This is one of the absolute top performers in my collection of MM cartridges from the glory days. I've been thinking about moving this one on to a new home for a few weeks, but I keep pulling it back. It is truly remarkable. Except I just don't see myself being able to enjoy it, so it really needs a new owner.
When i first found this one, it had a shattered cantilever, so I sent it to Joseph Long (as usual!) for a rebuild, thinking that perhaps a ruby cantilever and Fritz Geiger S or 2 would make for a stunning cartridge (and I'm still sure it would). But Joseph convinced me to try an original stylus before going the hybrid route, so he found me an original in superb nearly unused condition (and at a price a bit less than the ruby FG would be). Of course, he was right: this one performs way above original specs (which were already excellent), and it thus competes on an equal footing with the other king of this period, the Stanton 881s. The Pickering has a slightly higher output level than the Stanton, and it's up by about 2.7 dB at 20kHz, which isn't a bad thing for those of us with ears older than 45. Here are the original specs:
Tracks at .75 to 1.5 grams
Output: 4.7 mV
Mass: 5.8 grams
Frequency response: 10Hz - 50 kHz (!!)
Channel Separation: 35db (!!!)
There are no published compliance numbers, but it is definitely "high" compliance, and it may not be too far off from the 881s' 30.
Includes the super-rare mounting blocks, almost never seen these days.
Deep and clear bass, beautiful midrange, and crystal clear highs, with unbelievable spatial presentation. Has tracked anything I've had it play. This cartridge, on the right arm, is an end-game Moving Magnet. Buy it quickly before I change my mind (again).
Here's Joseph's report, pics and numbers:
I'm looking to get $400, which is significantly less than the cost of an NOS stylus (if you can find one). For my asking price, I include the cost of shipping to the lower 48. Of course, if you want to pick it up on the UWS of Manhattan, I'm cool with that, and will deduct the shipping price and add in a glass of single malt while we listen to it. It will be very well packed to ensure safe arrival at its new home.
When i first found this one, it had a shattered cantilever, so I sent it to Joseph Long (as usual!) for a rebuild, thinking that perhaps a ruby cantilever and Fritz Geiger S or 2 would make for a stunning cartridge (and I'm still sure it would). But Joseph convinced me to try an original stylus before going the hybrid route, so he found me an original in superb nearly unused condition (and at a price a bit less than the ruby FG would be). Of course, he was right: this one performs way above original specs (which were already excellent), and it thus competes on an equal footing with the other king of this period, the Stanton 881s. The Pickering has a slightly higher output level than the Stanton, and it's up by about 2.7 dB at 20kHz, which isn't a bad thing for those of us with ears older than 45. Here are the original specs:
Tracks at .75 to 1.5 grams
Output: 4.7 mV
Mass: 5.8 grams
Frequency response: 10Hz - 50 kHz (!!)
Channel Separation: 35db (!!!)
There are no published compliance numbers, but it is definitely "high" compliance, and it may not be too far off from the 881s' 30.
Includes the super-rare mounting blocks, almost never seen these days.
Deep and clear bass, beautiful midrange, and crystal clear highs, with unbelievable spatial presentation. Has tracked anything I've had it play. This cartridge, on the right arm, is an end-game Moving Magnet. Buy it quickly before I change my mind (again).
Here's Joseph's report, pics and numbers:
I'm looking to get $400, which is significantly less than the cost of an NOS stylus (if you can find one). For my asking price, I include the cost of shipping to the lower 48. Of course, if you want to pick it up on the UWS of Manhattan, I'm cool with that, and will deduct the shipping price and add in a glass of single malt while we listen to it. It will be very well packed to ensure safe arrival at its new home.
