Stylus gauge recommendations ?


Priorities are ease of use & accuracy.

Thanks in advance.

rost

That "Neoteck" is sold under many brand names at many different prices.  Some versions have metal cases and cost more.  I have one and used it for years, but I eventually detected that the weigh pan on mine was ever so slightly magnetic.  This is not to say that all of the scales that look exactly like the Neoteck, under many different brand names, will also attract magnets on the weigh pan.  Caveat emptor. Otherwise, they are quite nice.

I have the Ortofon DS3 and a more expensive Clearaudio one.  Both are functionally the same and measure at ~ record level, but the DS3 has a larger platform, making measuring easy, and I found out more recently is big enough to accommodate weighing a brush + stylus for a vintage Stanton 980.  I used to have a Riverstone, not sure what happened to it.

I’ve used AcousTech (a popular style sold under many different brand names), Cartridge Man, Clearaudio, Ortofon DS3. The clear winner for accuracy and dependability is the Ortofon DS3, Clearaudio second.

To elaborate further, the Ortofon and Clearaudio measure perfectly, but the Ortofon is easier to use due to a larger measuring area. I have also used a Riverstone which is mostly accurate, usually within 1/10 gram, but suffers I believe from having a separate  attachment for the record level measuring area whereas the others are integrated into the chassis with less chance for deviation in measurement. 

Based on all your kind replies I've decided to go with the Ortofon DS3, price not being a factor considering the potential hazards when handling cartridges.

Thanks to all.