Bounding Unicorns

Turntable Cartridges

Audio-Technica AT-3600, AT-3600L

Info

AT-3600L Specs

Stylus: ATN3600, ATN3600L

AT-3600W

AT-3600L is made for turntables with higher tracking force, AKA "low compliance".

AT-3600 sounds better than AT-3600L per one user who compared both on the same turntable.

Audio-Technica ATN3600W

Specs

This is a 3 mil version of ATN3600 for usage with 78 RPM records.

HiTec H-ELEVENp

The needle on this cartridge isn't straight. HiTec cartridge was in Pioneer PL-S40. I compared it to AudioTechnica AT331LP in Technics SL-DL5. Both tables fed Yamaha RX-V3800 into Sonamp 875D SE with BBE on.

The cartridge also has higher output than AT331LP, and to set levels equally I'd need two receivers and switch the amplifier input. I tested with a single receiver, approximately adjusting the levels between record changes.

Bright treble & forward midrange.

When midrange is distorted on the record, H-ELEVENp produces a less pleasant output than AT331LP.

My first impression is that H-ELEVENp has a lot of bass but then I thought it was an illusion due to the overall output level of H-ELEVENp being higher. When volume was turned down to compensate, I think it has comparable bass output to AT331LP.

AudioTechnica AT331LP

Somewhat laid back sound, I prefer this to forward midrange and bright treble of HiTec H-ELEVENp. Nice cartridge to listen to. Feels balanced in my opinion. Bass output on par with HiTec H-ELEVENp.

AudioTechnica AT112EP

This cartridge is almost contacting the record - the needle on this cartridge might be deformed. The needle also isn't straight.

Lovely midrange. Treble is unpleasantly sibilant, and feels somewhat muted. Bass is present, but sounds boomy - perhaps more upper bass output but not enough LF extension.

Gemini HDCN-15

I evaluated this cartridge on Kenwood KD-1600 turntable against AT1331LP on Technics SL-DL5. SL-DL5 should in my estimation be a better turntable in general, but these were the only options. Both tables fed Yamaha RX-V3800 into Sonamp 875D SE with BBE on.

This cartridge supposedly has an elliptical stylus. Depending on packaging, the stylus shape may not be indicated anywhere at all. One out of 3 Amazon orders for this cartridge came with a box that said "Elliptical stylus" on it. With that said, the cartridge has AudioTechnica logo but no marked part number, and stylus isn't marked at all. Some of the reviews of this cartridge say it comes with AT3600L cartridge which 1) properly comes with a conical stylus (the ATN3600L) and 2) has high tracking force. I don't see why in principle there can't be an elliptical stylus mounted to a AT3600L cartridge but the lack of any part numbers is questionable.

Sound - most noticeably to me, the midrange is lacking. I hear a lot of upper bass, perhaps this is boosted, but the midrange is either withdrawn or has a dip in output. The treble seems OK. The ultimate bass output depends heavily on the record, I'd say it is either neutral or emphasized, especially mid bass.

Overall I found this cartridge to not be engaging due to lack of midrange. All music material seems to be there but is not in a way that's enticing to listen to.

I gather this cartridge is marketed for DJ use - if so I can understand the smiley face EQ if this is what's intentionally applied. It does make the sound attention grabbing in a club (look! bass! and wow my ears are already bleeding from this treble!).

Tested against AT331LP on Roberta Flack - Why Don't You Move In With Me. I think the singer's vocals aren't great in this recording, and HDCN-15 reproduces them in an unpleasant manner. AT331LP manages to smooth the wailing and not-quite-on-point (in my opinion) tonality of this song. AT331LP makes this particular record tolerable when with HDCN-15 I was going to toss it straight out.

Ortofon Omega

This is possibly the cheapest cartridge Ortofon makes.

Tested on Kenwood KD-1600 - I found it somewhat bright in treble and midrange, I would say noticeable but not excessively annoying to the point of being unlistenable. Bass response seems to be about the same as other cartridges I tested (AT331LP, Gemini HDCN-15).

On Sony PS-LX5 with Atlantic 254 surround speakers acting as mains (no bass), on classical material, this cartridge has excellent midrange and top end but predictably lacks bass. Based on my testing on Kenwood KD-1600, the lack of bass is not the cartridge's fault but rather most likely the speakers.

I think this cartridge is a fine entry level choice.