Dual 1229 Cart Selection... Shure M97xe, Shure M44e or Ortofon LM-15

[Amcrebelfan]

Ok just looking for opinions. I have the Shure M44e currently mounted on the table. I think it sounds pretty good. I also own the Ortofon and it isn't on anything currently. I have put the M97xe on my Christmas Wish List. I know it is in the ear of the listener I just wanted to see what the group here would choose overall. Thanks

 

[dshoaf]

A couple more items to add to your Christmas List:

- New patch cables from the TT to the amp.
- Cleaning of the headshell clip contacts as well as the RCA contacts underneath.
- Make sure the cart overhang is adjusted correctly according to the Dual manual.

Other observations:

- If the stylus on the Shure and Ortofon are 20+ years old, you've likely got some aging of the materials supporting the cantilever. This will definitely affect the sound you hear.
- Since the cost of stylus replacement is 80-90% of the whole cart purchase, consider the M97. I like it once it is set up properly. It will work quite well in the 1229, too.

Cheers,

David

 

[richamor]

I used the Shure MX97e on my 1229 and it seemed to me a match made in heaven. I tried an Ortofon and an AT on it. Always ended back with the Shure.

 

[djnagle]

I''m glad you asked this question. I just broke off the stylis (sp) from my friends 1229. The cart he has is the Shure 91. I don't even know if they make them anymore. I guess I will be looking for a 97 to replace it.

 

[KrisM]

You should be able to find a stylus replacement for that 91. I don't have experience with either the 91 or 97, but there are a lot of threads on them. Your friend might like the 91 with a new stylus better than the 97.

 

[beej]

I've run the 97xE, an Empire 2000E/III and a Pickering XV-15/625e on my 1229. Quite frankly, of the 3, I like the 97xE the best.

 

[Balifly]

I''m glad you asked this question. I just broke off the stylis (sp) from my friends 1229. The cart he has is the Shure 91. I don't even know if they make them anymore. I guess I will be looking for a 97 to replace it.

There are several replacements available for the Shure M 91.
This is one source out of several.

HE
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/garrard/gt55.shtml

SAS
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=SHN091ESAS

 

[dshoaf]

I''m glad you asked this question. I just broke off the stylis (sp) from my friends 1229. The cart he has is the Shure 91. I don't even know if they make them anymore. I guess I will be looking for a 97 to replace it.

That would be the N91ED. The M91 was actually a series of cartridges based around a common body. Many thousands were sold in the 70s. It was the standard, default cartridge at the store where I worked. Cost the dealer about $15 in those days.

Today, you'll find replacements but they're almost as costly as a complete M97.

You do the math.....

Cheers,

David

 

[statman122]

I have a friend who wants to sell me his Dual, I want it to play 78's. Do I need a special cartridge to play 78's on a Dual?

 

[Amcrebelfan]

Thanks for all the replies I think I am gonna keep that shure on my Wish list. I can't wait to try it. I will let you know when I do what I think. Thanks again. Speaking of 78's would the M44e be a good canidate for that?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

On the 1229, your cartridge may not need to be special for 78 use. But you do need a .3 mil 78 needle and the ability to track to 3 grams tracking force on your Dual as needed. Shure's M-44 line and Stanton's 681 lineup have excellent 78 stylus options which are well suited to 78 and microgroove needs. :tresbon: And with both cartridges, 78 styli are reasonably priced except for esoteric needs so you are good to go with most.

 

[dave b]

partial to the shures

on my 1229q 91ed, 1009f 55e, technics1200 44g, pe2040 97xe,1249 v15III, They all sound good. Don't discount the 44 ,loud and strong and takes no enemies!!!!

 

[beatcomber]

Speaking of 78's would the M44e be a good canidate for that?

Shure's current 78 stylus offering (N78S) will not fit an M44 body, but aftermarket options are available. The simplest thing to do is to buy an M78S cart, which is inexpensive and sounds excellent.