My Audio-Technica AT3600L Phono Cartridge | The Best Kept Secret In Hi-Fi
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- My experiences with the incredibly inexpensive but totally listenable Audio-Technica AT3600L phono cartridge. We also chat about stylus shape and tracking force. :)
After watch this video this first time I ordered the AT3600L from Amazon. With tax it cost in the $27.00 range, which is close to the price you mentioned. I've had this cartridge on AT-LP60 turntable. I might not been able to fully enjoy all this cartridge had to offered since my turntable skipped a long as I had it. After a year or more of trying other turntables similar to the AT-LP 60 I was finally able to move up to an AT-LP 120. I've tried several cartridges on this turntable only to be disappointed by a lack of high end detail and narrow channel separation. I used an Ortofon Omega 1E the last two years. It tracks great. The sound is good but falls a bit short on the high end. I like a bright detailed high end. Some people don't. Now to the AT3600L. I'm super impressed by the quality of sound this cartridge delivers. It impresses me more than any other cart I've ever owned. I matches very well with my beloved AT-LP 120. I've read a lot of criticism this turntable being vastly inferior to the Technics 1200 from a number of audiophile snobs who roam the internet looking for something to put down. I say make them go for those awful Pyle turntables Amazon sold a few years ago if they need to do some turntable bashing. I've had my AT-LP 120 for several years and it continues to perform flawlessly. I've been very happy with this turntable and don't see any reason to upgrade. The AT-LP 120 is a real workhorse and direct drive, which in my opinion are much better for staying right on the for speed accuracy. I like your videos. They are very informational, straightforward and unbiased.
Billy do you have the corrected version of the LP 120? I have the LP120 as well ------in fact it's still in the original box/shrink wrap/with invoice from Feb. 2014. I'm concerned cause I've read many, many times that the anti-skate function and pre-amp do not work properly in these older units.. ONLY AFTER they were corrected in 2017, did those fixes occur. Were you able to get the updated version with the corrections? thanks in advance
WOWWWWWWWW!!!!!! That was a greatttttttttttt read Billy, thanks for taking the time to post!! :-)
Lol my main deck is an AT-LP120, but I do still own one of those Pyle turntables hahaha, the PLTTB1, and it's crazy but it still works great. Sure, super-cheaply made but still adjustable for speed and tracking force, and removable headshell with a cheap MM cartridge. It was not the best by any chance but not bad at all for the price, compared to a freaking Crossley lol. If you want your TT to sound even better, try to upgrade your cartridge to a Nagaoka MP-110, it sounds fantastic! I always order the cartridges pre-mounted on a headshell for simplicity of setup, and it doesn't add up to the cost that much 😉
I put one of these on my vintage Kenwood turntable and the thing sounds wonderful. Def the best budget cartridge I've heard :)
I'm with you on that, currently my backup but its a good one, mime however has the infamous rega carbon printing though. Its the same thing.
I always loved my at3600l through the years and my friends were laughing... they always said that it is a crappy cartridge...but...in my ears it was always sounded better than any other cartridge i had...
Well...with your nice video now i understand why 😆✌️
This my current standard cartridge that I use on my turntables. It's reasonably good sounding, it's inexpensive, I can get stylus extremely easily. The AT3600 series dates back to the 70's and is key my operations.
The best thing about the AT91 and AT3600L aside from the tremendous sound quality is the fact that they don't have to be broken in. I recently acquired the Nagaoka MP-110, which requires something like 30 hours of break-in. Out the box, it has lots of pops and clicks. Not so with the AT91 & AT91R that I own.
My Teac Tn-175 arrived with this cartridge.. i didn't know this cartridge is very famous around the world.. but now i understand. I won't replace mine, sounds brilliant!
This explanation is fantastic.
Thank you so much!!
I’ve never heard these issues explained so clearly.
Hey Joe again thanks for this video because it has functioned as a sanity check for me. I am 72 and have been collecting phone cartridges since I was 12 years old! I have purchased the cheapies and the more expensive and I got to tell you I agree the point 6 mil Stylus is the best! The sound that you get from even 3600 l is amazing even on my angel's horn and I'm seeing the same reactions to people who have bought the turntable I'm buying next the Retro life cherry wine 006 belt drive turntable. They all react the same way as far as sound quality.. amazing! So like you I have a couple of those $12 slow boat from China models and I am convinced this cartridge is the best bang for the buck in audio. It seems to be very comfortable playing just about any record in my collection from the '60s right on through modern day. As a broadcaster at afrn Radio Alaska I remember we had a sure m44c and when I left there I spent a lot of time with the Stanton 500 Al cartridges and they were amazing. I have no intention of purchasing anything past the price point of the $3,600 l from here on it is my go-to cartridge and I have a collection of 45s also and you are spot on!
Brilliant video. Extremely useful. I have Rega Carbon and I’m not convinced I need to change it on my Planer 2
I have now ordered an LP gear elliptical. Cheap upgrade so it’ll be interesting to see if I can notice any difference.
Great analysis and review. There combination of technical understanding, objective measurement, and subjective report is excellent. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@EzeeLinux Excellent video Joe! Very interesting and informative. I wil have to replace the BC3600 cart with the AT3600L the cart that i have came with the elliptical 211-DENG stylus and i am not happy with it. I have it on my Technics SL-D2
Learned alot about the different styluses.
