STANTON 681/D11S?

[rasterscan]

Has any one heard this combo?
I'm currently using an AT440MLa. This cart tracks great but I
want a warmer sounding cart with a bit more bass. Would this be a
better choice? I using an SL1200MKII with a KAB fluid damper.

Thanks!

[David R. Modny]

Has any one heard this combo?
I'm currently using an AT440MLa. This cart tracks great but I
want a warmer sounding cart with a bit more bass. Would this be a
better choice? I using an SL1200MKII with a KAB fluid damper.

Thanks!

This is the combo I'm using. There have been a few threads with positive testimonials on it as well. If you're looking for warmer sound, and with virtually the same tracking ability, I think you'll be pleased with this hybrid. Plus, it's a good compliance/mass match for the 1200. The stylus just *looks* a bit unsightly with the cartridge body...if things like that matter to you. :)

I've also used the D-11 with the old Pickering P-mount TL-3, minus the brush. A great choice for people who might be stuck with a P-mount table and want the same sound and tracking as the Stanton/Stereohedron hybrid.

Just be sure to add one *extra* gram if you're using the brush! :)

[David R. Modny]

I'll also add that the 681 doesn't really have the "loudness button" hump that the old 881 had. So, it won't really give a "big bass" sound if that's what you're looking for.

That's usually the domain of a lot of Stanton's cheaper DJ cartridges anyway...sphericals, conicals, etc.

[william shears]

I just fitted one of these combos to an old NAD TT this week. It's a great cart, lovely sound. Does look a bit weird and it's a pain to set up. The little plastic bits that you screw into are fiddly. But it does track pretty well.
Not as good as the AT440MLa but it's close. Have you given the AT some time to play in? For me the AT edges the Stanton. More precise, a bit more air and it just tracks so insanely well. It has really spoiled me now. While I wa setting up the Stanton I put onto my Linn a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S and really it was astounding how badly this cart tracks for what they charge for them. Just a simple look under a mag glass shows you what a big diamond is on the Clearaudio in comparison to the AT or Stanton. It just doesn't get down into the groove. The Aurum Beta has been one of my biggest hi-fi dissapointments.
For the price the Stanton 681 with the D11 is pretty special. I'd give it a shot:thumbsup:

[jt1stcav]

Damn, I wish Stanton continued to make the TOTL 981HZS/D98S Stereohedron combo (both long discontinued)...bought this new in '83 but am on my last D98S replacement stylus. Once it's gone, it's gone forever! I love this lush, full sounding cartridge...sounded superb on my '83 Denon DP-62L, and it still sounds fantastic today on my '79 Technics SL-1700MK2.

Have never heard the 681/D11S combo...hope Stanton's long tradition of excellent sounding cartridges remains true today.:thumbsup: