Original stylus for the Pickering XV-15

[Doug G.]

I used to use the brushes on my Pickering/Stanton cartridges until I discovered the brush was affecting the tracking on my XUV-4500Q for CD-4 records which are more difficult to track because of the ultra-sonic engravings in the groove.

So, I removed the brushes from all of them and haven't used them since. Just keep your records clean.

Doug

 

[Gurkov]

Yes. Balance your arm with brush attached, then add around 2.40 grams total VTF.
Antiskate to match.

And if it sings, it means that stone is in working order.
When it is worn out, if you like it, my suggestion is to send it for a simple retip.
Replace only the stone tip, using the same stylus other than that.

For example, you could use a diamond tip taken from a new VN95E stylus.
They are cheap and quality of the diamond is very good.
That way, you'll preserve the original sound.

Good advice, thanks a lot!

 

[Gurkov]

I used to use the brushes on my Pickering/Stanton cartridges until I discovered the brush was affecting the tracking on my XUV-4500Q for CD-4 records which are more difficult to track because of the ultra-sonic engravings in the groove.

So, I removed the brushes from all of them and haven't used them since. Just keep your records clean.

Doug

Interesting, but I thought I read something along the lines of the brush helping to stabilize in case you're using an arm that's not perfect for higher compliance styli...?

 

[cafe latte]

Interesting, but I thought I read something along the lines of the brush helping to stabilize in case you're using an arm that's not perfect for higher compliance styli...?

You are correct it does, the brush should only improve tracking not make it worse.
Chris