Thank you!
Great video with a lot of details. I own this cartridge and I love it, and it is especially forgiving with old, worn-out records, just like you mentioned, and I have quite a few of those lol. I also agree that the Nagaoka MP-110 is a fantastic cartridge, and it's normally the one I use for vinyl records that are in great condition. I also own the Ortofon Concorde MK2 DJ, which gives you pretty much the same performance as the AT3600L with some added perks (easier to visually cue a song, supposedly stronger cantilever and suspension, plus it looks sooooo cool lol). I wouldn't call the AT3600L the bottom of MM cartridges though, to me that'd be the Fisher/Sanyo ST-09D, which is cheaper, and it still can sound good when properly aligned, but definitely not as good as the AT3600L. The AT-95e is not bad but definitely not my favorite, I have it because it came as the stock cartridge with my turntable. As you mentioned, before criticizing the AT3600L cartrdige, they should try it out, it's not like it's going to break the bank 😉 😄
Equally good is the AT91, which is basically the same as the 3600L, but tracks at 1.5 - 2.5grams (2.0 optimal). This used to be called the AT3600, but I guess they rebranded it, and put a yellow plastic housing on it to differentiate between what then became the 3600L; the lower compliance/higher tracking force of 3.0grams version.
The Rega Carbon is actually the AT91; it tracks at 2.0grams as well, and the carbon stylus sounds identical to the AT91 yellow version; both have the carbon/ABS plastic cantilever, which to me, sound better than the aluminium cantilever styli available (such as the AT91R)....the carbon/plastic cantilever seems to sound smoother in a way, whilst relishing in the highs and having more control over cymbal work, and has a better defined midrange, and very solid, detailed bass! To Me!!
Thanx for sharing the knowledge and the great reviews...I just purchased one after watching your vid....Without any doubt, this thing is amazing for the price...My love for records has been rekindled .👊🏽😎!
After watching your first video I was intrigued by your conclusions so decided to try a 3600l for myself.
Happy to say I'm having lots of fun with it in my Technics SL1500C.
I'd now definitely recommend this cartridge to anyone looking for a cheap upgrade.
Thank you for sharing.
Just came upon this video. Great info. I dug out a AT3600 I had in storage, from a TT I had purchased. Found the new stylus I had purchased and decided to give it a go. Yes, your right, that is a nice sounding cartridge. I can't believe I stashed it away, thinking it was a not worth listening too. Listened to a few jazz albums and I think it will stay on this TT for a awhile. Great review. KB.
I just changed this cartridge by for an AT VM95E. But just to get more clarity, less tracking noise and more even balance between channels, also I noticed a little more ouput, but the AT3600 is terrific for the price.
Amazing informative video, I had one of these I bought a few years back and like a fool I was VTF at 1:75 g LOl little wonder I thought It sounded awful, so I had never really used it until now.
Old records sounds so much better with it as well as the details in recently purchased new vinyl.
That cartridge sounds great. And after all the sound is what counts! I have the Heyday turntable with this cartridge and it sounds better than my Miracord with a Shure R1000! I'm going to get one for the Miracord.
Thanks for the video and advice.
I found one in Amazon for $21.75 with free 2 day delivery. Will arrive Saturday. Can’t wait to try it out.
If you listen to Heavy metal, this cart is that works best. I tried 8 cartridges and this one tracked the best. Inner grove distortion can get ugly with double bass pounding. Have a first run Uturn turntable, so only light carts can be used.
I totally agree. The AT 3600 has become ubiquitous because it's a hell of a deal. It's even better with an elliptical stylus upgrade.
Is the elliptical Stylus red or green color ?😊
Green.
FYI I have old versions of this cartridge even back when they made it in japan and it still had carbon cantilever. Boxes say 2004 on my replacement japanese style and the 2 japanese carts I got on my tt100 tables stock was bought back in like 1998 and they were carbon fiber back then too.
To my knowledge the red at91r is the only one that fits this cart that's aluminum. The yellow at91 yellow is carbon cantilever but normal 1.5-2.5 tracking force like the red at91r.
Amazon has whole carts for both red and yellow for $20 yellow and $24 red just an FYI
I have an atn3600, it's red with aluminum can't. Also atn3651e which is excellent. There is a black diamond 3651 but only EU vendors now so $60+. I had one, it was great, but I killed it. I have a VL, hyperelliptical that's sweet but they're $100 now.
@@mr.muskrateer9610 yours is an at91r if it's red with aluminum cant
Also the LP gear atn3600 elliptical is nice for this cart too. Get the elliptical sound out of the normally only conical cart.
It's a stunning cartridge, and a bargain
...GREAT video.
I can back up your entire video.
I actually purchesed three of these, yes THREE in one bundle, from China. AliExpress.
Complete cartrage not just the stylus.
$25.69 for the bundle. ($28.39 including tax). June 2023.
Yes it took a while to get here but these little gems are very good.
They are such gems, outperforming carts 3, 4 times their price. Yet people prefer to spend 100 bucks on an Ortofon 2M red that often is way too high compliant for the arms they use them in.
