Description
Restore the rich, high-output audio performance of your mid-century record changer with this original Sonotone 16TAF Stereo Ceramic Phono Cartridge. Highly sought after by vintage audio restoration enthusiasts, this classic high-compliance ceramic pickup element is engineered to deliver flat, robust frequency response directly into vintage tube amplification circuits without the need for a modern phono preamplifier.
Product Specifications:
- Model Number: 16TAF / 16TAF-SD / 16TAFSD
- Brand: Sonotone (Also distributed under major service brands like Astatic)
- Element Type: High-Compliance Ceramic (Stereo)
- Output Voltage: ~0.4V to 0.5V (High Output)
- Tracking Force Range: 5.0 to 7.0 grams
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Condition: Vintage / New Old Stock (NOS) or Bench-Tested Working Pull
Industry Cross-References & Compatibility:
The Sonotone 16TAF directly replaces or crosses over to the following legacy manufacturer part numbers:
- Astatic: 760, 760D
- Electro-Voice (EV): 5553
- V-M (Voice of Music): 25292-B
- Admiral: 409C43-2, 409C48-2
- Motorola: 59D60872A02
- Sears Silvertone / Philco / Phonola / Webcor / Westinghouse: Multiple factory numbers referencing the 16T, 16TA, and 16TAF series assemblies.
- Natively accepts the Sonotone N9T / N16T / Type 808 series flip-over dual-sided needles (typically configured with an LP microgroove tip on one side and a 78 RPM tip on the reverse).
Restoration Note: Unlike older crystal elements that melt from humidity, ceramic elements like the 16TAF are highly durable over time. This premium unit has been fully inspected and bench-tested to ensure proper channel balance and standard structural compliance for reliable drop-in installation.