I know this thread is old, but it has some excellent information I will try to add to.
I do not have a ton of experience with Pickering/Stanton cartridges. I have a XV-15 625e at home on a Kenwood table that I like (I think it is a KD-2100). The Pickering is warm and rich in the mid-range for sure; however, it lacks the treble detail I so love in the Audio Technica and Shure cartridges I own. Take this however you want, but hopefully it gives you an idea of my ears and what I like per what I will say below.
Most importantly, I have found a big difference between Jico SAS stili and the same LP Gear model. Jico styli are just more detailed while being still quite warm. I have not noticed sibilance on either of my Shure carts with Jico SAS stili.
However, I bent the cantilever on the Jico used on my Shure M91ED. So, I bought an LP Gear Shibata because LPG offered quicker shipping and said the stylus was made by "Japanese artisans." Being an idiot, I thought, How many Japanese stili artisans could there be? Well, at least two, or Jico sells an inferior product to LPG.
The SAS stilus from LPG is no where near as detailed, shows sibilance on a variety of recordings across multiple genre, and does not have the same characteristics in the midrange as the SAS from Jico. Also, it does not track as well.
So, for what it's worth, I vote for Jico every time. I just bought one for my lowly AT 12e (now Sa) cart. Hope the improvement is as noticeable as it is on the Shures. I suspect the same jump in performance could be expected on my XV-15 625e.
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One thing on the cantilever sagging comment above: remember, for all carts and styli, VTF is a range. It's great to pick the middle of the range, but only as a starting point.
So many variables go into how a turntable sounds, and for any cartridge and stylus, the tight coupling to the tonearm and the impacts on sound are very delicate. So, play with the VTF (and antiskate) within the rage specified by the manufacturer. If the bass is muddy, lighten the VTF. If the treble is shrill, increase the VTF. Adjust the antiskate setting accordingly. With time and dedication, you'll find the right VTF for your stylus, tonearm, and turntable.
But most importantly, remember, not every stylus is the same, even between styli of the same model! If your stilus appears to be sagging, lighten the VTF until it is not, or return the stylus if you wander off of the cart's recommended tracking force. LPG will replace the stylus. I read that Jico will do the same. Bob's vintage styli and hamburgers will likely give you a problem, so try to buy from reputable dealers.
On the alignment front, no one should tack offence if someone comments "You couldn't align a rail car behind an engine if your Mom gave you a straight edge!" Cartrige alignment is, frankly, more of an art than a science. All we can do is learn by others' techniques and, if applicable, use them ourselves.
That lecture being over, I'd suggest if you are hearing an imbalance between channels, check your azimuth. I find after hours of play (and handling) my azimuth begins to drift and that very quickly affects my channel balance.
Further, I find its good to check your overall alignment every 4 to 6 months. I don't know if it's gnomes, but my tonearm/cart/stylus seem to misalign over time. Tuning up the alignment is well worth your time.
Until these issues are all in check, it is really hard to make comment on cartridge and styli quality as well as the sounds produced by either, at least in my experience.
Happy listening!