Just to add that I had tried the AT3600L, Rega Carbon as well as the LPGear highly polished special elliptical diamond on my old budget Denon DP29F...All of them are improvement over the stock Denon DSN82 (same thing) with the elliptical one from LPGear coming out tops...
IMO, the AT-VM95E is so much better... much less sibilant.
But the best entry level MM cartridge is the AT-VM95ML, sounds about the same as the VM95E, but eliminates inner groove distortion.
14:00 It's not about actual damage, but wear. Higher tracking force means more friction, which means higher wear.
Nowadays, people expect records to last very long, since they're premium products.
That's why a lower tracking force is desired.
But yes, better a little overtracking than undertracking...
But in the end it all depends on your system, how your speakers are placed, how big your room is and at what distance you're listening... that's what can make a mediocre cartridge sound great and a TOTL cartridge sound crappy.
there is also an Elliptical upgrade stylus available on ebay for about $23 from either canada or the US, I swapped mine out for one and it makes a moderate difference.
I just received my AT-VM95SH and it sounds amazing! I will never go back to Ortofon.
I love this thing. It’s laid back, resolves enough detail to be interesting (but not clinical), and has very low surface noise.
This is a perfectly acceptable and highly enjoyable cartridge. If you’re enjoying it, don’t let anyone bully you into switching. There’s a lot of BS in the audiophile world only intended to separate you from your hard earned money.
I have had the AT -VM95c and then AT-VM95e and was disappointed with the second quality so I went to the AT-VM95SH which is the top of the range stylus at £200 which is a lot of money for me and most people.
I really couldn’t hear any difference from the AT-VM95c at £30.
Then last week my AT-VM95SH broke off and it was going to cost me £180 to replace just the stylus, so I decided to fit the AT-3600l and I’m really impressed with it.
Sounds like something was off with your setup. The difference in sound between the low end VMs and the high end ones is dramatic. I think the ATVM85EN is the best buy from them now but if you like what you hear from the AT3600 then that's fine. Just check your alignment and be sure you're getting the best from whatever cartrdige you use. :)
@@EzeeLinux thanks, for the money it’s a no brainier!
I think that my hearing has been damaged, playing in a rock band
If you already have this cart, you can grab the at91r (red) with aluminum cantilever or the yellow at91. These have lighter tracking forces.
Considering that you can get this cartridge cheap, getting just the stylus will probably cost the same as the deal you get on the whole cart.
Both the at91 and at91r are great too later or just stick with the 3600l. It's a crazy good stylus
The 91r stylus doesn't sound nearly as goo d as the "L" stylus and the tracking force is a non issue. I have tried it. :)
I took your recommendation and bought this cartridge and I say it sounds fantastic😅😅
I bought and loved it. If you set it perfectly, it sounds just perfect on my SONY PS-X 6. I was absolutely amazed at how good it sounds.Thank you very much your video animated me to buy it.
3g on this stylus for best results, if your turntable tonearm can handle it.
Anyone buying from eBay, make sure the picture shows the AT logo on the white stylus part. There are other companies making replacements for this.
Also, buy a cheap "eyeglasses repair kit" anywhere and it'll have the screwdrivers you need for this
The stylus looks cheap without the Audio Technica but whatever you're satisfied with is all that counts. I'm skeptical of a stylus with an aluminum cantilever. It is easily broken even being very careful. A stylus with a carbon fiber is much more durable.
Line contact is/was used interchangeably with Hyperelliptical, and these normally are longer than an elliptical, but not as long as Microridge/line, etc.
Match the 3600 on the right turntable
And it can punch way above its price point
So my Rega Planar 2 came with one of these (at 2g vtf) but I changed it for a Nagaoka MP-110 after 5 months because the sibilance / inner groove distortion was bad. After watching this vid I've put the Rega Carbon cart back on at 3g and it sounds much better than I remember it ever sounding before! Crazy how much difference that 1g makes.
I have also have a Planar 2 James. And the ATN3600L which sounds so good! But in your experience are there just some records where IGD cannot be avoided?Caused by hot pressings, damage , processing etc?
@@robertscott5486 Yes, even the Nagaoka couldn't eliminate it completely. I sold that and got an Audio Technica AT-440MLb which has a 'Microline' stylus and now I don't hear any IGD whatsoever. But I still have the trusty 3600L in reserve!
@@jameshogg11 Thanks for that! I do get a bit of IGD now and then but it’s tolerable for At300Ol price! Cheers
Hi James... Can i ask you what did you do on your Rega P2 to have it on a 3g tracking force? I also have a P2 but only jas a max of 2g tracking force on it. Your response will highly appreciated. Thank you.
@@jonathantengco3201 Hi Jonathan, I got it to 3g simply by adjusting the counter weight at the back of the tonearm.
When I've heard transfers made with this cartridge, I was shocked how good it sounded, given its price and placement in the echelon of phono cartridges. It sounded better overall, including tracking, vs probably anything up to around $100 on the market.
Very detailed, insightful, you have de-mystified a lot of things.
Thanks for this Joe, I'm a fan of this stylus on my Rega 2. I tried the LP elliptical upgrade but it just don't fit my cartridge. I even took it into my local Rega dealer, and he had no luck fitting it either. In your experience was the sound using the upgrade better?
