Hello
I’m looking to bring my old record player out from under my bed and start using it again. It’s a NAD 5080 which I bought aaaages ago for £20 from a work colleague and have never really used.
Anyway this is the needle/cartridge/whatever it’s called:
I’m looking online for a replacement but the one they’re suggesting looks like it’s a different shape. Any ideas?
(Also am I better off just buying a new deck?)
Good luck. I have never replaced the needle on my ancient Bush 50 quid Argos job. I’m sure it’s wearing the shit out of my records. But the alternative is diving into this murky world!
I bought some ‘universal’ needles from eBay. Universal, my arse!
What’s the replacement being suggested to you online c_c_b?
Looks totally different
Okay, NAD gear is generally really good, so that turntable is absolutely worth keeping.
Now, figuring out what cartridge you need for it might be difficult. We might need clearer pictures here c_c_b.
This is suggested on another site by the way.
Ah thanks for looking! Yes, there’s a NAD 5080 on eBay for about £280 so I think it’s worth trying to get right.
I’ll take some more pics tomorrow but it’s a surprise for Mrs CCB so I had to take the pics above in a bit of a hurry.
My GF’s grandad left an NAD amp to us when he passed away and it is unbeatable. You’ve got something good there.
Okay, let’s figure this out for you and Mrs. c_c_b!
If you defo have a nad 5080 the a website that lists comparable cartridges for that model will work. Sometimes they might look different but they should still fit.
Post more detail if you want to be sure though.
That’s definitely the model 
It’s the fit at the back that I don’t get. The current one has a little metal bit poking out of the back and then a larger plastic bit above it. Very difficult to tell from pictures that don’t have a back view.
Oh that looks very similar actually
THAT DON’T IMPRESSAH ME MUCH!
This one too - bit easier on the wallet:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Turntable-Diamond-Replacement-ORTOFON/dp/B0847R3HSY/
Yeah. It’s been sat largely unused for about 15 years or so, so I just want to get it up and running. Need a preamp too! (Or at least an adaptor for the preamp I have).
I’ll take another look at the stylus when Mrs CCB isn’t around. Looks very similar though. I’ve bought her two of her favourite albums on vinyl to get her started
I took a couple of clearer pictures:
The Ortofon (compatible) stylus above looks like the right fit. I’ve also found the old preamp for it so I’ll order a spare adapter at the same time.
Here’s a pic of the old thing - a little clean-up and it’ll be just right 
Out of interest is the cartridge you have completely knackered? Just wondering if you’ve had chance to check if the player is fully working before investing in a new stylus?
Yeah I gave it a test this morning - the stylus is scratchy and I need to get the arm adjustment just right but it does play. I’ve not tried it plugged in though (but I have a mate who’s good at fixing this sort of thing if there’s a wiring issue).
Also I’m going to go with TWI’s suggestion - buy the cheaper cartridge for now and upgrade to the Ortofon further down the line.
Cool man. I’d go for the recommendation above then. Sure you’d be able to return if it’s not right but no reason it shouldn’t be
Have fun
Replacement stylus arrived 
and it fits! 
However the power adapter for the preamp doesn’t fit 
but the cost of a basic Behringer preamp isn’t much more than the cost of the power adapter
I’m sure you’re all on tenterhooks so I’ll keep you posted.
