Audio Technica cartridge service?

[rhythmbug]

Hi all

My AT150MLX is not what she used to be. I suspect there is an issue with the cantilever, but am no expert by any stretch. The cart has taken a few bumps too many over a period of time and recently I've noticed a significant loss in quality of sound, and some unwanted distortion. In the meantime while I decided what to do with it, I've picked up a 2M Bronze, which sounds absolutely lovely in comparison, which is sad because once upon a time the AT was more than ample for my needs (wants!).

Would anyone be able to kindly steer me in the right direction of a UK based company that could service the AT cart for a reasonable price? I paid £210 for it new so prefer not to break the bank repairing it.

Cheers

Mike

[Virtual-Symmetry]

Mike some things are not worth repairing. Inspection fee would be around a quarter of the price you paid & if you decide the repairs are not worth it your stuck with that fee.

Can't you just trade it in for a new one?

[walpurgis]

The AT150MLX has a replaceable stylus. Not cheap, but available here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audio-Technica-ATN150MLX-Replacement-Syli-for-AT150MLX-/391376402423?hash=item5b1fd9f7f7:g:4SYAAOSw7hRWQzm R

[Virtual-Symmetry]

The whole carts/styli only about £250

[struth]

or here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audio-Technica-Replacement-Stylus-for-AT150MLX-ATN-150MLX-from-Japan/231769698430?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3Daa655edc148146bb8c8 dab2f9c7a8747%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26 sd%3D391376402423

[Virtual-Symmetry]

But what if their be an issue with the cartridge itself Jimmy laird?

[rhythmbug]

Mike some things are not worth repairing. Inspection fee would be around a quarter of the price you paid & if you decide the repairs are not worth it your stuck with that fee.

Can't you just trade it in for a new one?

Thanks for the info, I didn't realise AT offered a trade in service. Where can I find out more info about that (price, contact details)? Or should I just email AT directly?

Cheers

Mike

[daytona600]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realise AT offered a trade in service. Where can I find out more info about that (price, contact details)? Or should I just email AT directly?

Cheers

Mike

AT Offer trade in on moving coils , or contact your supplier if cartridge is faulty
never known a faulty AT myself
or try sales@audio-technica.co.uk

[rhythmbug]

A little update on this for anyone that might be interested. I contacted AT directly, they offer 35% off the RRP for Moving Coil upgrades or 40% off like-for-like Moving Coil carts. This does NOT apply to MOVING MAGNET carts, like this one.

What they could offer though, is 35% off the RRP of a replacement stylus, which brought the price down to a more sensible £129, which is a reasonable solution as far as I'm concerned.

Cheers

[danilo]

LPGear offers an 'improved' stylus for that cart. Not Free though
http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATSAT0150ANV.html

[CageyH]

That looks like the normal AT150MLX stylus.
There is also the AT150SA stylus available.

[daytona600]

AT150Mlx is now out of production ( MicroLine Stylus ) & now replaced by the AT150SA ( Shibata Stylus ) .

[rhythmbug]

Thanks for the info you guys. I did not know about the new 150SA shibata replacement stylus, which is compatible with the 150MLX body. AT quoted me £149 for that little beauty. Sold! That made my day!

[rhythmbug]

Update: I'm about 5 hours of listening into my new ATN150SA stylus. I am very impressed. The amount of bass definition and slam coming through my system is smothering my face with a huge grin. This thing LOVES bass! I'm listening to Mano Negra's Puta Fever right now, it never sounded so lively before. Same amount of low surface noise as the 150MLX but I'm not noticing the saturated high end anymore, it sounds more smoothed out, whilst still being quite detailed in the resolution. Instrument separation is more pronounced. Everything sounds luscious, rich and exciting. I quite liked the 2M Bronze that I was using during the interim, and was pretty happy with the detail, transparency and bass (after breaking it in) but this cart is more flattering and bass even better.