Some buyers could be confused between the two numbers for this unit: "AT3600" and "AT3600L". From what I understand, the real audio magic is with the "L" version which is designed for a higher tracking force. Have you any experience with the "non-L" version of this cartridge?
Yes, I've used this cart off and on for nearly 30 years. The "L" is by far the best I've heard. :)
The AT3600 is a little different in some way. Those cartridges come permanently mounted on the AT-LP 60 and other turntables that are similar. I guess that it could be an all together different cartridge. I bet you the 3600 is not a standard half inch mount. Somebody on the audio sites recently mentioned that the 3600 replacement stylus is too small to fit on the 3600L body. Probably more narrow or shorter.
Hey Joe my fellow BROADCASTER...UR vid just inspired me to give the ANGELS HORN walnut table a spin with that 3600L!!! Besides it went on sale for $135!!! I'll let U know how it goes...THX and GOD BLESS!!!
thank you for the information, I am getting back into vinyl and now have a better appreciation than when I was a kid, since vinyl was what was abundant, I have the audio tech ATPL-50 , it seems to like the newer vinyl records of today, and it does sound pretty good. I was trying to determine if I needed to upgrade to a 500-dollar machine to get better sound but can't really get a good answer. would it really even make a difference that I could hear.
it's a very informative stuff Joe. I enjoyed listening to it. Can you tel me if LP Gear CARBON FIDELITY CFN3600LE stylus will be audible sonic upgrade for AT3600L? Are there other stylus alternatives?
I got the lp gear upgrade of this stylus and cartridge and installed it on my lp3 turntable, and its my fav so far. The bass is clearer and nicely punchy. The highs can have a little resonance on some lps, but I like it much better than say, the AT VN95 E. This is smooth but clear and not as warmly muddy as the VN...to my ears, anyway. And frankly I wasn't that impressed with the yellow nude stylus on the VN line for 99 bucks. I think the lp gear Carbon Fidelity sounds much better for all of you that own the automatic lp3. A little treble adjustment solves the occasional bright highs.
Very good!
Worth it.
CM
You mean the AT VM95E?
@@f1livenews2023 vm95 en, its okay, but I am not amazed by it
9:05 thank you for mentioning this
I wanted to know what they call that body style andI couldn't find it anywhere. I love the cartridge.
ur absolutely right about the tracking force thingy. this thing tracks well with my sl1200mk3d at 3g. but when i mounted this on "super lightweight" arm, the grace g545, record skips here and there but not on the sl1200. then i realized that the high tracking force of the 3600 is not suitable for the g545 😶
I have a Marley Turntable and this cartridge comes stock on it. But I'm having skipping issues with brand new records. Actually any record I play on it. I'm thinking I have to fix a setting. Either the antiskate or tracking force. I've been going between 2.5-3 tracking. And I have no idea where to set the antiskate.. 2.5-3 doesn't work.
I recently purchased a Technics SL-D3 with an AT3600L and an unknown stylus. During shipment the cart/stylus came out of its special packing and I was leary of using it so I purchased the AT-VM95E. I would like to compare that with the AT 3600L, what stylus would you recommend I mount on that cart? Thanks!
Yes Joe I agree with you it is amazing that a $25 cartridge can sound this good but it has to be played with it has to be set up properly to get that great sound. The track and angle has to be at 92 I set the weight at 2.45 g it seems to work best for me on a U-turn orbit which comes with this cartridge but it is not aligned properly the tracking angle is like 75°on the stylist and you can't get the proper tracking weight the heaviest it will go is like 2.2 grams which makes his cartridge pretty much worthless, so you must do some tweaking. It's too bad they don't give you other stylus options I wonder how it would sound what a Shabbat stylus 🤔
The U-turn comes with an option to get the AT-91B wich is the same as the AT3600L but tracks at just 2 grams. You can also exchange styli from the AT-91 carts with the AT3600L but I do believe the AT3600L works best with. VTA is not as important as it's made out to be.... It's impossible to maintain an exact 92 degrees going from record to record. I find that it's best to go for 92 degrees and shiftily higher rather than lower, though. You always want the cart to be level or "nose down" and not riding "nose up" as that's when you start to lose a lot of high frequencies. :)
@@EzeeLinux well two grams is just too light there is siblings and the track and angle is wrong I play with this cartridge 2.45 grams it sounds fantastic now trust me on this Joe like I said you have to be inventive to get the angle probably done as well as adding weight on the cartridge to get the 2.45 g once you do that the cartridge sounds remarkable!!!!
Thanks and subscribed ! I gave been pushing this Cart on my friends and other audio fanatics that I have met/meet. This cartridge is an absolute steal ! I would Gladly pay 4 times what I can buy one for now ($18.76 on ebay now 9/4/2021) Try this Cart people.
I am using that cartridge it really sound great.
A Riga just like it is $60. Outrageous!
Great video Joe! I love my 3600. I see that it’s possible to get an upgrade stylist for it. Do you think that is worth it? Are there any that you recommend in particular?
You really get the best sound with the 'L' stylus... I have bought a ton of after market styli and they all aren't as good to my ears.
