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v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026

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Pickering XSV/5000

The Pickering XSV/5000 crowns the maker's XSV line of MM cartridges. Its 3.8 mV output suits any standard MM phono input. The Line Contact stylus rides the groove at a light 0.5 to 1.5 g with 1.0 g nominal. The replaceable stylus is the D5000, and Phono Culture lists 3 compatible replacement styli.

HomeBrand
Output Voltage
3.8 mV
Frequency Response
10–50 000 Hz
Channel Separation
35 dB
Recommended Load
47 kΩ
Tracking Force
0.5–1.5 g (nominal 1.0 g)

Additional Info

The Pickering XSV/5000 delivers a smooth, natural presentation with notably clean tracking through complex passages. Its Line Contact profile extracts fine detail without turning sharp or fatiguing, vocals sit forward and textured with believable body, and reasonably tight bass supports a wide, composed soundstage. Jazz, vocal recordings and long-session classical listening reward its comfort-first balance. The D5000 stylus is user-replaceable, keeping ownership straightforward.

Replacement styluses for Pickering XSV/5000

PickeringD4543Conical
PickeringD4541Conical
LP Gearreplacement for D5000Shibata
Sound × Setup
Detail
78%
IGD Control
72%
Noise Suppression
75%
Dynamics—Attack
74%
Soundstage/Imaging
76%
Bass Density
73%
Vocals/Midrange
77%
Forgiving Character
79%
Tonearm mass medium 44%
light 44%·heavy 11%
Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%
100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%
Phono gain 39–42 dB 60%
35–38 dB 20%·43–46 dB 20%
Pickering XSV/5000 (MM): Optimal match for medium-mass tonearm. Requires 39–42 dB gain (standard MM preamp). Low capacitance design suits high-impedance systems. Excellent tracking stability. Verify preamp specs before installation.
Collectors
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add 02/04/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026