Used SL-D2 w/ Pickering NP/AC cart + PD07-C stylus

[JesseM]

How do I know whether to replace only the stylus or the cartridge with it? Also, any advice on whether to just get it a new stylus, which one, or an also a new cart and which one of those. I’m newly back into vinyl.
I assume that at minimum, the stylus needs replacement. When I put the head on from the SL-1700 I just bought at auction, the sounds improves drastically.
I’m playing it through an Onkyo amp with decent Pioneer speakers but the SL-D2 will go to my parents home and I don’t know what their setup will be.

a separate question is should I be fine with the used AudioTecnica cartridge and stylus that came with the SL-1700,if it sounds good?

 

[beej]

With respect to your NP/AC cart, I have one and if you like it loud that's the cart for you. Output on that cart is 10 mV which is very high. Stylus is spherical and replacements are fairly inexpensive.

It would be helpful to know which Audio Technica cartridge (as in model) came with the sl-1700. Audio Technica makes an incredible array of carts that range from entry level to extremely well regarded.

As a general rule to be on the safe side it's a good idea to replace the stylus on any used cartridge that you purchase unless you know the seller and trust how he or she treats their audio gear.

Welcome to AK.

 

[JesseM]

The SL-1700 cartridge has no model number on it and seems vintage because there is nothing currently like it on the Audio Technica site. I found a posting on eBay with better pics than I took so I posted those here.

 

[gadget73]

Thats a Pickering V15, you can alter the sound considerably with other stylii. The 7 mil heavy conical is the loud guy of the group. Not necessarily very detailed but you get a whole lot of whatever it can make. Anything that fits a V15 or a Stanton 500 will fit and function.

 

[vwestlife]

The SL-1700 cartridge has no model number on it and seems vintage because there is nothing currently like it on the Audio Technica site. I found a posting on eBay with better pics than I took so I posted those here.

Remove it from the headshell and the model number should be on the top.

 

[JesseM]

With respect to your NP/AC cart, I have one and if you like it loud that's the cart for you. Output on that cart is 10 mV which is very high. Stylus is spherical and replacements are fairly inexpensive.

It would be helpful to know which Audio Technica cartridge (as in model) came with the sl-1700. Audio Technica makes an incredible array of carts that range from entry level to extremely well regarded.

As a general rule to be on the safe side it's a good idea to replace the stylus on any used cartridge that you purchase unless you know the seller and trust how he or she treats their audio gear.

Welcome to AK.

Thanks! I found out, it's an AT14Sa cartridge. Looks like an original stylus but I can't tell, yet.

 

[JesseM]

Remove it from the headshell and the model number should be on the top.

Thanks vwestlife! That was helpful! It's an AT14Sa cartridge. I'll keep using the stylus, for now, as it sounds great. If I can get a microscope to inspect the stylus, I'll do so -- and learn to do it as I go!

 

[JesseM]

Thats a Pickering V15, you can alter the sound considerably with other stylii. The 7 mil heavy conical is the loud guy of the group. Not necessarily very detailed but you get a whole lot of whatever it can make. Anything that fits a V15 or a Stanton 500 will fit and function.

Doesn't seem great so I'll replace the cartridge with the stylus. Thank you for your reply!

 

[HamboneF18]

The Pickering can sound nice with a different stylus. It’s very stylus dependent, from dud to dazzling!

Here with the original conical stylus:




I bought the Swiss nude elliptical for it, and it really sounds good! Nice treble, punchy bass, well detailed mids. Only $35. Tracks at 2.2 grams.

 

[beej]

The Pickering can sound nice with a different stylus. It’s very stylus dependent, from dud to dazzling!

Here with the original conical stylus:
View attachment 2820388



I bought the Swiss nude elliptical for it, and it really sounds good! Nice treble, punchy bass, well detailed mids. Only $35. Tracks at 2.2 grams.
View attachment 2820390


View attachment 2820391

Thanks for your assessment. Just placed the order for the Swiss eliptical.