I would send your request to ARSC (I'm forwarding it). (I used to know
all about this, but time and other work with turntables has not been
going on for 20 years.)

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On 11/2/2020 7:36 AM, Cohen, Marci wrote:
> I realize access issues are weird under COVID, but I'm trying to
> identify good replacement parts for our public turntables, on the
> assumption that we will one day have the public using them again. I'm
> looking for a balance of price, audio quality, ease of maintenance,
> and durability.
>
> The last time we stocked up, I consulted with a local audio store, and
> they recommended an Audio Technica headshell/cartridge/stylus unit for
> our Technics SL-1200MK2 turntables ("standard" tonearms). Under actual
> use, we had several problems:
>
> * Audio Technica has discontinued the model (AT95E/HSB)
> * Staff at the local store were knowledgeable but exceedingly slow
> in responding to my inquiries, and their prices were higher than
> our default university supplier. I'm happy to pay for
> knowledgeable service but disinclined to reward unresponsive service.
> * The stylii got damaged easily not from lots of playing time but
> from rough use by patrons. (Yes, we have signage, but...)
> * Although it's easy to swap out the complete headshell, it's
> expensive to replace the whole unit when just the stylus gets
> damaged. I think that changing a cartridge would be easier, but
> adjusting the alignment looks daunting to this novice. Are there
> cartridges that don't require alignment adjustment, or is it not
> as difficult as it looks?
>
> Again, this is for public listening, not preservation digitization
> where the utmost audio quality is paramount.
>
> Marci
>
> Marci Cohen, MLS, MA
> Assistant Head, Music Library, Mugar Memorial Library
> Boston University Libraries
> [log in to unmask]
> 617-353-3707
> pronouns: she/her