• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Stanton 881S retip

M

msobeldc

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
I recently had a Stanton 881S stylus retipped by Andy Kim of Needle Clinic. He's based in California.
He replaced the cantilever with a boron one and also replaced the diamond for a very reasonable coswt. He was a pleasure to deal with, communicated frequently, and turned the stylus around in just a few days. It sounds better than brand new, allowing me to hear new aspects of records I'd listened to dozens of times before. I highly recommend Andy for his workmanship and customer satisfaction. Other than being a satisfied first time customer, I have no affiliation with Andy.
 
Register to hide this ad
He replaced the cantilever as he can't do diamond only.
It was a big mistake to remove the original cantilever on these as it is super light anyway due to the design.
Your rake angle will definitely be wrong, hugely wrong as these off the shelf boron cantilevers are not designed foe the angle of the 881.
Chris
 
I was using a CS 1000 stylus assembly in my 881 S when I accidentally trashed it. after some help from a close friend I purchased a Dynavector 20 X and have been very happy for years, Now I use a XX-2 MK II for even much better sound quality. The highs aren't stronger or brighter but have more clarity. The Bass is not louder but more extended and also better defined. I don't believe in re-tipping. I keep my 20 x as a spare as the factory doesn't rebuild them anymore. It also helps to have a great phono to line pre-amp for either MC or MM, with digital out put for recording to CD and to feed the HT digital and analog processor.
 
Last edited:
everyone seems to focus on the "highs" of a cartridge or stylus shape, "midrange" clarity and presence in my opinion, is much more important.
 
twiiii said:
I was using a CS 1000 stylus assembly in my 881 S when I accidentally trashed it. after some help from a close friend I purchased a Dynavector 20 X and have been very happy for years, Now I use a XX-2 MK II for even much better sound quality. The highs aren't stronger or brighter but have more clarity. The Bass is not louder but more extended and also better defined. I don't believe in re-tipping. I keep my 20 x as a spare as the factory doesn't rebuild them anymore. It also helps to have a great phono to line pre-amp for either MC or MM, with digital out put for recording to CD and to feed the HT digital and analog processor.
Click to expand...
There is nothing wrong with retipping if done properly.
I for example a Koetsu is retipped and exactly the same diamond is slotted into the slot ( so exactly the same alignment), the same glue is used and the metal frame is glued back into place with the same glue, a Koetsu technician would not be able to tell the difference.
What the OP had done is not the same though.
Chris
 
If you have better clarity in the higs that means more definition. If its in the highs then it will be in the midrange and bass also unless your arm has resonances that prevents the improvements being heard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom