• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Cartridge to match Shure V15 Type III

SteveF 137

SteveF 137

Active Member
Hello All,

I am finishing up refurbishing a TD 124. It came fitted with an SME 3009 II (non-improved) and a Shure V15 Type II. The original stylus needed replacement and while looking I couldn't resist a great deal on a Type III fitted with a VN35MR.
Since we're never really done with this stuff I'd like a second cartridge to use as comparison and save a bit of life on the VN35MR. What is the best use of about $200-$300? I could get a nice new stylus for the Type II but is it too similar sounding and not up to the Type III? I also have a fairly new Goldring 2200 that I replaced the stock 2M Red with on my Pro-ject Xpression III but am selling the new stuff to finance the vintage approach :)

I know this is a frequent topic but one more time...any cartridges recommendations to go with my SME?

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
Why would want to step back in time where wow and flutter is higher, rumble much higher and replacements stylii are very suspect? I guess if your speakers don't produce below 50 HZ its Ok, but I could never go back. Been there and done that when all you mentioned was new. I mean if you want to drive around in a restored Model A Ford is one thing, but I would be much happier with something current. A new Technics SL1200 G for instance with any number of cartridges from Ortofon, Clear Audio, Dynavector, etc etc. Something you won't have to tinker with for the next 20 years or so. You will want a new stylus or cartridge every 1000 hours of play time anyway. And a new cartridge every 5 years or so if you are an avid LP listener. Now if this is just a conversation piece, go for it. Another solution might be a pre-owned vpi Aries series or maybe if you really want to ompress folks pu the SME arm on an Empire 598 restored TT with a modern cartridge. That will impress folks and sound good, too. I owned Thorens tables from that period and was very glad when TD 125's came along so I could get rid of the freight trains.
 
I have both the V15 II and III. I initially had the V15 III (with Shure VN35E stylus) but don't find it a terribly exciting cartridge - perhaps it really needs a low-mass arm. Then a V15 II Improved arrived on a Thorens TD160 (with standard TP16 arm) and I found that I actually preferred it - a more dynamic and immediate sound combined with a good degree of refinement. I'm hearing them on different turntables though. Anyway, I wouldn't rule out a nice new stylus for the II.

Perhaps an Audio Technica with a MicroLine stylus would be a nice modern alternative - the AT-VM95ML or AT-VM540ML.
 
@twiii. While not a Thorens guy myself, why participate in a thread to provide the OP with no useful answer to his questions? A new cart every 5 years? The point would be? Scratch that, please don’t answer.

I assume the OP meant a MM cart in the same league as the V15III but different. If looking for vintage, same era maybe an AT15 with a shibata or HE tip, or some of the Sonus carts of that era? Ultra light & light arms were the rage during that era. I don’t know much about new carts, the last one I bought was a Denon DL-110 and am please with it, but I don’t know if its a good match for the SME. I have it on a relatively heavy Yamaha YP-D8 (S arm) and it performs well there.

@Crab33: yes, the V15III needs a light arm to perform well. It was very popular in its day with the Dual 1249/701/721 light & ultra light arms for that reason. I too, have both a II & III, (as well as a V, and a bunch of 91/95/97 &75s too) and the nice thing is that they are so stylus dependent, and there are myriads of choices to play with. I do like them with SAS or HE tips more than the original ellipticals myself, for the most part.
 
Last edited:
The SME 3009 II NI arm has a mass of 12.5g so there are numerous good modern cartridge options available for mid-mass arms. All the best with your TD124 idler refurb. Great tables IMHO.
 
Last edited:
The v15 needs a light arm to really sing. I have in my collection a Stanton 881 which sounded good but nothing special. I then tried it on a Hadcock arm which has a low effective mass and wow totally different sound. My point is you wont hear what a V15 is capable of on a medium mass arm.
My 2c for what it is worth an EPC205cmk2 3 or 4 will be an upgrade even with Jico stylus and it will work better on a medium mass arm too.
Chris
 
Audio Technica VM540ML would be the replacement cartridge. Sound well balanced from low to high. Can't beat the Microline stylus for tracking, for the money!
 
MRL_Audio said:
Where is the consensus? Was it posted somewhere? I think in a blind test you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.
Click to expand...

I still have the V15 IV, V, xMR. Used to have the III. Point being I have read nearly every thread re: V15 carts both in here and in VE.

I have read many more folks prefer the V15 III than either the II, IV, V, or xMR.

Personally, I prefer the IV.

Show me where I’m wrong.
 
I third the recommendation for the VM540ML. An excellent sounding cartridge at a good price.
 
mackat said:
No, the VN35MR is an original stylus for the Shure V15 Type III cartridge, whereas the VM540ML is a currently produced Audio Technica cartridge.
Click to expand...

What am I missing here? The OP asked about a cart for his VN35MR. Which is pretty rare. So now folks are recommending he spend $250 for a cart that can’t use his stylus.

And that makes sense, how? And BTW, replacement styli for the 540 are $210.
 
Wolfie62 said:
What am I missing here? The OP asked about a cart for his VN35MR. Which is pretty rare. So now folks are recommending he spend $250 for a cart that can’t use his stylus.

And that makes sense, how? And BTW, replacement styli for the 540 are $210.
Click to expand...
I believe you’re misunderstanding the original post. As far as I can tell, the OP is looking for a different cartridge to use sometimes, so as to extend the life of his VN35MR stylus, which is rare and cannot be replaced with the exact same model (only third-party replacements are available now).
 
SteveF 137 said:
Hello All,

I am finishing up refurbishing a TD 124. It came fitted with an SME 3009 II (non-improved) and a Shure V15 Type II. The original stylus needed replacement and while looking I couldn't resist a great deal on a Type III fitted with a VN35MR.

What is the best use of about $200-$300? I could get a nice new stylus for the Type II but is it too similar sounding and not up to the Type III?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

No. I’m not misunderstanding here.

Hence my comment about the consensus that most folks prefer the the III over the II. $200-$300 available.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom