So I need a new CD-4 compatible cartridge....

[gvl_guy]

I have a Shure M24H. Just bought a "new" receiver, Sansui QRX-7001, and I was thinking the CD-4 demodulator might be messed up. But the more I played around with it, the more I'm thinking maybe the cartridge is not doing what it was supposed to. Regular stereo albums sounded a little better with my other cartridge, a Stanton 680. Well, I just snapped the stylus on the Shure so..... I have to replace either the stylus for the M24H (around $180 or real or $90 for a generic) or just get a new cartridge.

Is there any new cartridge with a Shibata style tip that will work with CD-4 albums? I'd rather go with new if possible, rather than buying something off eBay that's used and I'm back to square one wondering whether it's the cartridge or demodulator.

I see at the Audio Technica VM750SH has a Shibata stylus, but not sure it can handle the frequency response.

(I'm just getting back into the old school quad after about 20 years without.)

Thanks for your help.

 

[The Quadfather]

Get yourself an Audio technical AT440MLb. Be aware that it's published specs do not cover the range of frequencies that are required for CD-4, but I assure you, it will work and work good. It has a microline stylus that tracks the CD-4 high frequency subcarriers. You will have to track it a little heavy, around 1.75 grams to get it to work best. The published tracking force I think is about 1.5 grams, so it's not that far off. They're about $300.00 on Amazon. When I bought mine, it was half that. I have the AT440MLa. Both work good. You can buy them brand new. Play about three stereo or SQ records to break it in. When you start playing CD-4 records, the more you play the better it will sound.
The Quadfather

P.S. The styli last a long-long time before they will no longer track CD-4 records. I bought mine, heck, it must be 15 years ago. I'm on the second stylus and it's still going strong. Scratchy CD-4 is a thing of the past for me.

 

[Doug G.]

I completely agree with The Quadfather. Those AT's work very well.

Doug