Audio-Technica ATN85EP — Elliptical replacement stylus for the AT85EP cartridge

The ATN85EP is Audio-Technica's original elliptical replacement stylus for the AT85EP cartridge. Renewing only the stylus keeps the cartridge body, the wiring and the arm setup untouched, which is the cheapest way to recover the sound of a turntable that has been spinning for years on the same diamond.

The tip is a 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical bonded to a round shank. Against a conical, the narrower major radius reads high frequencies with less distortion and separates voices and instruments more cleanly, while the bonded construction keeps the cost down. Tracking force runs from 1.0 to 1.5 g, with 1.25 g as the reference setting.

It is the natural upgrade for the P-mount cartridges of the same family, such as AT301EP, AT311EP, AT316EP and AT92ECD: where a conical played before, the elliptical adds detail without forcing a cartridge change. Life is around 300 hours of playing; if the sound turns dull or one channel loses level, the diamond is worn. DOYMO supplies it on request.

Technical specifications:

• Type: elliptical replacement stylus
• Profile: 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical, bonded
• Tracking force: 1.0 – 1.5 g (1.25 g standard)
• Compatible cartridges: AT85EP, AT301EP, AT311EP, AT316EP, AT92ECD
• Estimated life: around 300 hours
• Body colour: beige