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Old 11th Jan 2017, 9:05 pm   #1
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Default Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Hi everyone,

I am looking at Hitachi Record Deck HT-324 this week. I would be grateful to know what cartridge/stylus you would recommend to use with it so that I can research suppliers and price.

Many thanks,

John.
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Old 11th Jan 2017, 9:21 pm   #2
sp10mk11
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Audio Technica AT-95 would be a reasonable choice for this deck, though there are others but these are very popular and easy to get replacement styli for.
Gary
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Old 12th Jan 2017, 10:47 am   #3
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

An option is the AT-91, cheaper but well regarded here. It was a mid-range deck in its day. Priced now used at £40/70 depending on working condition. You can still get a new belt.
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Old 13th Jan 2017, 4:39 pm   #4
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Thank you, Edward and Gary.

I am now the proud owner of an Hitachi HT-324 turntable Although it has no cover.

It has an Ortofon VMS20E MKII cartridge at present. Age unknown. Is this worth keeping and just replacing the stylus or would you recommend simply going for a newAudio Technica AT-95?

Unfortunately, I did not quite understand your post above, Edward. I'd be grateful if you could clarify.

Many thanks,

John.

Last edited by Android; 13th Jan 2017 at 4:44 pm.
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Old 14th Jan 2017, 11:31 am   #5
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

There may be no need to change the existing cartridge and stylus. Styluses can have a very long life if not abused. The cartridge is indeed overspecified for the arm, but that just means that you won't get the best performance from it. The previous owner obviously thought it was worth spending the money on it.
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Old 14th Jan 2017, 1:50 pm   #6
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Thanks, everyone

So, it sounds like I will not get much, if any, performance improvement by changing the cartridge. Am I correct?

If so, I might simply buy a new stylus for the sake of looking after my LPs.
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Old 14th Jan 2017, 2:05 pm   #7
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

If you change the VMS stylus to N15 stylus you will gain in terms of sound and a better matched cartridge and stylus to your arm, and less chance of damaging your records by using an unmatched stylus
Gary
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Old 14th Jan 2017, 2:52 pm   #8
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Replacement styluses for many cartridge models are very expensive now if NOS or made to the original specification, though I haven't checked in this case. You may find it cheaper to buy one of the suggested Audio Technica cartridges instead.
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Old 14th Jan 2017, 4:38 pm   #9
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Oh yes Paul if you were to buy the original Ortofon one it would be hellishly expensive, but I bought one of eBay for about £15.00 it is made in Switzerland, and works perfectly.
Gary
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Old 14th Jan 2017, 6:13 pm   #10
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Thanks, Gary. Would either of these two be the one you purchased? Are they the correct stylus?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stylus-for...2L8NHUQLU7GWTQ

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stylus-for...gAAOSw2XFUhcml

I will also check with the seller before buying , if they look correct.
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Old 14th Jan 2017, 8:22 pm   #11
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

As in Pauls post #5 if the previous owner went to the trouble of fitting an Ortofon VMS20E MKII then it is likely that the stylus is still in good condition, an inspection with a magnifying glass should give some indication of its condition. Could save your money.
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Old 16th Jan 2017, 9:17 pm   #12
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Default Re: Hitachi Record Deck HT-324

Hello John
I bought the red one on ebay as in the first link but looking at the other on offer this will do the job aswell.
So good luck, you will be fitting a far more compatible stylus
Gary
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