Should I replace Pickering cartridge?

[jatran4]

I got an old Dual 1015 that has a Pickering V-15/AT-2 cartridge. I think it sounds okay but was thinking that either a new cartridge or stylus might make the turntable sound better. Is this a good cartridge? Should I replace it and/or stylus? If so, can you guys please recommend a decent one that is not too expensive? Thanks.

Joe

[gridleakrick]

That's a fine cartridge. I believe it was originally available on your changer when new. Aftermarket needles are available at very cheap prices. On ebay, seller needledaddy1 has one for about $12. Try one and see how you like it.
Rick

[gg383]

It depends on what you want to spend and what your personal preferences to sound are, everyone's ears and music are different!!! You have a good cartridge but wear on the stylus is hard to judge if you don't know how much it has been used. Chances are that the stylus is worn tho. Audio Technica AT95E can usually be found for under $50.00, Shure M97XE can be found for about $70.00 On the low end there's the Ortofon Omega under $35.00, might not be the best fit for your Dual tho, ultra light cartridge! If you have some nice new vinyl you will want a stylus gauge. There are protractors downloadable in the library here. Do a little searching around to see what may be best for you, sometimes it's kinda a crap shoot now that you have to order online. If there is a shop in your area that sells TTs or cartridges you may pay a lil more but he might set it up for you and get it right for you. If your V15 was set up right to begin with you can just pull out the old stylus and pop in a new one, should check your balance and anti skate tho. I'll betcha this made it easier for you to figure out!!!! Glenn.

[lini]

Joe: While I'm personally not such a great fan of the Stanton 500s/Pickering V-15s, these nevertheless can sound pretty nice with one of the better original needles. Pickering's highest quality needle for that family, i.e. the D(1500)-AME-2/-3, may be asking for trouble on a 1015, especially if you actually use its stacker capabilities - but a D(1500)-ATE-2/-3 or D(1507)-AM-2/-3 should work pretty well on your Dual.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

[jatran4]

Thank you everyone for the advice. I think the cartridge is good but just needs a new stylus. So, I'm ordering a new one from EBay to try it out. Meanwhile, I placed a cork mat on over the old rubber one and it sounds better already!

Joe

[gg383]

BTW Joe, when you get your new stylus it can take quite a few hours of listening to get it to its best sound, the break in period. Glenn.

[mrow2]

It is a very nice cartridge I think.