Catridge Enquiry

[discohunter]

I'm considering upgrading to a better cartridge and stylus and have checked out the Stanton website. I've narrowed the choice down to:

500AL II, 680HP or 680EL

Has anyone have any experience with using these ones? I'd be interested in knowing how they perform, and what people would recommend before shelling out the money.

BTW, on the Stanton website it had a page about properly setting the turntable up. (it also has their recommended setting for their various carts) The illustrations were based on the SL1200s but I saw there is a tone-arm height setting -Is this setting only on the professional decks? I have a Technics SL-23.

discohunter

[Bernie]

DH,

I've used the Stanton 680EL's on my 1200's in the past and then upgraded to Grado carts. If you are DJ'ing then the Stantons are okay since they can withstand back-cueing and heavy tracking forces... Sound quality is not great as it lacks silky highs and sounds gritty. They sound better as they get broken in, but they are lacking overall.

If you are looking for an inexpensive (US$50.) cart for casual listening then I would skip the Stantons all together and go for an Audio-Technica or Ortofon cart of the same price range. Not as rugged as the Stanton DJ carts, but much smoother sounding and since they track at lower forces help to prolong the life of your vinyl.