beatcomber
AK Member
My Stanton 681EEE-S Shibata stylus arrived from Jico!
First off, they sent it without including the stabilizing brush - grrrrr. I am going to contact them and see if they will send me one. (In the meanwhile, if any AK'ers have an extra Stanton brush they are willing to part with, please contact me.)
Keep in mind that I have never heard a 681 with a vintage Stereohedron, or any other stylus for that matter (I bought this cart on eBay without a stylus), so I can't evaluate it against any other styli.
I'm using this 681 on a stock Technics SL-1200MK2, with the tracking set to 1.25 grams and the VTA set so that the headshell is parallel with the surface of the record.
My immediate impression was that it was very crisp and precise, but somewhat 2D and a bit on the bright side. About half-way through the first side of the first LP, it suddenly began to open up. Soundstage noticeably deepened and it suddenly began to sound very punchy and dynamic, and the bass began to reveal itself more than it did at the beginning of the side. I've never experienced a new stylus bloom so quickly and so suddenly before!
I've only played about 3 LPs sides so far, so this stylus obviously has a ways to go before unleashing its full potential. I expect that the brightness will soften as it breaks in. (It's not nearly as bright as an AT440MLa however.)
So far I like the Jico Shibata, and am looking forward to seeing how the 681 sounds in a few weeks. I will report back as I become more familiar with it.
First off, they sent it without including the stabilizing brush - grrrrr. I am going to contact them and see if they will send me one. (In the meanwhile, if any AK'ers have an extra Stanton brush they are willing to part with, please contact me.)
Keep in mind that I have never heard a 681 with a vintage Stereohedron, or any other stylus for that matter (I bought this cart on eBay without a stylus), so I can't evaluate it against any other styli.
I'm using this 681 on a stock Technics SL-1200MK2, with the tracking set to 1.25 grams and the VTA set so that the headshell is parallel with the surface of the record.
My immediate impression was that it was very crisp and precise, but somewhat 2D and a bit on the bright side. About half-way through the first side of the first LP, it suddenly began to open up. Soundstage noticeably deepened and it suddenly began to sound very punchy and dynamic, and the bass began to reveal itself more than it did at the beginning of the side. I've never experienced a new stylus bloom so quickly and so suddenly before!
I've only played about 3 LPs sides so far, so this stylus obviously has a ways to go before unleashing its full potential. I expect that the brightness will soften as it breaks in. (It's not nearly as bright as an AT440MLa however.)
So far I like the Jico Shibata, and am looking forward to seeing how the 681 sounds in a few weeks. I will report back as I become more familiar with it.