4 Top Performing Phono Cartridges 1967 1968

ADC 10E/II
Shure V15 Type II
Stanton 681EE
Empire 999VE
All four were top performers and their sonic quality separated them from all the other cartridges. These models shared a technical advancement: A very low mass moving assembly. The miniaturized moving system allowed high tracking ability at low tracking forces; low distortion; and a flat frequency response throughout the audible range.

[MrYuriniko]

I have Stanton 681EEE. New one! After 40 years in the box in some cabinet.

[mgsee]

All sound superb, the Shure had me bobbing my head in time to the music and the Stanton wasn't far behind.

[panosadgr]

I'm an Empire lover! I own an Empire 1000ZE/X and 999VE/X. Amazing sound. The Empires have a unique intriguing reproduction with the ambience of the recording brought out in a unique way. I just love them!

[zopilotesky]

All fine cartridges that have aged well over these many years. I have the V15-II and am very happy with its performance.

[brooklynbummer]

I had both the Stanton and the Empire and they were excellent performers.

[peterstudley]

The channel separation on all 4 carts is between 30db and 35db, absolutely phenomenal, many modern carts today (2023) struggle to obtain those figures (22db to 28db) anything more than that is going to cost you .

[LouiseTurner-xz]

Shure V-15 Type 3 and Audio Technica 440MLa are my favorites.

[richardwagner]

I like the Empire best, seem to have a smooth response high to low, it actually surprised me. I think Stanton 2, Shure 3, and ADC last. ADC did refine that cartridge further with the 10E MK IV. But they eventually hit it out of the park with the ADC XLM.

[sergnevzorov]

Empire 999VE, Stanton 681EE, ADC 10E/II

[richardwagner]

The Empire really surprised me, detailed without being strident, second Stanton. I like ADC cartridges, but this one is from very early 10E MK series.

[rEdf]

Back in 2002, I acquired a Free 1970's era Pioneer PL-550 turntable equipped with a Stanton (possible 381EE) needle with the iconic ball bearing brush. It worked fine and sounded great for about 6 months until the actual needle tip broke off the tiny cartridge arm (bummer) The turntable now uses a DJ type Ortofon Super OM 10 needle.

[radionicpowers]

Like the smooth flow on the 1st and the shure hi-track is a FAV ... but IMHO the last one, the Empire is bottoming out ?

[rEdf]

I have an original Beatles Revolver with the originalCapitol/ Pathe inner sleeve promoting the Duotone record needle as recommended by Capitol records

[Trojan]

Still like my Pioneer 518 TT that has Shure V-15 Type V

[jeffmerklinger]

Bang & Olufsen Moving Micro Cross beat them all.