The M97xE is, according to Shure, the best cartridge they've made other than the V15 V models (i.e., better than the V15 IV), and at present, it sits at the top of Shure's line. The 681 was, at one time, Stanton's best, but it was then superceded by the 881, then the 981, then the WOS 100. Having spent at least a decade with both a 681 EEE and an M97xE, my opinion is that they are comparable. I use the M97xE now because Stanton no longer provides replacement styli for the 681, and I have no interest in either old-stock or third-party styli. I don't consider that a knock against the Stanton, and I've had and enjoyed various 681's starting in the late 1970's (including the, in my opinion, underrated 681 EEE Mk III that came out in the 1990's). At present, the M97xE sounds so good on my Rega RP3 with Audio by Van Alstine phono section that I don't believe any cartridge at any price would let me enjoy my records more.