I've tried the blue LP Gear stylus and I can honestly there is only a slight difference in the sound. My worth the $50 you pay for IMHO. Joe has sold me on the various advantages of running a conical stylus on your turntable.
Does this work on a Technics SLB3 or on a technics SLD2? Thanks.
I just pulled one off my Heyday. Replaced with an Ortofon Omega 1e. To much bass from the table. I am being told there's a carbon elliptical needle upgrade for 40 bucks.
I've always really had linear trackers: These 3 gram tracking force TT's sound scary...
My main player (Sony PS LX55 ii) has tracking force of 1,2 g and the cheapo philips (fp146) with Ortofon OM5E in my workroom has 1,6 g
People for whatever reason don't seem to like them these days, but really they're perfect. No complex adjustments, great track with low mass, no skipping, no shaky hands messing with tone arm. Just press a button.
Fact is, more ttracking force means more wear on your records, there 's now way to around it.
Also. You always hear people comment how records were played with all sorts of low level players in the 80's with heavy tracking and it didn't hurt anything...
Have you ever bought used LP? A lot of records are really not that good condition. Lot of VG labeled LP's are really not in that great shape, it goes just downhill from there.
Finding great sounding LP from 70's or 80's is pretty rare thing in fact.
But I have those: My mother bought that Sony in 80's and I have some LP's that have since been played insane amounts with it with barely any noticeable wear.
T4P turntables tracked at 1 or 2 grams as well, because they used the same cartridges as linear trackers.
I love this cart
Only down side I see is the tracking force. But I run my others at 2. This one I run just above minimum at 2.6 or so on my scale. No tracking issues. But usually I run this cart at 3g
The tracking force is not a downside at all... 3 grams with a spherical stylus does less damage than an elliptical at 2 grams...
@@EzeeLinux agreed. After some research that's correct
And an added plus, the conicals should last longer than elliptical.
@@EzeeLinux hello i recently bought a second hand AKAI AP006 with an 3600 catridge. The previous owner said that was set up correctly. Stylus is at 0.5 and anti skating at 3g. Is that ok?
@@meletisstavridis3125 0.5? Where are you getting that number?
@@EzeeLinux i was meaning the tracking force. Later i discover that was too low. I set up at 2.5g.
Great info! I need to uh... go adjust my tracking force :s
Hi Joe, thanks so much for your illuminating video on this remarkable cartridge. I have three turntables (RP 6, Planar 3, Planar 2), and I am so happy with the 3600 L that I even use it on the RP6 at times depending on my mood. One query: if the Rega Carbon and the 3600 L are basically the same, how do you account for the difference in tracking force between the two (2-3 g for the Rega, 2.5-3.5 for the AT) ? Also, I have found that 2.5 does not make a lot of difference from 3 with the 3600 L. Thanks!
The range for this stylus is actually very wide.... You can find different numbers depending on where you look. I would imagine that the folks at Rega are specing it for the lowest VTF they think they can get away with with their particular arm. How much VTF one needs depends on the compliance of the cantilever and the balance and resonance of the arm. Rega obviously would figure all that out before locking in the VTF.
@@EzeeLinux The reason I was asking is that, on my excellent RP6, I recently tried the 3600 L in replacement of the recently diseased Rega Exact. The 3600 L cost me 25 euros (compared with the 360-euros Exact!), and I am just dazzled by how good the small cartridge is, so much so that I have decided to postpone (indefinitely?) the purchase of another Exact. Thanks for debunking snobbish expertise in the field - 'what is cheap is junk!'. No, it's not, and I am better off financially for your help.
Hi sir... Just want to ask if i can apply 2g of tracking force on the 3600L? I owe a Rega P2 and the max TF on this table is only 2g. I will try to replace my rega carbon with this stylus coz i read on most reviews that 3600L & rega carbon are almost the same. Just want to explore/compare this 2 stylus also. Hoping for your response sir. Thank you and keep safe always.
@@jonathantengco3201 Hi Jonathan. On the new Planar 2, there is indeed an ajustable bias, and I have read somewhere that you just have to push it to the max and use the proper VTF whatever it is. You should have no problem with, say, 3g with the 3600L regardless of the bias, and there is no risk of damaging records at all with a higher VTF. I am not sure the Rega Carbon is exactly the same as the AT 3600L, I have noticed that the highs are a bit shriller with the AT, but I like it that way. Since you are in comparisons, you can also think of the LP Gear ATN 3600 LE (from LP Gear of course, in the US, customs duties not very high), which can be swapped with the Rega Carbon or the AT 3600L, but it has an elliptical stylus, not a conical one (the cartridge would cost you 50 dollars, and just the stylus just 36 dollars). I have been using this LP Gear cartridge on my RP 6 recently, and it is just astoundingly good.
Sounds good. Like the info!
Thank you for the insight. Cool
I just picked up a whole set of industrial Seeburg 16 RPM records and ordered one of these cartridges to play them. As far as my research, this .6 mil is best for the narrow grooves of the 16 rpm discs. What do you think?
The at3600L is low compliance according to specs on internet. So I think it won't work on a Dual turntable with ulm tonearm. What do you think about my opinion? And do you have tips for a good not too expensive high compliance cartridge ?
