Owners of the AT-LP60/X (all variants), Soundburger AT-SB727 / AT-SB2022 and AT-PL300 (all variants) can now choose between two replacement styli – the ATN3600LC and the ATN3600LE. The conical ATN3600L, which was previously the only option for these turntables, has been superseded by the visually redesigned ATN3600LC (conical profile), and the ATN3600LE (elliptical profile). 

The ATN3600LC has a conical diamond profile and is a direct replacement for its predecessor. Users will not hear any difference in the sound quality they love when installing this new stylus.  

The ATN3600LE is a new option for this range and offers an elliptical diamond profile, which can provide an enhanced audio experience.  

So, what does an elliptical stylus offer? 

The information on a vinyl record is stored on the sides of the groove wall. A conical profile stylus will sit quite high in that groove and can be affected by micro-scratches on the surface of the record, which can add noise to playback.  

By comparison, an elliptical profile stylus is narrower and therefore can sit lower in the groove and access information that conical styli simply can’t reach. The increased contact area with the groove wall results in a higher frequency response and it is also less affected by surface scratches, which means less noise. The combination of these two elements will enhance the listening experience and potentially reveal new sounds to the listener.  

Figure 1 Conical and Elliptical profiles - the black area denotes the stylus’ contact area with the record groove 

ATN3600LC                                      ATN3600LE 

Just like their predecessor, the ATN3600LC and ATN3600LE are quick and simple to install. They require no previous knowledge or special tools.  

Read this article if you want step-by-step instructions to install one of these new styli on your Audio-Technica turntable, as listed above.