v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026

Damn it, I tried, but mistakes happen. Check if you don't want to fall into a trap!

cartz@phonoculture.com

Hi!

Let me explain why you need notes. Just click on me

[Test Note] Check Empire 2000E/III on my setup

Pickering V-15

The Pickering V-15 is a budget class MM cartridge fitted with a conical stylus profile. Its 4.4 mV output feeds any standard MM phono input without extra step up gear. Tracking force is rated from 2.0 to 5.0 g, and the replaceable stylus assembly carries the D1507 designation. Phono Culture lists 4 compatible replacement styli for this model.

Home Brand

Stylus: D1507
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Conical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.7 (≈17.8 µm) ]
Class: Budget

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 5 g
Output Voltage: 4.4 mV
Frequency Response: 20–20 000 Hz
Tracking Force: 2.0–5.0 g

Additional Info

The Pickering V-15 leans into a forgiving, easygoing presentation where vocals sound natural and full-bodied while dynamics stay lively without turning edgy. Bass carries rounded, dense weight rather than surgical grip, and the spherical stylus keeps tracking gentle even on well-worn records. It suits jazz, soul and classic rock on relaxed systems. The stylus is user-replaceable, so refreshing the tip is simple.

Replacement styluses for Pickering V-15

Tonar	275-DS	Conical
Pickering	D1507DJ	Conical
Pickering	D1500 (series)	Elliptical
Tonar	547-DS	Conical

Sound × Setup

Detail

62%

IGD Control

54%

Noise Suppression

60%

Dynamics—Attack

65%

Soundstage/Imaging

58%

Bass Density

61%

Vocals/Midrange

68%

Forgiving Character

78%

Tonearm mass medium 46%

light 31%·heavy 23%

Capacitance 100-200 pF 60%

up to 100 pF 20%·from 200 pF 20%

Phono gain 39–42 dB 75%

35–38 dB 25%·43–46 dB 0%

Pickering V-15 (ММ, вес 5 г, выход 4.4 мВ) хорошо сочетается со среднемассным тонархом — резонанс остаётся в оптимальной зоне (8.6–11.4 Гц при массе 8–18 г). Фонокорректор выбирайте с усилением 39–42 дБ. Податливость и ёмкость не указаны производителем — оценки даны по типичным для MM значениям, поэтому расчёты по этим блокам носят ориентировочный характер (confidence low/medium).

Collectors

add 11/12/2025 · upd. 08/02/2026