As pictured above this is what we call a plug-n-spin kit. , you will receive a complete solution that is ready to plug into most "S-shaped" tonearms. You can be up and spinning in seconds. (minor adjustment(s) recommended.)
PLEASE NOTE: By default this item comes preassembled as pictured. But, if you like, we will leave the kit unassembled. Just make a note in the comments window during the checkout process. We understand some folks would rather receive everything factory sealed.
The AT120E is a large jump up the line from the best selling AT3600 1/2" mount cartridge. Audio Technica, a quality brand name has made this available as solid upper mid level consumer replacement. It will get that old turntable up n running with top quality sound with a diamond tip that's easy on your rare records for maximum record & needle life.
This cartridge is fitted with LC-OFC lead wires (Linear-Crystal Oxygen-Free Copper) which is a highly refined copper material free of oxidizing agents and other impurities. A special process is used to elongate the lattice structure of the material to minimize the number of crystals in a given length of the wire. For example in standard copper wire there are more than 150,000 crystal boundaries for every meter length of wire. The LC-OFC process reduces this number to 20 (1/7,500th of 150k standard) The result is a startling drop in transmission losses and distortion across these boundaries. Signal transfer efficiency is improved, and linearity is maintained even for extremely low signal levels. The use of LC-OFC wire assures that the fidelity of the signal reproduced by Audio Technica's high quality cartridges is transferred to the amplifier stage without modification.
Because this cartridge is mounted on the the headshell with two vertically mounted screws, side by side, 1/2" apart, it is known as a 1/2" mount cartridge. Other mounting characteristics are that it has 4 exposed wires in the back and is almost never found on a linear tracking turntable.
Notes:
The headshell is the hardware attached to the end of the tonearm that is usually distinguished by the 'handle' that sticks out to the right for lifting the tonearm over to the record from the rest position. If your turntable is linear tracking it means the whole tonearm slides several inches from side to side as opposed to the standard type usually designated 'straight' or 'S shaped' which pivots on a stationary 'hub' assembly at the right rear corner of the turntable. A linear tracking turntable will generally have buttons you must operate to move the tonearm and will almost always be found with a (T4P) Pmount cartridge. (Go back up one category and click on Pmount).
Myth:
Often people think they must have a brand of cartridge that matches their turntable brand. This is totally unecessary and often impossible to achieve these days. In fact, the vast majority of turntable manufacturers, had a third party cartridge manufacturer make the cartridge on their behalf. Also, cartridge wiring connections usually go straight to your amplifier, receiver or computer thus allowing the turntable to make no direct electrical changes to the cartridge output signal.
Specifications: Audio Technica AT120E 1/2" Mount Cartridge w/needle
Stylus Shape: .3 x .7mil BiRadial (Elliptical) NUDE Diamond tip (ATN120E aka 208-DE)
Cantilever: Thin wall tube(NOT for DJ use)
Tracking Force: 1.0 - 1.8 grams
Output Level: 5mV @ 5cm/sec. @ 1Khz
Frequency Range: 15 - 25Khz
Load Impedance: 47K ohm
Load Capacitance: 100-200 pF
Channel Balance: 1.0 dB
Channel Seperation: 29dB @ 1Khz & 20dB @ 10Khz
Cartridge Weight: 6.5 grams
