Phono Cartridge Comparison Stanton 681EEE vs Empire 2000Z

1975/1976
Two flag-ship models from Stanton and Empire.
Both use the same moving iron design with permanent magnets within the cartridge body.
Both feature 2 Humbucker coils per channel, low mass moving stylus assemblies with high tracking ability, low distortion and low tracking forces. The only design difference between the two is that the Empire has laminated pole pieces and the Stanton has solid pole pieces. The advantage of laminated poles with a moving iron assembly is not as great compared to that of a moving magnet assembly: Laminated pole pieces produce a stronger, constant magnetic flux from the small moving magnet but with a moving iron design, the permanent magnets already produce a strong magnetic field regardless of the type of pole design that is used. In any event, both cartridges have very similar specifications and frequency curves. Difference can be heard with a good ear as both cartridges strived for a neutral sound by tweaking the coil resistance and inductance.