The DS-ST55 SD is an alternative needle (replacement needle) that performs as the original needle, not the manufacturer made for use with Hitachi (LO-D) record cartridges. This replacement needle is a "synthetic diamond needle" type. This is a generic model that plays a regular range of sound ranges, with a standard conical shape. General life is about 200 hours. The successor to the H.52-55 DS-ST55 TR.BLU (4951586162704).