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Stanton 880S with original Stanton D81 Stereohedron stylus (NOT Retipped) with about 400hrs on the stylus. The 880 is the same as the 881 except the 881 was removed from the production line and performance tested and comes with this test data. The 880 has the same performance as the 881 at a frac...
The Stanton 880S is a highly regarded, much-sought-after moving magnet cartridge known for superb sound and longevity. At A$550, this asking price sits near the median of the typical used market for this model in AUD, making it a fair deal rather than a bargain or an ambitious overprice. While eBay listings with styluses have reached A$1,300 (approx. $900 USD) and no-stylus units dipped to A$430 (approx. $300 USD), the A$550 figure reflects a reasonable middle ground for a functional unit in unknown condition.
This cartridge remains a worthwhile buy due to its reputation for excellent tracking and warm, detailed audio that still delivers many years of listening pleasure. Its enduring popularity among vinyl enthusiasts and DJs underscores its value, especially if the listing includes original accessories or comes from an original owner. Unless the condition is questionable or the stylus is missing—factors that would justify pushing the price lower—the A$550 offer represents a solid buying opportunity for a well-loved, reliable component.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Stanton Magnetics traces its roots to 1946, when it emerged from Pickering & Company in the United States, initially under the guidance of Norman C. Pickering and later formalized as a distinct brand in 1961. The company's breakthrough came with Walter O. Stanton's invention of the easily replaceable phonograph stylus, revolutionizing cartridge design by allowing users to swap worn needles without factory returns. This innovation bridged professional recording needs with burgeoning consumer audio markets, establishing Stanton as a pioneer in magnetic cartridges during the vinyl era.
Stanton's product lineup centers on professional DJ and turntable gear, including high-performance cartridges renowned for durability under heavy scratching, battle-ready turntables, DJ mixers, media players, controllers, and accessories like the innovative Final Scratch system for digital vinyl emulation. While early focuses were on broadcast-grade pickups, the brand evolved to dominate club and mobile DJ tools, eschewing broader hi-fi categories such as amplifiers, speakers, DACs, or headphones.
Today, Stanton holds a niche yet commanding position in the pro-audio DJ market as a mid-tier workhorse brand, trusted by club DJs, turntablists, and mobile performers for reliable, battle-tested performance over flash. With over 75 years of heritage—now under inMusic Brands since 2020—its gear appeals to pros seeking rugged value rather than high-end audiophile refinement or vintage collector status, cementing its reputation as the go-to for vinyl manipulation in live settings.
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