Hello all.

I have just aquired a console that contains the changer mentioned in the thread title. It has(what I assume) is the original cartridge on it - the Pickering V15 FG. Stylus looks orig. too. Should I replace the stylus? The cartridge? I have also aquired a few new Ortofon FF15 XE MK II's. Will these work well on the DUAL tonearm? I also have a new Pickering XL-15U and an Empire 2000 EIII. Any thoughts on which cart will work best with this table? Just to top things off, I have a Shure m97xE as well, sitting idle. I am not that familiar with this table and its' 'quirks'. How do you setup the cart in the DUAL headshell correctly? Baerwald settings still apply?

I run a M97 on my 1019, Duals of that age where designed and often came with the 91ED I believe. I have found that the proper overhang is basically the mid way point in the screw slots on the removable headshell part. Might use a tooth pick to pull the copper connections down a bit in the head and up on the removable part, get a "de-ox pen" or q-tip and clean them up to get back to a nice connect. I apply some "blue tack" to the edges to seal her up as I pull the lever forward. Sand bag the base, take the springs out amoung other mods I have made to mine.

How do you like the sound with the Shure? Can't sandbag the base. It's too purty! It's a console.

I run a M97 on my 1019, Duals of that age where designed and often came with the 91ED I believe.

M91ED didn't exist when the 1019 was made. If you bought a 1019 as part of a package that included a 1-cent throw-in cartridge, the pickup would usually have been a Pickering or Empire.

Yes. The 1009 was built between '64 and '67 I believe. The Pickering on it is looking a bit 'pickled'.

Only thing I can say is that from what I remember, the Empire 2000EIII is way too compliant to be happy on the 1009's arm. I would also say ditto for the M97HE, personally.

The Pickering or the Ortophon FF15XE Mk II are more in it's line; track the Orofon at 1.5 to 2 grams, you'll get a good sweet sound and solid image. Much less force, things will probably fog up.

Pickering is a fine cart, the V15 moniker has been used on about 198 models since somewhere around 1897 (OK, I'm kidding), so I don't know what an FG's compliance is like. Plus you gave the impression it's had more use?

Go Denmark: Aage says Ortophon all the way :) Great sounding little cartridge!