RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
1976 Stanton 681EEE Moving Iron (MI) Cartridge with Elliptical D6800EEE stylus in excellent condition. Wooden box, longhair brush, hardware, calibration performance data sheet, manual.The stylus was inspected with a Shure SEK-2 microscope and showed no wearChannel separation: 35dbSerial Number: R1324About Stanton 681EEEThe Stanton 681EEE is a legendary vintage moving-iron phono cartridge, originally introduced in the 1970s as a "calibration standard" for professional recording studios. Known for its exceptionally warm, smooth, and dynamic sound, it is highly regarded for its superior tracking ability and low-mass design, which protects vinyl records.SpecificationsFREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10 Hz 12 kHz ± 1dB from 12 kH to 22 kHz individually calibrated at the factory. OUTPUT: 0.7 mV/cm/sec ± 2 dBCHANNEL SEPARATION: 35 dBLOAD RESISTANCE: 47,000 ohmsLOAD CAPACITANCE: 275 pFDC RESISTANCE:1260 ohms (based on the calibration data)INDUCTANCE: 8881 mH (based on the calibration data)CHANNEL BALANCE: Within 2 dBSTYLUS TIP: 0.2. X 0.7 mil Elliptical DiamondTRACKING FORCE: 3/4 to 1 1/2 grams (without brush) 1 3/4 t0 2 1/2 (with brush on)CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 5.5 grams. REPLACEMENT STYLUS: D6800EEE
Compared with a random generic moving-magnet cartridge at this price, this one sits slightly above the local used median of US$174, so US$179 reads as fair-to-softly-ambitious rather than a bargain. It’s only a small step over the typical range, though, so if it’s clean and complete, I’d treat it as reasonable market pricing rather than something to haggle hard over.
The Stanton 681 EEE Triple is well liked for its lively, detailed, easy-to-enjoy sound and strong tracking, which is why good examples still get attention from vinyl folks. The real upside is originality and condition: an intact stylus, confirmed low-hours use, and any original packaging or spare styli make a meaningful difference here. If those boxes are ticked, this is a sensible buy for a classic cartridge with real pedigree.
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.
See all Stanton listings on RADAR.
