Elliptical P-Mount Cartridge for Detailed, Convenient Vinyl Playback
The Audio-Technica AT85EP Cartridge is a P-mount Dual Moving Magnet stereo cartridge designed as an easy-to-install replacement or upgrade for compatible P-mount turntables. Its 0.3 × 0.7 mil bonded elliptical stylus provides more precise groove contact than a conventional conical stylus, helping retrieve additional musical detail while maintaining dependable tracking performance.
With a frequency response extending from 20Hz to 22kHz, 3.5mV output and a recommended tracking-force range of just 1.0 to 1.5 grams, the AT85EP is designed for low-mass P-mount tonearms. Audio-Technica's Dual Moving Magnet architecture and alloy-tube cantilever provide a straightforward way to restore or upgrade compatible vintage and modern P-mount turntables without the more involved alignment process normally associated with standard ½-inch cartridges.
Highlights & Benefits
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0.3 × 0.7 mil Elliptical Stylus — Elliptical geometry provides more precise contact with the record groove for improved high-frequency detail and tracking compared with basic conical designs.
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Dual Moving Magnet Design — Audio-Technica's stereo moving-magnet architecture provides reliable output and accurate reproduction from compatible MM phono inputs.
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P-Mount / T4P Installation — Designed for compatible P-mount tonearms, simplifying cartridge installation and minimizing the alignment adjustments associated with conventional ½-inch cartridges.
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Light 1.25g Standard Tracking Force — Operates within a 1.0–1.5g range, with 1.25g specified as the standard setting for compatible tonearms.
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Replaceable ATN85EP Stylus — The stylus assembly can be replaced independently when worn, helping extend the useful life of the cartridge body.
Technology & Design
Elliptical Groove Contact — The bonded 0.3 × 0.7 mil elliptical stylus follows the modulations of a stereo record groove with greater precision than a basic spherical profile, supporting improved detail retrieval across the audible range.
Dual Moving Magnet Generator — The cartridge uses Audio-Technica's Dual Moving Magnet stereo configuration to convert stylus movement into the electrical signal sent to a compatible moving-magnet phono stage.
Alloy-Tube Cantilever — The stylus is supported by an alloy-tube cantilever engineered to transfer groove movement to the cartridge generator while maintaining low moving mass.
P-Mount Compatibility — The standardized P-mount interface was designed to simplify cartridge replacement. On a compatible T4P tonearm, installation requires substantially less cartridge alignment than a conventional ½-inch-mount design.
FAQ — Audio-Technica AT85EP
What type of turntable does the AT85EP fit?
The AT85EP is a P-mount, also known as T4P, cartridge. It installs directly into compatible P-mount tonearms. For certain standard ½-inch applications, a suitable P-mount-to-½-inch adapter may be used when the tonearm and turntable permit proper setup.
What stylus does the AT85EP use?
The AT85EP uses a bonded 0.3 × 0.7 mil elliptical stylus. Audio-Technica specifies the ATN85EP as the replacement stylus for this cartridge.
What tracking force should I use with the AT85EP?
Audio-Technica specifies a vertical tracking-force range of 1.0 to 1.5 grams, with 1.25 grams as the standard setting. Always follow the setup requirements of the specific turntable and tonearm.
Can the AT85EP be connected to a standard MM phono input?
Yes. The AT85EP is a moving-magnet cartridge with a specified 3.5mV output, making it suitable for compatible MM phono preamplifiers and MM phono inputs.
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