Stanton 681 EEE

1200y3 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:37 am Post subject: Which stylus for a Stanton?

If you are going to be playing worn records, depending on the type of stylus that caused the wear, you simply have to playback with the size or shape that sounds the best. Or use an MR or SAS to be compatible with all types of wear. (I have no experience with a JICO SAS, but the conical or elliptical will have a bigger and fuller sound and stereo image.) Choosing a shape not previously used on the record will track untouched grooves. If you are considering the original, get a 4x7. You will notice that most manufacturers state thet their 3x7 is high polished, and that is because that size needs to be. Plan for one of each size to familiarize yourself with the reasons for different styli.

flavio81 · contributor Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 2280 Location: Lima

1200y3 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject:

Different styli were designed for different reasons, not so much for personal reasons. I use all sizes regularly. I no longer use an MR until I can afford one, and before when I was an MR only user I knew very little about styli. Possibly because I used an MR for the last 20 years I can spot styli differences immediately, but the proper stylus will do the correct job and save alot of money. 4x7 is the best choice for used sibilant records, and the only alternative to an MR. 2x7s and 3x7s only work better on records in excellent shape. Conicals can have excellent imaging. I know because I use a line array speaker system.

I have never impressed a crowd with line contacts and MRs because what they have in clean groove accuracy they lose in warmth and fullness. Possibly the compromises the market forces on the manufacturers is the reason we don't get proper styli use.

So an MR is a great layman's cartridge, and shape theory does not mean it will handle the real world situations and that means breakage.

The discussion in the thread you refer to discusses nothing about custom sound. There are many technical reasons for using the different styli. If you want life from your vinyl you are going to have to understand sibilance. I can't highlight HF detail with a 4x7 like a 3x7, but a new record can sound incredible on a 3x7, while a poor one won't.

I AM NOT SAYING THEY ARE BETTER OR NOT. USE THE ONE THAT WORKS.

ssportclay · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:38 am Post subject:

Since I bought most of my vinyl new in sealed packaging, virtually all of it is in pristine condition. Tracking should not be an issue regardless of the stylus type deployed. I am really more interested in the fine line contours because of their superior sound quality and I would also like to stay away from the newer Florida Stanton manufactured products due to their shaky quality control which has been fairly well documented across the internet. Since the New York Stanton Stereohedrons are really no longer available, this apparently leaves the JICO Shibata as potentially the only newly manufactured high quality replacement stylus for the 681 available in the world today. These should actually be better than the New York manufactured Stereohedrons given the reputation of their Shure replacements. What do others think?

DaveyW · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:14 am Post subject:

Hi ssportclay,

I bought a lower spec. D71EE from KABUSA a little while ago and was very happy with it's condition and performance for a budget offering, including Azimuth which I've seen reported as an issue on some Stanton products.
I therefore suggest that their D6800 EEE MKIII is worth considering.
Does anyone have any recent personal experience of this stylus from KABUSA?
Also I believe if you were dissatisfied in any way, then Kabusa are likely to offer a replacement or refund.

KABUSA Stanton

This should be a worthy alternative to a Jico offering.

ssportclay · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:20 pm Post subject:

1200y3 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:51 pm Post subject:

All .3x.7s sound spitty. The AT 120 is another example. I use one on records that are kind of muffled or weak. It is a live sounding stylus for a room full of people, or new records.

A .2x.7 is a finer sounding stylus, but fine means clean but weak, but it does have some detail.

The .4x.7 is a smooth, warm, and full bodied sounding stylus that sounds good on most records.

Sphericals have their merits, they aren't usually spitty, but on a good record the sound the most natural.

Stanton supplies .3x7., .4x.7, and a spherical for the 681 EEE. The .4x.7 is the one generally recommended as general purpose. The opinion of a Stanton owner and fan that uses one regularly would be important.

Regarding the JICO, I would want to be experienced with the originals before chosing a generic, but the nice thing about generics is you can out do the originals on the right albums, and get your own customized sound if you know how to modify them. For example, I don't want to cover my original stylus with damping materials (and the packing sponge in the case of a Finetone is good for gluing onto a stylus knob). Just realize that many complaints have been made about the fit of generic replacements including the JICO V15xMR. I call that "adjustability", and is one of the reasons I like generics.

DaveyW · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject:

OK thanks for the feedback re. the D6800 EEE Mk III ssportclay.

I am considering buying a Jico stylus for my Stanton 881s, partly to hear for myself their regarded offering and partly to keep the miles down on my genuine D81S II stylus.
Will let you know how I get on if I get round to it.

Thanks again.
Dave

ssportclay · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:29 pm Post subject:

RockNRollBen · Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:06 pm Post subject: Stanton 681

I have a Stanton 681 cart but it does not say "EEE" on it. what is the difference? Are the stylus replacements the same? I am not looking for a scratch type stylus, just for home lp playing.

ssportclay · Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:39 pm Post subject: Re: Stanton 681

RockNRollBen · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:55 pm Post subject:

I went ahead and ordered a D71 EE for my 500 cartridge. Parts Express has stated to me that it is OEM but I don't know if it's from Florida or not...

ssportclay · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:29 am Post subject:

beatcomber · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 3:57 pm Post subject:

My Stanton 681EEE-S Shibata stylus arrived from Jico yesterday!

First off, they sent it without including the stabilizing brush - grrrrr. A helpful poster on AudioKarma has graciously agreed to send me a spare.

Keep in mind that I have never heard a 681 with a vintage Stereohedron, or with any other stylus for that matter (I bought this cart on eBay without a stylus), so I can't evaluate it against any other styli.

I'm using this 681 on a stock Technics SL-1200MK2, with the tracking set to 1.25 grams and the VTA set so that the headshell is parallel with the surface of the record.

My immediate impression was that it was very crisp and precise, but somewhat 2D and a bit on the bright side. About half-way through the first side of the first LP, it suddenly began to open up. Soundstage noticeably deepened and it suddenly began to sound very punchy and dynamic, and the bass began to reveal itself more than it did at the beginning of the side. I've never experienced a new stylus bloom so quickly and so suddenly before!

Tracking is as good as anything I've heard, including the AT440MLa. No IGD too.

It sounds rather similar to my Denon DL-160, but is more punchy and dynamic, whereas the MM Denon is a bit more airy. Once the Jico breaks in more I will probably do a closer comparison.

So far I like the Jico Shibata, and am looking forward to seeing how the 681 sounds in a few weeks. I will report back as I become more familiar with it.

DaveyW · Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks Beatcomber - Please keep us posted on how this develops.
I think there's a few of us here who are keen to hear owner feedback of the loftier Jico offerings.
Cheers
Dave