exactly:
Marco.
The only reason I am asking is that I can still send it back.
It was described as 100% working, but obviously the beard got in the way of the vendor checking it in detail.....
Now it seems fine, but if someone spotted that the diamond was almost up for replacement, I would start negotiations on a better price.
Is this possibly the best MM cartridge ever made? Who knows.
It sounds great to my ears though.
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