Is a Ortofon Black a step down from a Pickering XSV 3000

Dear Chakster, I think you are getting a bit hysterical for nothing. What I am quibbling with is your use of the word “fake”. LP gear do not say that they are selling original Pickering or Stanton stylus assemblies.

I think I use this word correct. If you understand they are not selling GENUINE replacement other people have no clue what they are selling (and they sell many fake styli for many brands). I don’t care what type of stylus profile they are using (this is not the question here). Even if it’s aluminum cantilever it’s different from the original, not to mention SAMARIUM COBALT MAGNET used in the original Stanton/Pickering stylus.

If one cannot source an original replacement stylus assembly, the LP Gear product would seem to be a reasonable substitute that ought not to be much different in SQ from original.

If one can’t source the original it’s better to stay away from any vintage cartridges, because those fake styli is a huge compromise, it can be OK for some cheap cartridges, but for top of the line cartridges it’s not even close. Even JICO SAS is not better than some of the original styli which makes those vintage MM so special.

I lived through the history of Pickering and Stanton cartridges, and I even lived in New York City, and I have even been on Long Island many times. So I am well aware of the history. That has nothing to do with the present situation for owners of Pickering and Stanton cartridges.

Never been to United Stated, but in present situation (living in Russia) I have all the original styli, not only for Pickering and Stanton, but for many rare MM cartridges. If I am able to find them NOS living almost in the Arctic Circle then why do you always think that even living in the USA people can’t find them (it’s your local brand) and need those fake LP Gear styli ?

Stanton and Pickering are not so rare and not so expensive like some other Japanese cartridges from the same era for example.

In my opinion it’s important to support enthusiasm, but in your posts (almost in every post about vintage carts) I read so much pessimism, that’s not good @lewm

P.S. for MM cartridges retipping, refurbishing, fake styli ... are not good until we can find the original ! And we CAN, internet is great for searching.

Yes I’d  say so 

Stanton and Pickering are safe bet.. 

35db channel separation. price. durability. hard to beat the value
personally the newer current stuff in the market.. not much I really cared for. ability to make frequency and music.. is entirely a different matter m

I balked at first to the Ortofon 2M Black. After purchasing one, and after the 'break in' period I find it mesmerizing. Purchased a second and a third to have on hand just in case. The Shibata stylus in this engine is (in my opinion) the finest MM cartridge out there. To better it, take a big step up to an MC. Disclaimer; Then again, I always found the Shure cartridges back in day preferable to the aforementioned Stanton/Pickerings. Just my two cents worth. AB