Btw good video
i Have a Dual turntable with the ULM tonearm with gimbal bearing and its got the 3600l cartridge fitted and the best sounding setup ive ever owned . Setup at 3g tracking checked with a scale and Aligned with an alignment tool and the sounds bright and sharp from the begining of the record to the end with no audible splatter . Hope that helps .
If you did want a version of this cart with a lower tracking force , the non L version is available - L stands for low compliance.
Doesn't sound as good. :)
@@EzeeLinux Fair enough :)
I'm looking for a high compliance stylus. Want it for a dual ULM. The at3600L is low compliance. So I think it won't work on this turntable
@@whatamesh8854 So what does low compliance mean? And high compliance?
Cheers
Yep, something about the carbon cantilever maybe? I'm no expert but sounds fab to me also.
PS. The LPGear upgrade stylus is phenomenal and well worth the extra few bucks (Blue one).
Hey Joe. I've found this video very helpful. Bought myself at AT3600L and had it set up professionally on my Rega Planar 2. I'm very happy with it. Question regarding IGD (I'm a relative newbie to this) Some of my records sound great on the inner tracks, including some full on rock songs. Others not so much. Is this a pressing issue ? In other words will some records always have IGD?
Cheers Robert from NZ
The better the stylus, the more records it will play cleanly but yes there are some records with the distortion in the groves and they won't play clean on anything. It depends on the kind of music, the modulation levels and the state of the cutter head... Lots of variables.
@@EzeeLinux Thanks for that. In your experience do you find the ATN3600l to be moderately good for tracking IGD?
@@robertscott5486 It's very good for the price and the fact that it's a conical shaped stylus. My high end AT's track better but not by that much... One of the reasons I like the at3600L
@@EzeeLinux Great. Thanks again. I'm very happy with it
I've been running in this cartridge for a month and it's far more revealing than my M75ED-T2. I'm hearing instruments I didn't know were on the recording - triangle(?) in the Delyse label Das Knaben Wonderhorn, piccolos popping out where they were unnoticed before.
New styli are comparatively expensive. Its cheaper to buy a new cartridge! I've just ordered half a dozen for less than the cost of a Thacker stylus for my Shure. Lastly. I'm getting remarkable sound at 2 grammes having started at 3gm. This is on a PL12D with a 6mm cork mat.
Mmmmm
I have a couple on some cheap turntables. They really aren't bad at all.
I dug out and re-fell in love with my old Marantz 6200 table, and collected carts to play with while playing random thrift store records. Though I have an AT3600L, I've been mainly using a Pickering V15 mainly because I like the Dustamatic brush. Now, I'm thinking, if the Pickering stylus is 7 mills and the AT is 6, maybe some of those records will sound better with the AT, and that should be my main cart for those. By the way, what do you think about running the elliptical stylus available for those? (I think I got mine from VM Audio Enthusiasts.) Next session, I'm going to compare the Pickering with the AT for noise levels. I long for being able to go to record swap meets again!
stay away from record swap meets, they will make you go broke.
I've just watched your video, I was in the market for an upgrade to my ortofon 2m bronze for my technics sl1200 G , my new audio technica at 3600l will arrive later this week, I wait with bated breath to see if this cart is as good as the reviews, have I made the right choice?
The AT3600 has an elliptical stylus replacement, but this do not improve so much the sound, a Jico SAS, or hyper elliptical can improve really, but manufacturers are not interested on this.
Hi Joe with all this talk of the conical stylus carts, have you ever tried the Nagaoka MP100. It would be interesting to see how they compare. Keep up the good work.
The MP100 is in a totally different league and can compete with carts costing 2-3 times as much. The AT3600L is competent for what it is as a budget cart but I would be looking to replace that straight away if I bought a turntable with that on it. The Rega Carbon costs a significant amount more but is the same cartridge that has been rebadged Rega!.. anyone that buys a new rega turntable will generally replace this straight away with an MP-100 or similar for a significant upgrade
Agree, the 3600 is way underrated. Adding a good quality phono preamp instead of relying upon the built-in on a receiver/amp brings out the best in it; the dynamics, openness are bumped up, very noticeable.
@@patrickthunnus yeah you are absolutely right, I've just recently paired my Nagaoka MP-110 with a Music Fidelity V90-LPS and the difference in sound is outstanding. The built in Phono stage is always the weakest link in an integrated amplifier. I'm looking forward to getting a Schiit Mani for my other setup to see how that compares. I've heard good things but they are near impossible to find right now, at least in the UK
@@Psychobeppe jmo, but I think a lot reviews on budget cartridges are flawed because they are usually paired with a built-in on a budget amp/receiver that doesn't really do justice. Glad you found a great pairing that you really like.
@@Psychobeppe schiit UK were selling refurbished ones for £120 with a 1 year warranty when I last browsed their website.
I am a little confused. I think this is the same cartridge as the Rega Carbon (except for the name on the front). The tracking for the carbon is recommended at 2 to 3gm.
It is the exact same cart as far as anyone can tell.
