Help identifying cartridge/needle - Printable Version
+- The PHILCO Phorum (https://philcoradio.com/phorum)
+-- Forum: Various and Sundry Categories (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=37)
+--- Forum: Other Radios (Non-Philco) (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=12)
+--- Thread: Help identifying cartridge/needle (/showthread.php?tid=20409)
+- The PHILCO Phorum (https://philcoradio.com/phorum)
+-- Forum: Various and Sundry Categories (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=37)
+--- Forum: Other Radios (Non-Philco) (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=12)
+--- Thread: Help identifying cartridge/needle (/showthread.php?tid=20409)
Help identifying cartridge/needle - TV MAN - 09-16-2019
I recently found a Zenith record player with a VM changer, but I think the cart is bad. I have looked up on the VM website, and have the Sams on both the unit and changer (generic) but cannot find a good match. It is a needle/cartridge unit that plugs in. I have some pics. It is NOT a 993-ds13 (95D), tried one which looked the same in the pictures, but wont fit. Hope someone can help (Kirk
) Model is HFY12R It looks like a 940 or 943 is possible, but I cannot really tell from the pictures provided.
RE: Help identifying cartridge/needle - Jake Blake - 09-16-2019
I believe that's one of those "power point" type cartridges.... Astatic 89 T. NOT a real good cart for taking care of your records though.
RE: Help identifying cartridge/needle - TV MAN - 09-17-2019
I looked up the 89T, but it is more square, so I dont think this is the correct one either. Thanks for the input tho. I got a 993 off Ebay, looked like it in the picture, but it is just a little different and wont plug in.
RE: Help identifying cartridge/needle - Jake Blake - 09-17-2019
Yea, I sorta thought there was something odd about that flipover tab, from the 89T.
The VM I had (that was identical to yours), had a Sonotone 2TA in it, . . . a VERY good mono cartridge, as ceramic cartridges go.
If you can't get your exact replacement, I would consider a 2TA or it's Astatic replacement 751.
If you would rather consider converting it for stereo, the Sonotone 8TA is also an excellent stereo ceramic cartridge.
RE: Help identifying cartridge/needle - TV MAN - 09-17-2019
Thank you Jake. I may try that in my 557. I got a response from VM and they said it was a 940, so for now, I know which one to try. I am restoring another changer that may use the cart that you mentioned. Got to get the rubber motor mounts ordered. I have about 3 of these I need to get running.