Which cartridge to keep ? Stanton or AudioTechnica

[yurka77]

I have these 2 brand new carts and want to only keep one for my use. Which one you feel would be better for my Technics SL-1210 MK5 table with CJ phono stage.
Audio-Technica AT-OC9/III or Stanton 881S ? thanks

 

[yurka77]

Yes, the Stranton 881S with its original stylus is NOS, unopened, never used. My CJ tube phono stage supports both, MM and MC.

 

[revox-b77]

I would have to keep both. You don't want to play the Stanton except for special occasions.

 

[Jeff449]

If you don't own any other cartridges, and want to own only one cartridge, go with the Stanton. I like being able to quickly and easily switch styli for beat-up records. You can get an inexpensive aftermarket stylus for the Stanton so you don't ruin that Sterohedron with a bad scratch.

 

[yurka77]

thanks for all great advice guys, this is why I love this place. I dont think i can keep both of them. I also have Denon DL-110 as every day use so wanted to keep one of the other two as a special occasion treat but only one

 

[vinyldavid]

Keep both! I love my 881.

 

[Blue Shadow]

You need both, use the Stanton when the AT stylus needs to be replaced as it is a rebuild not a plug and play

 

[jbjsr]

Given your table / arm I would think the AT cartridge might be a bit better match from a compliance perspective. The 881S is high compliance and best performing on a low mass arm with low VTF. Both are quality cartridges so no bad decision either way.

 

[Redd House]

Another vote for the Stanton. I love that cartridge!

 

[patient_ot]

It would take a spensive SAS replacement to get up to snuff and it would only come near the original performance - but not quite.

Jico doesn't even make a SAS for Stanton carts AFAIK. They only make bonded ellipticals and a bonded Shibata. I asked if they could make a SAS for a Stanton a few years back and the answer was "no".