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Can this Stanton 681 stylus be genuine?

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Posted on September 3, 2012 at 13:41:26
leisual
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Joined: January 26, 2009



Can this be a real Stanton stylus? It sounds great and plays quietly but has no markings. The brush is of high quality compared to the aftermarket ones I've seen but could have been switched from the original stylus.
If it is generic I don't think it's of any special quality because it looks dirty and came on a BIC 960 found at a thrift store. It would probably have a spherical or plain elliptical stylus profile I would guess.
I really like the sound of it but I've always read that generics are poor quality and I don't want to damage my LPs. I also would like to get another stylus that sounds like this if it ever breaks.
As of now it's replacing a Dl103, Kontrapunkt A, V15iii, and a VMS20e because it has the right soundstage and timbre to my ears much to my surprise.

 

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RE: Can this Stanton 681 stylus be genuine?, posted on September 9, 2012 at 11:45:02
jdiamantis
Audiophile

Posts: 111
Location: No. Virginia
Joined: December 16, 2002
Real Stanton styli have the brand "Stanton" printed vertically on one side (usually the side viewed in your photo), on the 681 series.

If yours is an aftermarket, and sounds good with no mistracking, I'd use it.

jD

 

RE: Can this Stanton 681 stylus be genuine?, posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:45:15
leisual
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Joined: January 26, 2009
Ah, screw it. It sounds great and I'll wait until it breaks to worry about the stylus.

 

I just finished hanging a 681 onto a Thorens arm., posted on September 3, 2012 at 14:06:55
Muzikmike
Reviewer

Posts: 12561
Location: SoCentral PA
Joined: December 19, 2007
and listening to it as I write this...that is identical to the one I have, but the brush has been removed on mine. (just twist brush assbly. and pull gently if you wish to remove it).

It is the sound I fell in love with when I first got into the hobby..Thorens TD160 with Stanton 681 cartridge. Very smooth and articulate, a late night sound.
******************************

Music. Window or mirror?

 

So you finally solved the Thorens hum problem? )MT(, posted on September 5, 2012 at 12:27:02
J. S. Bach
Audiophile

Posts: 9571
Location: Chester, SC
Joined: November 28, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
June 29, 2004


Later Gator,
Dave
Find more about Weather in Chester, SC

 

Not really, but it is well behind the music and only shows it's ugly face , posted on September 5, 2012 at 13:08:01
Muzikmike
Reviewer

Posts: 12561
Location: SoCentral PA
Joined: December 19, 2007
if I turn the volume very high...where I don't think I would, but I'm crossing my fingers.

When I had the system on a power conditioner I'm reviewing, there was NOTHING, so I'm wondering whether the BrickWall is damaged.

I'm going to put everything onto a cheap conditioner (RCA) and then onto the Spiritual Audio VX-9 (OHMYGOD!) and listen, if there's no hum I guess I buy a new PC.

But the sound, with some of the wire changes I've made, is NOT a vintage sound. It is "wrap a blanket 'round both of your knees and cuddle in front of the fire" sound, not overly warm but very articulate along with being cozy. Scott=60's; Planex planar=60's; turntables, Kenwood late 70's; Thorens=late 70's.
******************************

Music. Window or mirror?

 

"It is the sound I fell in love with", posted on September 3, 2012 at 20:57:15
jusbe
Audiophile

Posts: 5950
Location: North Island
Joined: April 4, 2000
One of the reasons I have a couple knocking about too. The Pickering version.


Big J

"... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."


 

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