Audio-Technica AT85EP

Name: Audio-Technica AT85EP
Brand: Audio-technica
SKU: 639653699f72479b37739dcd
Rating: 2.9 (40 reviews)

Based on 40 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

#63 most mentioned

Reddit · r/turntables

Great value for the price

Solid choice for upgrading from a stock cartridge

Good sound quality

Compatible with a wide variety of upgrade styli

Easy to install

Not as high quality as more expensive options

Some reviewers had difficulty with installation

Some reviewers suggest pairing with a higher-end stylus for even better performance

Verdict

Overall, the Audio-Technica AT85EP is highly recommended by reviewers as a budget-friendly option for turntable cartridges. Many reviewers note that it provides good sound quality for its price and is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade from a stock cartridge. Some reviewers suggest pairing it with a higher-end stylus for even better performance. While some reviewers mention other turntable options, they generally agree that the AT85EP is a good starting point for those on a budget. Installation can be a bit tricky, but overall, reviewers are satisfied with their purchase.

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Top reviews

Technics SL-QD3 for $50?

IMO the absolute best values in budget turntables are ‘80s Technics quartz-locked DD turntables with P-mount tonearms. They usually have excellent wow/flutter and SNR performance. Throw an AT85EP on there and you’ll have a very solid turntable that beats anything you can get new in the $300-400 range. Swap out the stylus on the AT85EP for an aftermarket Shibata stylus like [this or [this and you’re likely competing with most turntables at $1000 new, at least in their stock configuration.

Positive

squidbrand

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

It’s perfect, except for one thing...

First, I want to say this cartridge sounds really good, considering the low cost. I’m very happy, it was a perfect, easy swap for my late model Pioneer tt. I’ve been looking for a viable replacement, as it’s getting harder and harder to buy replacement styluses with any kind of quality control for m...

Technics SL-B100. What’s the best replacement cartridge for this?

If you mean the best as in the one it probably makes the most sense to choose, considering price and what turntable you’d be using it on… the Audio-Technica AT85EP. If you mean the best as in actually the best you can get… still the AT85EP, but pull off the stock stylus and stick this one on:. https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATN3472ML.html. Not sure I’d recommend it on the B100 though.

Positive

squidbrand

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

PSA! PSA! Just buy a new STYLUS!!!!

People who have vintage audio technica cartridges, PLEASE READ!!!! You may be replacing the whole cartridge when all you need is a new needle (stylus). This cartridge would be at the bottom of the barrel during the 80s and early 90s, there is a very, very good chance that your existing cartridge wil...

Is this a good deal at $125 bucks used?

I paid roughly that for an Audio Technica and I absolutely love mine. Before I had one of those little briefcase one's from Walmart and it was enough to get me hooked into vinyl.

Positive

chubbyviking03

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Fabulous For The Price

This cartridge is fabulous for the price. I was really impressed with the sound quality of this I honestly thought it was going to sound much worse. The only thing you need to be aware of is that you may have to adjust your tone-arm weight and anti-skate but you should do that anytime you change car...

Help restoring Technics SL-D20

For the cartridge, the best starting point these days is going to be the Audio-Technica AT85EP. That will sound quite good on its own (it's on equal footing with things like the A-T VM95E, Ortofon 2M Red, and Sumiko Rainier), and if and when you want to upgrade later on, the cartridge body is compatible with a wide variety of upgrade styli including line contact profiles like MicroLine and Shibata.

Positive

squidbrand

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Sound

Haven’t used my pioneer turntable for thirty years, getting the weight balance was a little tricky and new instructions provided how to accomplish this. I think my power amp also has a problem with the balance knob. Got it working but think it would be better if other things were right.

Picked up Technics Sl-QD33 that looks brand new

Yours looks like it’s in pretty amazing condition! Nice find!. I started by replacing the AT DR300E cartridge it came with, with a AT85EP cartridge/stylus. The stylus on the original cartridge was bent.

Positive

brianjeremymorgan

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

New life to an old turntable

Bought this to replace a Shure cartridge on my 30 year old JVC turntable that I wasn't able to find a reasonably priced replacement stylus. Tracking is good and sound quality is close enough to what I remember the previous cartridge providing that I have no complaints.

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