You can now select the highly prized Shibata cut diamond tip for the "211" body style. Shibata is the absolute best you can get. The shibata cut will bring out details you never even imagined existed on the record and clearly bring forth information that is compressed away if you have listened to the same music in mp3 format.-------------------------------------------------------------------------
*This 'SHIBATA upgrade' of the most popular needle style in existence, the "211", affords the user an easily deployed massive upgrade path to top of the line shibata. Most other 211 type factory supplied needles are "entry-level" conical tipped. This will be a dramatic upgrade from your old needle and is only recommend for those wanting the best possible sound without a lot of hassle upgrading various components of their stereo system. The needle is where the rubber meets the road. As such it is arguably the most critical component of a phono stereo system. (see cautions below)TRACKING PRESET TABLES:Most regular individual component turntables can handle the normal tracking pressure of 1.0 - 2.0 grams. However due to strong demand we have this shibata tipped carbon fiber cantilever available for customers who, after carefully reviewing the CAUTION below regarding entry-level turntables, still wish to "supe up" their entry-level turntable with a hi-end needle. We don't generally recommend this activity but it is possible to achieve surprisingly good results in most cases. It's kind of like over clocking a computer. It can be done with success but you are running closer to the edge. caveat emptor! Entry-level turntable: If you paid under $149, the tonearm is straight and has no readily visible adjustment points, screws or wiring, you likely have an entry-level turntable with factory present tracking pressure in the 3-4 gram range.