Replacement stylus for Dual DN168E - help!

[Brizzle74]

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

 

[Al ears]

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.

 

[Brizzle74]

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

 

[Al ears]

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.

 

[RoA]

Imho either buy a cheap replacement stylus or go for a significant upgrade ie. up to £100 or £250/300 plus.

The middle ground is nowhere land and gains are minimal.

Example, for Ortofon's, Get a Red but I'd forget about the blue and go Bronze or Black. AudioTechnica, get a cheap VM95C or E but miss the VM95ML and Shibata, instead go for a range further up such as the VM750X-SL or Microline equivelant.

I've changed an AT conical to the ML (VM95 range) and it ain't worth it despite many 'glowing' recommendations but that's just me.

 

[daytona600]

Depends on your Budget
Conical , Elliptical , Shibata , SAS Line Contact options to £20 to £450

 

[RoA]

It's not just the stylus type that is important otherwise there would be no need for manufacturers to make other , higher ranges.

 

[abacus]

Don't go above an elliptical stylus, as the more expensive shapes require really precise setup, and the Dual Arm is not flexible enough to take advantage of them.
Go to the various cartridge manufactures sites where you will find some allow you to put in your turntable/arm model, and it will then give you a recommended model for it.

Bill

 

[nopiano]

The original from a trusted seller is £90. (I’ve met the staff, and they are not just a mail order business)

Dual DN168E - Wilkinson's Hi-Fi, Nelson, Lancashire, UK

7330. Key Specifications Stylus Type: Elliptical diamond Tip Radius: 0.3 x 0.7 mil Tracking Force Range: 1.2 – 1.7 grams Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz Compliance, Dynamic, Lateral: 20 µm/mN

www.wilkinsons.tv