Unfortunately my 3600L on my system is too thin, overly shiny and presence is lacking, almost sounds like it has its own very subtle reverb built it in if that makes since. For as cheap as it is its a great stylus build wise. Tracks fine. Stereo seperation and imaging is amazing for such a low cost stylus. I used it at 3 grams per your recommendation and it helped its sound a lot. But over all it just doesn't do it for me. I found it fatiguing to listen too at the volume levels I like on my system. My turtable is HH Scott PS-76 that belonged to my grandfather that had been stuffed in a closet for 20+ years. I had to restore it and fix some things but is working like new machine now. Also have the AT91 and a VMN95en . The VMN95en is amazing specially for new albums and newer loudness style of mastering. Its sound to my ears is like the 3600L and AT91 mashed together. However. My favorite stylus is the AT91...for 30 bucks it just hits that's sweet spot and punches way above its price point. I track it at 2.5 grams and have no issues with it. The sounds is full and clean. Stereo separation and imaging is great. Bass is tight and detailed. Mids are full and clear and Highs are clear and clean without being washy or sibilant. It just works great for casual listening for any type music and any condition album.
The amp you hook it up to makes a difference.... These are a bit bright, though.
@@EzeeLinux 1994 RCA 240 watt solid state with built in phono pre from a rack system bought new in 94. Original floor standing 12s on the A channel, Polk Audio RTI-4s on the B channel on the desk. Sounds amazing.
I'm going to try the 3600l. Before watçhing this video i was concerned about record wear using conicals and 3 g tracking.i have always used Shure ellipticals at 2gr or less.replacemnt styli for Shure is now costly,so i recently got at95 w lp gear ce,se, cfe styli to try out.will try one of the 3600l.anyone compare any of these to 3600l?
It's a great cartridge for the money but I personally find the At-vm95e more lively and better generally. For the price though you can't beat 3600l
What is your 95e experience with older records, like from the 70s? Do they play well?
@@JaapH I don't have many from this decade but the few ones i have play just fine.
@George Papamichail will take my chances then. My turntable came with a 3600 but I don't know the history. Sounds good but I am interested for the 95e in combination with new rock vinyl.
It has been about 30 years since I played records. I used to use Audio-Technica and Pickering back then. Do you think records sound better than cd ? Should I get back into them?
It's not about what sounds "better". I would say that the sound quality of both can be and generally are high quality. You just need to have the right turntable, cartridge etc to get the most of your records. I say go for it, and my suggestion would be the VM740ML. It's 329 dollars but the cheaper VM540ML would also be a great choice.
Do you actually miss records? Go listen to one being played on a good system and see if you do then think about dumping money into the gear to play them.
@@EzeeLinux Way back when I used to have a Rek-O-Kut variable speed turntable with a Pickering tone arm and cartridge and Garrard Zero 100 and Pioneer with Audio Technica all I can remember is cleaning them all the time with a discwasher and the brush on the Pickering and hearing all the pops and static. I will take your advice though and listen to my friends vinyl set up. Love your videos thank you.
@@EzeeLinux I also have another Technics SL-D2 with the Pickering V15-202E cartridge and i love that cartridge. I think you did a video a while back about the Pickering V15.
Cheers
There’s a reason rega use it on their planar 1 and 2
can you use this on the p-mount arms? Looks like it can just plug in there,...only you wouldn't be using the screw holes for anything.
No, it doesn't work that way...
Have you tried this cart with the elliptical 'upgrade', specifically the one offered by LP Gear? I was considering the VM95 but you have me thinking differently.
Yes, I have... It doesn't sound as good. It's the stylus that is the star here. :)
@@EzeeLinux Thanks for responding! I am going to grab one.
OK I would like to jump in on this one. Back in the '80s I had a SIGNET 100 aka 3600. check out the link I had on Canuck audio mart.www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649388848-signet-100-cartridge/images/1683423/ . I did sell this cart. I had both stylus types and I must say that I preferred the elliptical. While the conical was good, I kept coming backed to the elliptical, to me, it just had more sparkle on the top end. This goes for the 2M RED and BLUE. The red is good but the Blue is really good. I like that crystal clear symbol crash. I must admit at todays price, it is hard to beat.
I tried the VM95C and it wasn't that great. Even with extremely careful handling the stylus bent and broke into after a few days. The cantilever is very fragile. The XP series styli cantilever is much sturdier carbon fiber. I think sometimes new products to replace existing ones is only a marketing scheme to get more money. Newer isn't always better. In the past Audio Technica has made some great cartridges so if they still work well why replace them?
@@deanwhite4190 What did you think of the XP? I now have a VM95 body (an anniversary present) and was thinking about putting the xp 5 on it. There aren't many (any?) reviews for it from hifi enthusiasts, just the intended DJ market. I love the XP aesthetics versus the obnoxious VM95E.
Wow. What a great video and such good info. Question: I just bought one at eBay. How do I know they will send me the the one I bought ? Is there a serial number or some kind of markings to show what it is? They could easily sell me a cheaper one pretending to be the AT3600L. Please advice.
There is no cheaper one to sell you.... This is it. If it looks like what you see i the bid, you're good. :)
I replaced an Ortofon 2M Red with the 3600 . Its so much better.
you should try the AT 91,another very amazing cartridge
I have one. It's a very nice cart too but not as lively as the 3600L to my ears. :)
Lp gear is ok as long as you don't
Run into a problem with a a product
Anybody used these for DJing?
