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Cartridge ranking

MacNoob

MacNoob

dazed and confused
I have a choice of a few carts here to go in a Technics SL-B2 that's heading off to my sister for some occasional casual record playing.

I made a choice already - but lets see what the AK collective thinks. Which is the one to let go, saving the best for my more serious use?

Empire 4000 XL III with Jico replacement .3x.7
Shure M55E with Jico replacement .3x.7
ADC XLM-II with new OEM XLM-II stylus
AD QLM36 Mk III with original QLM stylus
Shure M95ED with original Shure stylus
 
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How knowledgeable is your sister with turntables? Shures seem pretty simple IME, and generic replacement styli are cheap and good quality.
 
Unless your sister has a ''good'' system (or you really like her) I'd keep the M95 and the XLM. Both are excellent carts,and OEM needles aren't getting any cheaper or easier to find. Also,is she able to appreciate the sonics of the better carts?
 
1 ADC XLM-II with new OEM XLM-II stylus

2A Shure M95ED with original Shure stylus

2B AD QLM36 Mk III with original QLM stylus



Empire 4000 XL III with Jico replacement .3x.7
Shure M55E with Jico replacement .3x.7
 
I'd give her the M55. It's a solid ''daily driver'',will run with just about any arm,and the tracking range is pretty forgiving at 3/4 to 2 grams.Rated output is 6.2mv,so it'll drive anything but a speaker!!
 
Lots of ADC love here! Good to see, as the ADCs are my favourites as well. And those ones aren't going anywhere.

People really like the M95ED. I'm not so sure about it yet. I've only listened to it in the newly acquired Dual 504 on which it's currently installed. It seems a little bass-heavy and treble-shy to me. Perhaps the stylus is a little worn or there is some difficulty with the deck?

I really like the M55 myself. It's a fun sound and with the readily available inexpensive replacement stylus I don't feel bad about using it on suspect records.

I bought the Empire new in 1980. It was about $40 back then. The original stylus is pretty toasted, the replacement is EVG-labelled and claimed Jico made. It works fine but is not one of my favourites.

The Empire is likely the one that will be leaving here on the SL-B2.

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I've used the M95 for many years myself and have always enjoyed it. I recently pulled the trigger on a new Ortofon 2M Black to replace it,as I didn't want the hassle of trying to find a NOS HE stylus. (I was not interested in going the Jico/generic route).True,the top-end is a little relaxed,but it's still a very good cartridge considering it's age and original selling price.
 
Lots of pros and cons here. Like buying a car.

The one with the built-in 'saddle-shaped' response curve, the ca.1964 M55E has one hidden advantage: its synergy (in many AKer's systems) with the SAS stylus, assuming an SAS is in the future budget.

The QLM 36 Mk III is virtually a VLM Mk III with looser QC. A good 'un.

The XLM II (not Mk II) is an Integra stylus. Specs very slightly better than the QLM, but they're virtually twins. Both need the final-generation high-inductance cart bodies (or Integra bodies).

The Shure M95 would be an M97ED if only the plastic mounting cap were different (ie, less restrictive). As-is, you're stuck with Era III styli, not bad but certainly not up to M97 standards.

The Empire's a great cartridge, but it's heavy, and getting the better styli for it, original OR aftermarket, has become a royal pain. I agree with your decision to offload it sisterwise.
 
MacNoob said:
I have a choice of a few carts here to go in a Technics SL-B2 that's heading off to my sister for some occasional casual record playing.

I made a choice already - but lets see what the AK collective thinks. Which is the one to let go, saving the best for my more serious use?

Empire 4000 XL III with Jico replacement .3x.7
Shure M55E with Jico replacement .3x.7
ADC XLM-II with new OEM XLM-II stylus
AD QLM36 Mk III with original QLM stylus
Shure M95ED with original Shure stylus
Click to expand...

I'm with Earl on this one. The M95 is a cartridge nobody hates and a lot of folks like. It also has the advantage of having a plentiful supply of good cheap replacement styli. Plus, if you ever decide that you want another M95 for your collection, they're all over the place for not much money.

My second choice would be the QLM. It too is decent, but not great, and aftermarket styli are available for it too.

Third choice is the M55E. It's probably the least desirable of your choices which makes it one that would be easy to part with but also less of a gift for your sister.

Keep the Empire and look for a good NOS stylus.

DO NOT part with the XLM-II!

'Nuff sed.

John
 
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