[LiqTenExp]

I just finished cleaning up/repairing my first turntable.  It is a United Audio/Dual 1215S.  It needed the contacts cleaned before it would start the motor.  I also cleaned the contacts on the cartridge and where it mates to the arm.  Mechanically it seems to be fully functional.  It was my fathers from when he purchased it in 1970.  
 
I am not very familiar with how to tell the different cartridge types apart.  I have the original Shure catridge and a Pickering XV-15/400E cartridge.  Are these MC or MM style cartridges?  I will be picking up a preamp for this next but I need to know what kind of cartridge they are so I can pick the right preamp.
 
Thanks!
 
 

 

 

 

[memepool]

http://dual-reference.com/tables/1215s.htm
 
 
These carts you have are either Moving Magnet or Moving Iron, I think in the case of the Pickering if it's the original '70s one, so will be compatible with  practically any phonostage. You should definitely replace the stylus and get a new one from somewhere like KABUSA.
 
An arm like on your Dual is pretty old fashioned and will be happiest with a basic DJ style lower compliance tip so I wouldn't spend too much on a replacement stylus. 
 
But both the Pickering and Shure carts usually accept a wide range of stylus tips at different specifications as finer line stylii are more detailed and the Pickering XV-15 particularly are quite a sought after cart among vintage enthusiasts, so you can pay a fortune for an exotic tip http://www.pickeringuk.com/hifi.html.
 
You could probably sell the XV15 for a tidy sum or else hang onto it for you next upgrade. A Denon DL-103 or DL110 would be a good choice for a deck like your Dual if you fancy trying a Moving Coil cart.

 

[LiqTenExp]

So if I purchase something like this:http://www.amazon.com/TC-750-Audiophile-Phono-Pre-amp-Preamplifier/dp/B000A36LQ4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1278427807&sr=8-5 I should be ok, I saw it being recommended as an inexpensive but good sounding unit here.
 
As far as a new stylus is concerned, any suggestions?  The KABUSA sight seems to point to this part number: 4606-DEG (as a XV replacement).
 
Right now the arm is set to about 1.5 grams.  It is a 70s vintage XV-15.  I have the original box and parts even to it!
 
Thanks!

 

[memepool]

Yes that phonostage is a great deal. The KAB replacement stylus is a good choice to get you going.
 
LPGear actually seem to have the widest selection for for the XV15 http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LG&Category_Code=PICKBC
 
and Jico even make one that can play quadrophonic records http://www.export-japan.com/marketing/stylus/index.php?cPath=21&sort=2a&filter_id=62&page=3
 
But on your arm it's probably safer to stick with a simple eliptical or conical stylus as it's an early '70s design.
 
What Shure cart have you got? as I can't see a Pickering tip still being offered for '78s (shellac) records and since your deck is one of the best ways to play these you might find you want to explore pre vinyl as there are loads of cool old jazz and blues recordings still knocking around.