Which stylus fits your Philips GP400 cartridge?

Looking for a replacement stylus for a Philips GP400, also written GP-400, or a related Philips cartridge? The cartridge generation determines which version you need. The Tonar 511-DS belongs to the first series, while the Tonar 534-DS is intended for the MKII cartridges listed here. Both have a diamond tip, but their cartridge compatibility and optimum tracking force differ. Use this comparison and the complete model lists to identify the version for your fitted cartridge and order the correct replacement.

Always check the cartridge actually fitted to your turntable. The turntable model number and the colour of the old stylus provide supporting clues. On older equipment, the original cartridge may have been replaced over the years.

Tonar 511-DS and 534-DS: the differences

The cartridge series is the key to choosing correctly. A higher Tonar model number does not automatically make the 534-DS a suitable successor to the 511-DS. Do not assume the two are interchangeable. A matching tracking-force setting does not mean both versions fit the same cartridge.

How to choose the correct Philips replacement stylus

1. Read the model designation on the cartridge. The cartridge is at the end of the tonearm. Check the complete marking, including any MKII designation.
2. Identify the first series or MKII. For a confirmed first-series GP400, choose the 511-DS; for a confirmed GP400 MKII, choose the 534-DS. An incomplete or illegible marking is not enough to make a reliable choice.
3. Use the model list as an additional check. Some units appear in both lists. The note some versions only means the stylus fits only certain versions of that model.
4. Check before ordering. Compare the version with the product photographs. If the cartridge series remains unclear, send Hi-Stands the equipment model and clear photographs of the cartridge and old stylus for identification.

Tonar 534-DS: replacement stylus for Philips GP400 MKII

The black Tonar 534-DS is intended for the Philips MKII cartridges listed below. Its specified tracking-force range is 1.5 to 3 grams, with an optimum of 2 grams. Use the equipment list alongside the model designation on the fitted cartridge.

Technical specifications Tonar 534-DS

Compatible Philips cartridges: MKII series

Philips GP400 MKII, Philips GP500 MKII, Philips GP401 MKII, Philips GP501 MKII, Philips GP406 MKII, Philips GP412 MKII, Philips GP421 MKII, Philips GP422 MKII.

Compatible Philips equipment and model numbers

Suitable when the corresponding cartridge version is fitted. Check the cartridge actually installed, even if your equipment model appears below.

• Philips: 437, 673, 674, 677, 777, 867, 887, 903, 953, 967, 977, 982, 984.
• Philips AF: AF073, AF085, AF087, AF673, AF674, AF677, AF684, AF685, AF729, AF777, AF825, AF829, AF867, AF877, AF887, AF967, AF977.
• Philips AH: AH876, AH904, AH973, AH974, AH974/MKII, AH984, AH985, AH995 (some versions only).
• Philips AM: AM982.
• Philips GA: GA209 (some versions only), GA222 (some versions only), GA308, GA406, GA407, GA418 (some versions only), GA437.
• Philips GF: GF907.
• Philips F: F1331, F7111, F7112, F7113, F7124, F7212, F7222, F7226.
• Philips RH: RH829, RH832, RH892.

Aristona, Erres and Sierra

• Aristona / Erres / Sierra: 577, SG1222 (some versions only), SG1437, ST2751, ST2762, SX5677, SX5685, SX5777, SX5877, SX5887, SX6973, SX6982, 6987TAPC.

Order the Tonar 534-DS for Philips GP400 MKII

Tonar 511-DS: replacement stylus for first-series Philips GP400

The Tonar 511-DS, article code 400511, is intended for the first-generation Philips cartridges listed below. It is grey, possibly with a blue plate on the front. Its specified tracking-force range is 1.5 to 3 grams, with an optimum of 2 to 2.5 grams.

Technical specifications Tonar 511-DS

Compatible Philips cartridges: first generation

Philips GP400, Philips GP401, Philips GP401Q, Philips GP412, Philips GP500, Philips GP501.

