Cartridge and Stylus Dilemma

[yosl]

Here's the situation, recently picked up a well used JVC L-A120 for $30. Mounted on the tone arm is a Shure V15 typeIV cartridge with a broken stylus. Part of the deal was a new bargain basement replacement cartridge which essential equates to the cost of the TT. All in all I don't feel hard done by as I can recoup my money one way or another if needed.

Question is what to do with the V15? Well aware of it's reputation and that a replacement stylus will run me $125 - $300 (OEM equivalent, Jico, SAS). I have a number of better TT's that I can mount it on, so you know where I'm going with this. Is it worth it to replace the stylus on the V15 or am I better off saving my money for an other cartridge? In that price category there is a lot on offer with excellent performance for the dollar. Just to add to the dilemma, I already own a Shure M97xE that's in regular rotation.

 

[knotscott]

Since you've got "a number of better TT's", I'd put a $13 AT-3600L on the JVC, and put the V15 on a TT that's a good match that you'll listen to.

 

[spark1]

I can tell you that the V15IV sounds quite different than the 97xE...and much better to my ears. I have several Jico HE stylii for different carts that I think are quite good, and I would bet that the $125 HE for the V15IV would be equally good. That said, it is not a nude mount (the original is), and the cantilever is different. But for $125 (or anywhere south of $250) I think you would be hard pressed to find a new cartridge that performs as well as the V15IV/Jico HE combo.

But of course cartridges are like speakers, in that preferences vary widely (as do their sonic characteristics). In any case, good luck.

 

[johnjhazel]

I agree with spark1. The V15 IV is a great cartridge. Get a Japanese elliptical or better yet hyperelliptical/line contact(VividLine LPGear). Check LPTunes, LPGear, TurntableNeedles. The needles are all made by JICO for this application.

 

[yosl]

I can tell you that the V15IV sounds quite different than the 97xE...and much better to my ears. I have several Jico HE stylii for different carts that I think are quite good, and I would bet that the $125 HE for the V15IV would be equally good. That said, it is not a nude mount (the original is), and the cantilever is different. But for $125 (or anywhere south of $250) I think you would be hard pressed to find a new cartridge that performs as well as the V15IV/Jico HE combo.

But of course cartridges are like speakers, in that preferences vary widely (as do their sonic characteristics). In any case, good luck.

I agree with spark1. The V15 IV is a great cartridge. Get a Japanese elliptical or better yet hyperelliptical/line contact(VividLine LPGear). Check LPTunes, LPGear, TurntableNeedles. The needles are all made by JICO for this application.

Thanks guys, appreciate your take on this.