Elliptical stylus
The stylus shape enables it to more accurately trace the highest frequency record grooves giving it the advantage over ordinary spherical types. The lightweight shank also gives the stylus a lower tip mass than cheaper metal bonded types lending the cartridge an improved transient response. The user replaceable stylus carrier slots tightly into the body with a locating pin preventing unwanted vibrations.
Expert Adjustment
The correct setting of stylus azimuth (or horizontal tracking angle) is essential for the maintenance of a proper stereo sound stage. Azimuth is the term used to describe the angle that the vertical centre-line of the stylus makes with the record surface and this must be exactly perpendicular to the record groove. This is not usually a user adjustable parameter on most budget decks and so it is vital that the cartridge leaves the factory with the azimuth precisely set. Badly adjusted azimuth can cause uneven channel balance and increased crosstalk between channels which would severely degrade the stereo image.