Additional Philips stylus reference: Philips 946/D60.

Compatible Philips equipment and model numbers

Suitable when the corresponding cartridge version is fitted. Check the cartridge actually installed, even if your equipment model appears below.

• Philips: 202 electronic, 212 electronic, 308, 312, 406, 407, 408, 802, 850, 852, 907, 953, 974, 983, 984, 985, 987, 994TAP, 4102.
• Philips AH: AH878, AH888, AH983, AH994.
• Philips F: F1424, F7112, F7211, F7215, F7224, F7226.
• Philips GA: GA108, GA202 (some versions only), GA207, GA208, GA209 (some versions only), GA212, GA222, GA227, GA312, GA406, GA408, GA418 (some versions only), GA427.
• Philips GC: GC002, GC006, GC007, GC008, GC009, GC012, GC018, GC019, GC022, GC027, GC037, GC720, GC732, GC734, GC802, GC837, GC852.
• Philips GF: GF709.
• Philips PH: PH102.
• Philips RH: RH521, RH720, RH732, RH734, RH802, RH837, RH852, RH953, RH961, RH963.
• Philips SA / ST: SA5802/22Z, ST1711.

Erres, Aristona and Siera

• Erres: 1222, 6852, 1418, RS3536, SG1209, SG1222, SG1408, SG2907, SX5877.
• Aristona: AR8540, SG1222, SG1312, SG1418, SG1427, SG2614.
• Siera: SA8540.

Order the Tonar 511-DS for first-series Philips GP400

Why does my turntable sometimes appear in both lists?

Philips GA209, GA418, F7112 and F7226 are among the models that appear in both compatibility lists. The equipment model alone is therefore not always sufficient to identify the correct stylus. The note some versions only restricts compatibility to certain versions. Check the cartridge first in these cases. Overlapping model lists do not mean that you can freely choose between the 511-DS and the 534-DS.

Why and when should you replace a turntable stylus?

A diamond stylus wears with use. Playback can become less accurate, and a worn stylus can damage the record groove. Timely replacement helps protect sound quality and your record collection.

• Have the stylus checked if you hear distortion, harsh sibilance or repeated skipping.
• Replace a damaged stylus; stop playing if the cantilever is bent or the tip is missing.
• Unsure of its history? Have the stylus assessed before playing valuable records.

Dirt or incorrect adjustment can also cause distortion or skipping. Check cleaning and setup first. Stylus life depends on use and care; no fixed replacement interval is specified here.

Setting the correct tracking force after fitting

Fit the correct stylus according to the instructions and do not force it into place. Then check the tracking force, preferably with a stylus-force gauge. The optimum is 2 grams for the 534-DS and 2 to 2.5 grams for the 511-DS. Both have a specified range of 1.5 to 3 grams. Check antiskating according to your turntable manual as well.

Frequently asked questions about Philips GP400 styli

Can I choose by the colour of my old stylus alone?

No. The 534-DS described here is black, and the 511-DS is grey, possibly with a blue plate. Colour supports identification, but the cartridge series determines the correct choice.

Is the 534-DS always better than the 511-DS?

The model numbers do not establish a quality ranking. This comparison concerns the correct application: first series or MKII. Choose the stylus intended for your cartridge.

Do I need to replace the whole cartridge?

If the cartridge works properly and is designed to accept a replaceable stylus, a worn stylus does not automatically require replacement of the entire cartridge.

My model is not listed. Could either stylus still fit?

This cannot be confirmed from the equipment model alone. Check the complete cartridge designation or have the cartridge identified before ordering.

Order the correct Tonar stylus

Have you checked the cartridge series? Select the corresponding replacement stylus below.

• Order the Tonar 511-DS for first-series Philips GP400
• Order the Tonar 534-DS for Philips GP400 MKII

Explore the Tonar range at Hi-Stands too.