Anyone remember "Dynamic Coupling Factor?"

[emaidel]

Here a real bit of audio nostalgia for ya'. Dynamic Coupling Factor (DCF) was a trademarked slogan of PIckering in the late 60's, and a proprietary expression of Stanton Magnetics throughout the next several decades. Just what did it mean?

It was actually a very real formula, developed by Pickering engineers to apply a numerical value to the quality of each component within one's audio system, and then use that number (the system's Dynamic Coupling Factor) to select a corresponding cartridge. The term was initiated in the late 60's with the Pickering XV/15 line of cartridges, each of which had its own "DCF" ratiing, ranging from 150 to 750, and then later, to 1200.

There was never a more difficult to explain, more patently ridiculous and idiotic concept as Dynamic Coupling Factor, or "DCF" when discussing cartridges, and, not surprisingly, XV/15 models with DCF's of 400 or 750 worked equally well in many a given system, so the entire idea was pretty much useless.

Add to that the fact that the XV/15-625E, introduced in 1976 (simulaneously with the XSV-3000) and sandwiched between the XV/15-400E and XV/15-750E was a better cartridge than the 750 in every respect. The sales dud, the XV/15-1200E found all new life, and industry acceptance when it was introduced to the world in a different package, with different structural cosmetics (though no functional differences) and under a different name. What was that? The Stanton 681-EEE!!!

There. Now you can all sleep better.

[jim_groff]

Great bit of information that I have been looking for - lead me here.

I have always read the XV-15 cartridge body was the same and that the stylus made the difference or rating so to speak.

When you say “the XV-15 625E was a better cartridge than the 750 in every respect” that leads me think the cartridges are different – is this correct?

I have seen several color variations of the gold bodies, white and gray with the XV-15 Label.

Thanks!

[RoadRunner6]

Thanks Emaidel for the old but very informative post. I'm not sure about my Dual 1219 turntable way back when and the ADC cartridge but I am absolutely sure my ex-wife and I did not have a compatable DCF!

RR6

[emaidel]

Great bit of information that I have been looking for - lead me here.

I have always read the XV-15 cartridge body was the same and that the stylus made the difference or rating so to speak.

When you say “the XV-15 625E was a better cartridge than the 750 in every respect” that leads me think the cartridges are different – is this correct?

I have seen several color variations of the gold bodies, white and gray with the XV-15 Label.

Thanks!

With the exception of the 625 model, all other XV/15 cartridge bodies were of the moving iron design. The 625 was a moving magnet, so its stylus wasn't compatible with the others, and yes, the only difference between the bottom and top units in the XV/15 lineup (excluding the 625) was the stylus assembly.

[Auricauricle]

...thought it meant something else!

[emaidel]

...thought it meant something else!

Actually, had Viagra been introduced at around the same time Pickering engineers dreamt up "Dynamic Coupling Factor," I'm sure Walter Stanton would have jumped on the bandwagon to somehow tie the two together.

To my horror, after visiting the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC many years back, and noticing that many of the audio exhibits were using Stanton headphones, Mr. Stanton actually wanted to do some sort of an advertising tie-in. Fortunately, there were enough Jewish employees in the company (not myself) who spoke up loud and clear about how tasteless such a tie-in would be, and the idea was nixed.

Still can you imagine, "Take a Viagra, play your favorite record with a Pickering XV/15 cartridge, and enjoy Dynamic Coupling as you never have before!"

[Auricauricle]

Wow...!

[jim_groff]

Didn't mean to get a rise out of everyone by digging up this old thread - but it appears that it has!

I have read good things about the moving iron design but I guess it didn't compete with the moving magnet in the same category?

Thanks for the information emaidel.

[daveobieone]

Could someone please give us a primmer on the difference between moving magnet, and moving iron?

I get the basics...one is moving a very small magnet, and the other is moving a small piece of iron. Does the moving iron have a magnet in the cartridge body?...I'd guess it would need to.?.

My first thought is that moving iron should be similar to variable reluctance (VR) cartridges of the past.

I think it's facinating that two cartridge bodies that looked so similar from Stanton / Pickering required such different styli.

Thanks,
Dave O.

[Auricauricle]

A moving magnate will likely relocate to a place where extradition is unlikely....More likely, your wife is likely to hit you upside the head with a moving iron.

[RoadRunner6]

Oh wise guy nurse! (notice I didn't say wise gay nurse ... now let's hear your comeback on that one)

[daveobieone]

Ahh...I see someone here must have met my wife! :-)

Dave O.

[ludwignut]

With the exception of the 625 model, all other XV/15 cartridge bodies were of the moving iron design. The 625 was a moving magnet, so its stylus wasn't compatible with the others, and yes, the only difference between the bottom and top units in the XV/15 lineup (excluding the 625) was the stylus assembly.

Does this mean that the XV-15 625 E and the XSV D3000 styli are interchangeable?

Rob

[emaidel]

Does this mean that the XV-15 625 E and the XSV D3000 styli are interchangeable?

Rob

Probably, but I don't believe that the bodies, while both moving magnet, were identical.

[fantao]

Thanks, I was just wondering what this Pickering "DCF" was when I saw it mentioned somewhere. There doesn't seem to be much Pickering information out there, but I did find this list of circa 1974 cartridges and their DCF values. According to this sheet, DCF is a rating of both low frequency tracking and high frequency tracing ability.
http://www.theoldstereoguy.com/Downl...ges%201974.pdf