Phono Cartridge Reviews

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J. Gordon HoltPhono Cartridge Reviews
Three Pickups: Which is the Best?
J. Gordon Holt  |  Jul 05, 2017  |  First Published: May 01, 1974  | 
If you have read my reviews of the Ortofon M-15, the Shure V15-III, and the Decca Mark V, you have probably formed a pretty firm impression of which of the three contenders for the title "Best Pickup" is the winner. In case you haven't, though, here's a capsule wrap-up of our reactions to the three phono cartridges reviewed in May 1974.
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J. Gordon HoltPhono Cartridge Reviews
Stanton 681EE & 681A phono cartridges
J. Gordon Holt  |  May 11, 2022  |  First Published: Jun 01, 1970  | 
Superb tracking ability, very good imaging and extremely smooth frequency response, plus unusual freedom from mounting problems make this one of the best pickups available and, quite possibly, the best all-around performer we have encountered.
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J. Gordon HoltPhono Cartridge Reviews
Shure M75E phono cartridge
J. Gordon Holt  |  May 02, 2017  |  First Published: Feb 01, 1968  | 
This is one of Shure's new generation of pickups with "trackability" that grew out of research on the Type II V-15 pickup.

At first glance, the V-15-II and the M75E are physically identical. They're the same size, the same shape, and almost the same weight (the M75E weighs 0.8 grams less); and both of them have the same neat little hinged cover that flips down to protect the stylus when the pickup's not in use.

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HistoricalJ. Gordon HoltPhono Cartridge Reviews
Grado Model A phono cartridge
J. Gordon Holt  |  Nov 13, 2020  |  First Published: May 01, 1966  | 
One of the best pickups we've heard to date, the Grado A was introduced with some fanfare in the fall of 1964 (footnote 1) and then, for no apparent reason, was withdrawn just one year later. It is probably still available, though, either used or, discounted, as new stock at some dealers.
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HistoricalJ. Gordon HoltPhono Cartridge Reviews
Audio Dynamics ADC-1 phono cartridge
J. Gordon Holt  |  Aug 06, 2019  |  First Published: Aug 01, 1963  | 
We tested two samples of the ADC-1 phono cartridge, both of which were taken from a dealer's stock. One was a demonstrator that had been in use for some months. The other was brand new, right off the shelf. Both were tested in an Empire 98 tonearm and in a Gray 108-C tonearm with its damping lightly adjusted, but results with both cartridges were for all intents and purposes identical in both arms.
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HistoricalJ. Gordon HoltPhono Cartridge Reviews
Empire 880P phono cartridge
J. Gordon Holt  |  May 30, 2019  |  First Published: Mar 01, 1963  | 
The 880P is a moving-magnet stereo cartridge for use in transcription arms and the few high-quality record changers now available, such as the Garrard Model A and the Lesa units. It has standard ½" mounting centers, and the pickup requires the 47k ohm termination provided by most preamplifiers. The 8mV output, too, is about ideal for nearly all preamps.
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HistoricalJ. Gordon HoltPhono Cartridge Reviews
Weathers PS-11 Professional Stereo Pickup System
J. Gordon Holt  |  Jul 09, 2019  |  First Published: Nov 01, 1962  | 
Editor's Note: This is the very first equipment report that was written by J. Gordon Holt for Stereophile, then called The Stereophile. The venerable JGH appended the following warning: The writer of this report was employed by Weathers Industries during the time when the product in question was undergoing development, so in view of this past association, and the doubt it may cast upon the writer's impartiality, this report probably should not be published, even though the writer left Weathers Industries over a year ago and is not bound by any obligations thereto.
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