AT3600L stylus is pretty good for backcueing. DJ Q-Bert actually used to use it, although he used Shure M44-7 more often. It's pretty good cartridge, and I think this is the best cost performance phono cart. AT91R stylus (red one) is the one I'd recommend for listening.
How would the Audio-Technica CN-5625AL compare? It also has a conical stylus and his priced around $30.
This is basically the same cart but the 'L' stylus has a very special sound all its own. :)
The 3600 cartridge is not available in India but the 95c and 95e series are available. Are they comparable. Thanks.
The 95e is a very nice cart but it doesn't have have the magic I talk about in this vid. Still, a very good choice. :)
Mr. Collins..first of all i see in the comments that you have a troll present..lol..but that aside i just wanted to echo your thoughts on the cart..i picked one up after your initial video because i buy alot of very dirty lps and 45s from seconhand stores..of course i clean them first with a modified spinclean thats motorized and uses magic eraser in the place of the stock cleaner brushes...i have to say that the cart actually improves the dynamics of these types of recordings and allows playback on my turntables , one is a CEC BD6000, the other is a pioneer pl-35.... i do have a question..do you know of a guage that accurately tracks the anti-skate of the tone arm... i can set a turntable up with the best of them.. but have found that , for example, the weight positioning read out on most tone arms of commercial turntables is woefully inaccurate by enlarge .. so if this is true , over time i would assume the same with the antiskate setup...your thoughts will be appreciated....cheers
There are gauges that read anti-skate but you don't need one. It's always a compromise no matter where you set it because it changes with each record you play. usually it's good enough to just set the arm to the same number as the tracking force you're using. Using a blank record to make the arm hold in one place usually makes you apply too much anti-skate.
@@EzeeLinux with anti-skate thats what i had been doing for years and I giess that Ill just contimue doing that..i doubt i will ever set up anti=skate on a per record basis as im not that much of a purist...lol... though i do love the mechanics of turntables which is why my main table is the cec ... there is just something ablot having a hydraulic based tonearm lift and the separate weight for antiskate that attracts me and the tone arm is s-shape config versus straight..lol...thank you for you input on the anti-skate..cheers
The nuts that come with the package are made of steel and magnetic. Does this affect anything in the long term?
No, it shouldn't. :)
Whats the sound difference compared to the rega carbon? I have ths rega and would not want brighter than that.
Ps 4 adverts so far and im only halfway through!!
As far as anyone can tell, the Carbon is exactly the same cartridge with a different logo. Creators don't control when RUclips plays commercials anymore so complaining in the comments section won't help. :)
I have AT3600L, sounds great, but I use with 2.5 grams, do you think is it possible I made some damage to the records?, I will use on 3 grams since today
Most likely not... If you aren't hearing bad distortion then it's OK. Going to 3 grams just might sound a bit better, though. :)
Will this work on a low mass tonearm like on the Philips 312 TT ? , Thx
Hi Biddy. I'm looking to buy this, can you please link us the website that you bought it from?
Thank you
ebay.com
did you meant the AT 510 CB stated a tracking force 1.8/2.2gram , if so can I use safely 3gram, thanks for sharing your experience with cartridges which don't have to be expensive to sound great
Tracking force is determined by the compliance of the cantilever... It's always best to go with what the manufacturer suggests for the stylus and maybe a bit more. :)
@@EzeeLinux thx Joe in this video you mentioned the AT VM 510C is that the AT VM 510CB
@@anjovandijk9797 Yes, That tracks at 2 grams... :)
@@EzeeLinux any recommendations regarding headshells for my technics 1200 gae
@@anjovandijk9797 Audio Technica makes nice head shells. You can get one from just about every cartridge manufacturer to go with their carts. :)
Would this cartridge fit a Dual CS 606?
Does this work on a Technics SL1500? Thanks, great video
Yes
I just bought a Sanyo MG-09D cart. Have you tried it Joe? I own an AT3600L. I think this one sounds sweeter than the MG -09D. What do you think?
Must be an old cart... I didn't know Sanyo made them at all.
@@EzeeLinux now its known like Numark Groovetool.
Sanyo MG-09D is made by Chuo Denshi in Japan. Chuo Denshi is really just an electronic manufacturer, but not specialized manufacturer of turntable cartridges, so these ones sound very harsh and unfriendly to the ears. They just work, that is all. But the last AT91 (AT3600 body) cartridge which I bought from german webseller is most probably made under licence by Chuo Denshi. Molded plastic looks the same and no sign "Made in China" on a top of the cart. Audio-technika doesn`t produce AT3600 bodies anymore, only replacement styluses.
I am new to this. I have a LP60 Audio Technica turntable and I am ready to change my stylus. I was wondering, since the LP60 has an integrated arm, will an AtVM95e stylus fit in my cartridge? Also are there any other higher quality styluses that fit the LP60 cartridge? Thanks
You cannot change the cartridge but there are some really fine styli available for that turntable. Take a look at Lp Gear. Search for the AT 3600 and look at all the upgrades. Remember, you'll need one that can track at 3 to 4 grams.... :)
@@EzeeLinux Thanks Joe