Stanton Calibration Standard Comparison The 581EL vs The 981HZS

1965/1981
Stanton’s First vs Stanton’s Last.
Prior to 1965, all Calibration Standard models were under the Pickering brand. The 581EL was the first cartridge from Stanton Magnetics, a separate company from Pickering. 16 years later, Stanton released their last Calibration Standard Model, the 981HZS. The technical specifications of both are very similar, but after 16 years of refinements and innovation, you would expect to hear differences, especially comparing an elliptical with a line-contact stylus. Since the line-contact traces significantly more of the groove wall, there should be more clarity and detail.
The record is an early Mercury stereo with extreme channel separation. Victor Herbert – March of the Toys.