In this video, I will be comparing the sound reproduction of 4 somewhat vintage Audio Technica phono cartridges from the 1980’s era. Test music is Brick House – Commodores, special disco single pressed on both sides of the vinyl in 33 1/3 rpm.

These are the following Audio Technica cartridge/stylus combinations:
1. AT100E with original ATN100E (.3x.7)mil special elliptical, less than 4 hrs total playtime. (0:28)

2. TC4000 TECHNICRAFT. Originally came with line contact stylus (grey color). This stylus may not be an original AT stylus, therefore tip is unknown and playtime is also unknown but looks to be in good condition. (2:18)

3, AT450 p-mount. The AT3472 stylus is grey with an empty-oval symbol, which in a forum I read cross references to a (.3x.7)mil nude elliptical tip. Acquired this used, therefore playtime is unknown. (4:08)

4. TM8 p-mount. Again, I am using the same stylus used on the AT450 to isolate that variable. Only the cartridges should produce a difference in sound quality. (6:06)

All cartridges are set at or near the minimum rated tracking force. Signal goes through a Denon PMC-750 integrated preamp, and directly into a laptop running Adobe Audition. No extra filters were used, no iZotope used to remove clicks, and no external ADC is used.

I hope you find this video interesting to say the least. Please like and comment on which one you felt sounded better and why.