Audio-Technica AT85EP — P-mount dual moving magnet cartridge with elliptical stylus

The AT85EP is Audio-Technica's dual moving magnet P-mount cartridge that brings an elliptical stylus into the plug-in range. The P-mount body needs no screws or protractor: the cartridge slides into the arm already aligned, which simplifies the swap and removes a source of error.

Its 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, with a bonded diamond and an aluminium tube cantilever, traces the groove with a narrower footprint than a conical tip and usually delivers a cleaner top end and wider channel separation: 20 dB at 1 kHz against 18 dB for the conical version. Output is 3.5 mV, compatible with standard MM phono inputs.

It suits P-mount turntables that deserve a little more without changing the arm, and works as a quality replacement in all-in-one systems. Its replacement stylus is the ATN85EP, so the tip can be renewed without replacing the cartridge body.

Technical specifications:

• Reference: AT85EP
• Type: dual moving magnet cartridge
• Mount: P-mount (plug-in)
• Stylus: 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical, bonded diamond
• Cantilever: aluminium tube
• Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Channel separation: 20 dB at 1 kHz
• Vertical tracking angle: 20°
• Output voltage: 3.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Channel balance: 2.0 dB
• Recommended load impedance: 47,000 ohms
• Recommended load capacitance: 100 - 200 pF
• Coil inductance: 400 mH (1 kHz)
• Dimensions: 10.0 x 15.3 x 35.1 mm
• Weight: 6 g
• Replacement stylus: ATN85EP