Pickering XV-15 Series Styli

The Pickering XV-15 is known as one of the least sibilant cartridges and therefore easy to use and set up. The high quality aftermarket styli found here will give new life to this fine Pickering cartridge body.

In general terms one can say that the more refined stylus tip you choose to install the more controlled and well defined your sound stage will get.

Also in general terms, if you have a light weight tonearm you should choose a stylus with low recommended tracking force. If you have a medium tonearm you can choose between most types. If you have a heavy tonearm you should normally choose the cartridges / needles with high vertical tracking force. 

For the XV-15 styli this translates into the stylus naming. The higher the number in the stylus name the lighter the arm. For example D1200 has a recommended tracking force of 0,75-1,5 g and is used for light arms. The D100 on the other hand has a recommended tracking force of up to 7g and is used for the heaviest arms, like for example older record changers and the likes.

Pickering/Stanton compatibility

Pickering XV-15 series is technically and mechanically identical to the Stanton 680/681 series. That means that if a specific Pickering needle with for example an elliptical tip is out of stock, you can choose the equivalent Stanton stylus.

Pickering V-15 series is equivalent to the Stanton 500 series and the styli are interchangeable. The cartridges are based on the moving iron technique.

Pickering XV-15 series is equivalent to the Stanton 68X series and the styli are interchangeable. The cartridges are based on the moving iron technique.

Pickering XSV series is equivalent to the Stanton 881 series. The cartridges are based on moving magnet technique.

DaCapo Audio Recommendations

Please be aware, that you probably will experience a different sound than the original stylus with the same type of stylus tip. Depending on preferences and Hifi system some will find the sound better and some not.

If you use the brush accompanied with most of the styli you need to add 1 gram extra tracking force to offset the force of the brush.

We also recommend around 20 hours of run in before the new stylus will perform at its best.

Make sure that you also have the right equipment for setting up the stylus correctly. A good protractor is a must in that regard.

If you need help to choose the right stylus to match your taste of sound please don’t hesitate to reach out to the DaCapo Audio expert support team.

Pickering XV-15 Series Styli options overview

546-DS (00546-DS) Spherical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part
546-DE (00546-DE) Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part
546-SHIBA (00546-SHIBA) Shibata Diamond tip stereo needle 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part
6484-DE (06484-DE) Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part
1162-DS (01162-DS) Spherical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part
1168-DE (01168-DE) Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part
AN4985 Original Pickering replacement for Pickering XV-15
70546-DE Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - JICO aftermarket part
1161 (01161) Original Pickering replacement for Pickering XV-15
1931 (01931) Original Pickering replacement for Pickering XV-15
71168-DE Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - JICO aftermarket part
1167-DE (01167-DE) Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part
71167-DE Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - JICO aftermarket part
1164 (01164) Original Pickering replacement for Pickering XV-15
1165-DE (01165-DE) Elliptical Diamond tip stereo needle for 33/45 RPM records - Tonar aftermarket part

Our introduction article to Stylus profiles provide general insight. Please reach out to us for further assistance. We are happy to help.