A new diamond stylus for first-series Philips GP-400

The Tonar 511-DS is a diamond replacement stylus for the first-series Philips GP-400 cartridge and the related cartridges listed below. It is grey, possibly with a blue plate on the front. If your current stylus is worn and the compatible cartridge still works properly, you can replace the stylus and continue using the cartridge. The recommended tracking-force range is 1.5 to 3 grams, with an optimum of 2 to 2.5 grams.

Check your cartridge generation before buying. The 511-DS is intended for the first series. Philips GP400 MKII requires a different version. Read our Philips GP400 stylus guide: Tonar 511-DS or 534-DS to check the differences and identify the correct application.

Explore the Tonar range at Hi-Stands too.

Key features

• Diamond replacement stylus for Philips GP400 and the listed related first-generation cartridges.
• Allows a worn stylus to be replaced while retaining a working, compatible cartridge.
• Grey finish, possibly with a blue plate on the front.
• Tracking force from 1.5 to 3 grams; optimum setting of 2 to 2.5 grams.

Technical specifications Tonar 511-DS

Compatible Philips cartridges: first generation

Suitable for the first generation of the following Philips cartridges:

• Philips GP400
• Philips GP401
• Philips GP401Q
• Philips GP412
• Philips GP500
• Philips GP501

Compatible Philips equipment and model numbers

The following equipment appears in the compatibility list. The cartridge actually fitted determines which stylus you need. It may have been replaced over the years. The note some versions only means the 511-DS fits only certain versions of that model.

• 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.

Compatible Erres, Aristona and Siera models

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

Does your equipment also appear in an MKII stylus list, or is the cartridge series unclear? First check our complete comparison of Philips GP400 styli 511-DS and 534-DS.

Why replace a worn turntable stylus?

A diamond tip can wear with use. A worn or damaged stylus can track less accurately and damage record grooves. Distortion, harsh sibilance or repeated skipping are reasons to have it checked. Dirt or incorrect adjustment can also cause these symptoms, so check cleaning and setup before deciding on the cause. Stop playing if the cantilever is bent or the stylus tip is missing.

Fitting the Tonar 511-DS and setting tracking force

Check the cartridge designation first, then fit the correct stylus according to the instructions without forcing it. Set the tracking force to 2 to 2.5 grams and preferably check it with a stylus-force gauge. The specified range is 1.5 to 3 grams. Check antiskating according to your turntable manual as well. A new stylus cannot repair damage already present in a record groove.

Frequently asked questions about the Tonar 511-DS

Is this an original Philips stylus?

This is a Tonar replacement stylus for the listed Philips cartridges. The stylus brand is Tonar; Philips identifies the compatible cartridges and equipment.

Can I choose using my turntable model alone?

Also check the fitted cartridge and its complete model designation. Some equipment models appear with different cartridge series. The colour of the old stylus is only a supporting clue.