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Rare Stanton 890AL DJ Pro Moving Magnet (MM) Phono Cartridge with original Stanton D89AL stylus in Mint Condition.It comes with the original D89AL stylus, screwdriver, manual and hardware in Stanton cartridge box.Channel separation: 30db (matching specs)Stylus condition: Unused (Inspected with a Shure SEK-2 microscope and Fozgometer) Sound Profile: Characterized by a solid, extended low-end punch, prominent midrange, and smooth highs built to withstand back-cueing and club environments.Stanton 890AL CartridgeThe Stanton 890AL is a legendary, heavy-tracking moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge originally designed and marketed for DJ, club, and disco applications.Among turntable enthusiasts and audiophiles, the Stanton 890AL is highly sought after because it shares the exact same body and internal coils as the legendary audiophile Stanton 881S cartridge.While later iterations of the 890 series (like the 890FS or 890SA) were modified with higher inductance for a louder, boosted output, the original 890AL is electrically identical to the 881S. This means if you source an old 890AL body and pair it with a high-end replacement stylus (such as an original D81S or a premium aftermarket JICO Shibata stylus), you effectively get the performance of a high-end Stanton 881S hifi cartridge.Specifications:Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet (MM) with Samarium-Cobalt MagnetFrequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 HzNominal Output Voltage: 3.0 mV minimum (Ref: 1kHz @ 5cm/sec)Channel Separation: 30 dB @ 1 kHzChannel Balance: Within 1 dB @ 1 kHzTracking Force Range: 2.0 to 7.0 gramsFactory Stylus Tip: 0.7 mil Spherical (Conical) Diamond (Super High Polish)DC Resistance: 900 OhmsInductance: 510 mHRecommended Load Resistance: 47,000 Ohms (47kΩ)Recommended Load Capacitance: 275 pFCartridge Net Weight: 5.5 gramsReplacement Stylus Model: D89AL (AL D89)
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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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