Magnetics 981HZS Pro Calibrated MM

About the Magnetics 981HZS Pro Calibrated MM

The Stanton 981HZS is regarded as one of Stanton's best high-impedance MM cartridges, featuring a low moving mass design achieved by reducing the mass of the stylus, cantilever, and moving magnet. This results in superior tracking ability and an extended frequency response, making it capable of playing demanding material with high fidelity. It uses a high-quality elliptical stylus, often replaced or upgraded with the LP Gear D98S stylus featuring a highly polished Vivid Line diamond bonded to a thin-wall aluminum alloy cantilever for natural sound quality and superior groove tracing. The cartridge has a frequency response from 10 Hz to 50 kHz, output around 3.5 mV, and coil resistance approximately 785 ohms. It is calibrated for professional use and was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The cartridge is sensitive to capacitive load and requires a 47k ohm load resistance. It is known for excellent channel separation and low distortion, with a tracking force recommended between 1 to 1.5 grams. The 981HZS is no longer produced new but remains highly regarded and sought after by audiophiles and collectors.