Gifted a Pickering XV-15 ...now what?

[Giarcpnw]

Hey Oh!

Someone gifted me a Pickering xv-15 (gold one) with a d750 stylus. The stylus is totally dead. missing the tip.
So..... two questions:

1: was thinking of this cart for my AR XA which currently has an Ortofon FF15 xe Mkii with a Jico stylus.
How does the pickering cartridge compare to the Orotfon?

and 2: If it's worth trying out. Which stylus do i get for it? I've read there are some oem 625e stylus still available from the UK or do I go Jico and get their d750 copy or all the way up to the D2000q copy?

Just looking for guidance before drop $60-100 on a stylus that may or may not sound better than the orotfon?

Gracias,

Craig

 

[rread13]

Welcome Craig,

I own a Stanton 681eee (two of em, and a 881S), the Stanton and Pickering you have are equivalent to each other and many of us a running a recent find that was discovered this past year by none other than Needlestein. With his insight we are now using a recent "new batch" of Pfansteils 4822-DEE that are relabled as 4825-DEZ over at TVOM, you can pick this up for $32. I bought two of the new shipments as they are higher compliant than older ones (meaning they track at a low 1.25 grams with virtually perfect playback for most. Where as the older ones must track at 2.25 grams for most people to be happy.

You can also try a EVG model 4608-DEX this one is a Pickering replacement that has a very good track record as well and is dirt cheap at $18. Both are great sounding everyday use styli to use on even your really pristine albums. If you have been reading some of the earlier posting/threads I am sure you have come across the "budget tips"

 

[Giarcpnw]

Thanks Rick! At that price it sounds like a no brainer.

Do we know if this was the equivalent to the 625 or 750 or higher stylus? I know you're a Stanton guy, maybe someone else can chime in.

C

 

[Giarcpnw]

Welcome Craig,

I own a Stanton 681eee (two of em, and a 881S), the Stanton and Pickering you have are equivalent to each other and many of us a running a recent find that was discovered this past year by none other than Needlestein. With his insight we are now using a recent "new batch" of Pfansteils 4822-DEE that are relabled as 4825-DEZ over at TVOM, you can pick this up for $32. I bought two of the new shipments as they are higher compliant than older ones (meaning they track at a low 1.25 grams with virtually perfect playback for most. Where as the older ones must track at 2.25 grams for most people to be happy.

Ok, i got this 4825-DEZ stylus. I gotta say, it sound amazing. stereo separation is real nice. Real nice crisp highs and mids. Maybe a little weak in the lows but i just bumped the low freqs. very nice.

Now, on my AR XA head shell the hinged brush hits so I removed it. Any advice on the VTF with the brush removed? Still 1.5? It sounds good but that might be why the bass is weak.

Thanks,

Craig

 

[stereofisher]

Funny, I was going through my box of cartridges that were missing needles. Have 2 Pickering XC 15s, bought several generics and 2 P mount Audio Technica carts from Voiceofmusic. This is my third order with them. Been repairing turntables for a record store. Prices are reasonable..good stuff. I paid $15 per needle. I recommend them!

Eric

 

[Giarcpnw]

If you've removed the brush, the VTF should stay the same. The antiskate needs to be dialed back a gram.

I know you're the man on these pfanstiehl stylus. I'm getting sibilance on this 4825 set at 1.5. is that normal?

C

 

[Giarcpnw]

Actually, looking closer at the stylus the cantilever is bent and canted slightly. I think this one needs to go back. I can't adjust this out on an AR-XA tone arm. That could be causing the sibilance.

I'll report back when i get a new one.

C

 

[malden]

Actually, looking closer at the stylus the cantilever is bent and canted slightly. I think this one needs to go back. I can't adjust this out on an AR-XA tone arm. That could be causing the sibilance.

I'll report back when i get a new one.

C

I've had very good luck with Jico replacement styli for my Shure cartridges. I haven't tried their Pickering or Stanton yet but plan to for my XV-15 and 681EEE

http://www.jico-stylus.com/index.php?cPath=91&osCsid=v13lm79ne2o19gosgum1gnpba3

 

[sKiZo]

Still my daily driver here ...

I did go with an OEM 625E needle as it matched the original that had yes ... fallen out. The cantilever bushing turns to goo over time, I think mostly from exposure to cleaning compounds. I paid $60 for the replacement a couple years back.

And the recommended tracking force is without the brush. Add one gram with the brush installed. If you have the original brush, use it! If aftermarket, lose it!