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Pickering XV-15 question

skywachr

skywachr

Member
I just purchased a vintage Pioneer tt that had a mounted Pickering XV-15/625E cartridge. The sound quality was awful though physical examination showed the cartridge and stylus to be in excellent condition. Thanks to a great thread on this forum I discovered that the stylus is a genuine (with embossed logo) Pickering D625 (not E) moving magnetic vs. moving iron cartridge stylus. Question is whether it is worth it to pursue either a 625E stylus or an XV-15/625 cartridge or both. Anyone interested in a trade of some sort?
 
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I use an XV-15 as a backup cartridge and I find it to be pretty okay. What about the sound didn't you like? Just curious.
 
Thanks for responding. The cartridge has the wrong stylus mounted. The stylus is for a moving magnetic coil cartridge Pickering XV-15/625. This cartridge is a moving iron cartridge Pickering XV-15/625E. Sound is very distorted.
 
The D625 is the correct stylus for the XV-15/625E cartridge. So I'd say that the tip is very dirty (or is chipped); or your tracking force is not set within the accepted range for that stylus (0.75 to 1.5 grams).
 
Gretch, good call. You wisely suggested a chipped stylus. Took out a scientific microscope and examined it. There is no stylus, only the cup to attach it to. I am truly embarrassed but also fascinated about the potential for the cartridge given that there actually was something that was clearly recognizable as the music piece I was playing. Any suggestions for a replacement stylus? I have a Bang&Olufsen MMC 2OE as my principal cart. This is really just an experiment for fun and a search for the best backup cartridge.
 
That would do it! If I remember right, the same thing was the case when I got my first XV-15. I put it down and was wondering why it sounded all distorted for a few minutes. If you're just looking to get a taste of what the cart really sounds like and want to go for something NOS, the D400 was the BOTL stylus I believe. I have one and use it on records with scratches and for other casual listening purposes. I take out my 625 or 1200 when I really care about quality and am listening closely. Not sure what the D400 goes for on the auction site currently, but I know a 625 seems to run about $80.
 
needlestein said:
That's not the problem. The Pickering XV-15 is moving iron only. The moving magnet styli that fit that cartridge are the D3000, D4000 and D5000 as well as some others and you will get a hum if you use them, but that's it. Others dispute this. Could be system-dependent.

In any case, there was a rumor started on the internet a while back by someone who remained anonymous but identified himself to be an ex/retired marketing exec at Pickering. Most of what he had to say was pretty interesting and definitely seemed to have some earmarks of insider knowledge, so he seemed to be rather credible. BUT credible or not for most things, he was dead wrong about the XV-15/625 being moving magnet. He was just wrong. Must have been brain fade. It doesn't even make sense that it COULD be moving magnet.
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I know the XV-15 is MI not MM. Just to get educated, why does it not make sense that it could be MM ? Thank you !!
 
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John, thanks for that info. I live in the Phoenix area as well. Those prices for genuine Pickering styli seem surprisingly fair or is there no difference in actual quality, just branding?
 
skywachr said:
John, thanks for that info. I live in the Phoenix area as well. Those prices for genuine Pickering styli seem surprisingly fair or is there no difference in actual quality, just branding?
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Gary who owns Voice of Music sells all styli at prices that are slightly more than his costs. I would go for the OEM. Original. In this instance. The price difference is not all that great. I have used the EVG/Japan, EVG/Swiss, Pfanstiehl/Swiss, and Pickering. I have been pleased with all. Original Pickering are available elsewhere if you really hunt, but other sellers charge much more. PM me if you want. None of my friends have any interest in audio. It would be fun to communicate.
 
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