Audio-Technica ATN3600 LC Stylus

Replacement stylus for the Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge.
This update of the venerable ATN3600L conical bonded stylus, which has sold by the millions and been trusted by countless music lovers for more than 50 years, features a new modern design while retaining the ease-of-use, reliability, and sound quality that have made it the replacement stylus for so many turntables. The 0.6 mil conical stylus ensures proper contact with the record groove even when the cartridge is not quite level.

Stylus Shape: Conical
Stylus Dimension: 0.6 mil
Stylus Life: Approx. 300–500 hours

Compatible Turntables

Audio-Technica turntables: AT-LP60X series, AT-LP60 series, AT-LP2D series, AT-PL300 series, AT-SB727, AT-SB2022, AT-LPGO-BT, AT-PL50.

Other brands: Consult the turntable’s user manual or contact the manufacturer.

This update of the venerable ATN3600L conical bonded stylus, which has been sold by the millions and been trusted by countless music lovers for decades features a new modern design while retaining the ease-of-use, reliability, and sound quality that have made it the replacement stylus for so many turntables.

Replacement Process:
1. To remove old stylus (needle), hold the cartridge in one hand, grasp the plastic stylus housing with thumb and forefinger, and pull away from the cartridge. The stylus assembly comes away at a slight angle, as indicated by the arrow.

2. To install replacement stylus, insert the new stylus assembly into the cartridge at a slight angle, so the hook at the end of the stylus fits into the slot in the cartridge body. The stylus assembly should click into place when fully seated on the cartridge. The stylus must be fully seated on the body for proper operation.

ATN3600LC vs. ATN3600LE: What's the difference?
Owners of an AT-LP60/X (all variants), Sound Burger AT-SB727 / AT-SB2022 and AT-PL300 (all variants) now have the choice between two different replacement styli: ATN3600LC and ATN3600LE. The conical stylus ATN3600L, which was previously the only option for these turntables, has been replaced by the optically revised ATN3600LC (conical cut) and the ATN3600LE (elliptical cut).

The ATN3600LC has a conical profile and is the direct successor to the conical stylus ATN3600L. If you opt for this replacement needle, the familiar sound will not change and you will not hear any difference.

The ATN3600LE, on the other hand, is a new option for the turntables mentioned above and has an elliptical profile that can provide a better audio experience.

How is the elliptical stylus different?

The information stored on a vinyl record is written into the groove edges. A conical stylus sits relatively high up in the record groove and can be affected by tiny scratches on the surface, which can cause noise during playback.

Compared to a conical stylus, the profile of an elliptical stylus is narrower, allowing the stylus to penetrate deeper into the groove and access information that a conical stylus simply cannot reach. The larger contact area between the stylus and the groove flank ensures an extended frequency response and there is less background noise as the stylus is less affected by scratches. Both lead to a better listening experience and can reveal additional sonic aspects.