RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Stanton 680-II/EL II Moving Iron Phono Cartridge with D6800ELII stylus, mounted on a Jelco HS-50 headshell (9g) in excellent condition.Cartidge Condition: 8.5/10Channel Separation: 35db. Stylus Condition: Showed no wear under Shure SEK-2 Microscope. (Black overhang gauge is used for display only, not part of the listing). About Stanton 680-IIThis is 3rd generation of the legendary 680EL carriage (680EL, 680EL MK.II, 680-II). It gets a more modern look and it comes in black body and blue stylus. It has identical specifications with the previous generations, except from the stylus tip which is 3x.7 mil instead of .4x.7 mil the earlier versions. This minor change gives a significant improvement in the sound quality. The 680EL provides the best balance between a responsive musical cartridge and rugged construction. It is the standard by which all other DJ cartridges are measured. The cartridge body is manufactured with 4-coil design to increase channel separation and reduce intennodulation. The cantilever on the 680EL is designed for optimum strength and minimum mass.It is a thin wall, small diameter aluminum alloy tube, which is highly responsive to groove moduJation,yet verydurablewhen used for backcueing, scratch mixing,etc. The 680EL diamond is designed to stay in the groove under even the most demanding situations.Specifications:Frequency response: 20-18 kHzOutput @ 1kHz: 3.9mVChannel S eparation @ 1 kHz 30 dBChannel Balance @1kHz Within 2 dBTracking Force 2-5 gramsStylus Tip Elliptical .3x.7 mil High Polish DiamondDC Resistance 1300 Ohms approx.Inductance 930 mH approx.Cartridge Weight 5.5 gramsRecommended Load 275 pF-47K OhmsReplacement Stylus D6800EL/ EL MK.II/EL II
Generating expert take…
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.
See all Stanton listings on RADAR.
