Replacement stylus for Dual DN168E - help!

Brizzle74

Member
Sep 18, 2025
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So I am delighted with my new (second hand) Dual 505-4 deck, but thinking of replacing the current Dual DN168E stylus in due course, as the deck is second hand.

A cursory google was a bit confusing for a hi-fi novice like myself, so many options/ opinions: which replacement stylus would people recommend?

For info, my set up is as follows, as I've noticed people say that is relevant in terms of how much you might spend on a stylus:
  • Deck: Dual 505-4 (early 90s)
  • Amp: Kenwood KAF - 3030R
  • Speakers: KEF Cresta 2 SP3303
 
Rather than your equipment list can you give an idea of the maximum you want to spend?
Your cartridge is a rebranded Ortofon so the OM range of stylii should fit.
Hi, my initial thought was to spend no more than half of what I paid for the deck itself - so about £50-60, but that's definitely a 'finger in the air' response! I don't know how expensive the stylus I have now is - i.e. is it more high end or more ordinary
 
Hi, my initial thought was to spend no more than half of what I paid for the deck itself - so about £50-60, but that's definitely a 'finger in the air' response! I don't know how expensive the stylus I have now is - i.e. is it more high end or more ordinary
To be honest it's pretty ordinary but a common fitting in it's day.
Replacement stylus is around £35 but most places I see they are out of stock.
The Ortofon OM20 often used as a replacement are £147 and the OM10 around £55 so might be cheaper to replace the whole cartridge....... Unless you can find someone with a replacement DN168E in stock.
NOTE: the deck WHF reviewed did have an Ortofon OM10 cartridge fitted.
 
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