EVG Stylus for Shure V15 Type II Made by JICO?
- Thread starter Jim M
- Start date
FWIW, I have the same one from stereoneedleslady for my V15 III. Though I do hope to get a Jico hyperelliptical or SAS to replace it someday, it sounds fine for the money. Maybe somewhat less detailed than the M95HE with original stylus that is all I have to compare to.
She was great to do business with. It shipped promptly, but didn't arrive in a timely fashion so she refunded my money, then it arrived the next day. I contacted her and made payment the second time for which she was most appreciative. = )
She was great to do business with. It shipped promptly, but didn't arrive in a timely fashion so she refunded my money, then it arrived the next day. I contacted her and made payment the second time for which she was most appreciative. = )
malden
Lunatic Member
I've purchased styli from the stereoneedleslady in the past. She's a straight shooter, no problems.
I assume that those of us that post in the turntable forum regularly know a little something more than the average music lover about vinyl and the gear that extracts music from those precious grooves. The life-span of those grooves, as we are all aware is totally dependent on how we handle the records, the cleanliness of the grooves, the quality of the tone-arm and most importantly, the quality of the diamond tip.
Claiming a stylus "looks fine" or "sounds fine" doesn't offer anything useful.
What we can't "see" or "hear" is the microscopic damage that occurs to the record groove by a poorly manufactured stylus assembly and a poorly polished diamond tip...
...end of rant.....for now...
I assume that those of us that post in the turntable forum regularly know a little something more than the average music lover about vinyl and the gear that extracts music from those precious grooves. The life-span of those grooves, as we are all aware is totally dependent on how we handle the records, the cleanliness of the grooves, the quality of the tone-arm and most importantly, the quality of the diamond tip.
Claiming a stylus "looks fine" or "sounds fine" doesn't offer anything useful.
What we can't "see" or "hear" is the microscopic damage that occurs to the record groove by a poorly manufactured stylus assembly and a poorly polished diamond tip...
...end of rant.....for now...
Van_Isle
Super Member
I don't have a V15II but I have had (and do have) multiple V15III's and a V15IV. No problems here with EVG styli purchased from stereoneedleslady (multiple purchases) or the seller from S. Korea (couple purchases). I've also purchased EVG styli several times from Voice of Music. No problems.
Beyond the styli for the V15's I've purchased EVG styli for m97 eraIV, m91, m75, Stanton 681EEE, Sony, etc. I've purchased JICO styli from turntableneedles.com (for example m97 HE and various other standard elliptical). I haven't noticed any difference between them other than the packaging. The only stylus I've purchased directly from JICO Japan is the SAS Stylus One, so I really can't compare based on that.
I currently only have one EVG stylus that has an actual SKU number on the box. All the rest are zero's. VOM and TTN are all bulk needles repackaged in their own boxes with their own labels.
In 2011 there was a note in a couple of the listings that the Japan earthquake took out EVG's label machine. Perhaps it never has been up 100% since?
Beyond the styli for the V15's I've purchased EVG styli for m97 eraIV, m91, m75, Stanton 681EEE, Sony, etc. I've purchased JICO styli from turntableneedles.com (for example m97 HE and various other standard elliptical). I haven't noticed any difference between them other than the packaging. The only stylus I've purchased directly from JICO Japan is the SAS Stylus One, so I really can't compare based on that.
I currently only have one EVG stylus that has an actual SKU number on the box. All the rest are zero's. VOM and TTN are all bulk needles repackaged in their own boxes with their own labels.
In 2011 there was a note in a couple of the listings that the Japan earthquake took out EVG's label machine. Perhaps it never has been up 100% since?
I've purchased styli from the stereoneedleslady in the past. She's a straight shooter, no problems.
I assume that those of us that post in the turntable forum regularly know a little something more than the average music lover about vinyl and the gear that extracts music from those precious grooves. The life-span of those grooves, as we are all aware is totally dependent on how we handle the records, the cleanliness of the grooves, the quality of the tone-arm and most importantly, the quality of the diamond tip.
Claiming a stylus "looks fine" or "sounds fine" doesn't offer anything useful.
What we can't "see" or "hear" is the microscopic damage that occurs to the record groove by a poorly manufactured stylus assembly and a poorly polished diamond tip...
...end of rant.....for now...
I'll let the OP decide what's useful and what isn't.
malden
Lunatic Member
yes, regarding the OP.....
The EVG is exactly what the OP is trying to avoid, a Pfanstiehl type stylus...
The EVG is exactly what the OP is trying to avoid, a Pfanstiehl type stylus...
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
If Made in Japan, either it will be made by Jico or by Nagaoka. Both make aftermarket high quality styli and are known good suppliers. Made in Switzerland will be the same entity who supplies Pfanstiehl most likely.
Not all EVG styli, even for the same cart, are the same. Look for the country of manufacture.
Van_Isle
Super Member
As noted, re EVG styli, the only 'country of manufacture' info you will find will be in a seller's listing. Pfahnstiehl lists it on the box. So for EVG, you'd be relying on the supplier giving the correct info to the seller.
There are a number of reports you can find confirming source for EVG styli. Here's an example:
http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=39705
Just looking at my collection, I can see a trend regarding the diameter of the cantilever, markings on the cantilever and the size and shape of the mounting surface for the shank of the needle (let's call it the 'spade' for lack of a better term - I'm sure there's one out there). The styli I have that are sold labeled JICO (from turntableneedles.com) and EVG (multiple sources) have very similar characteristics. In general Pfahnstiehl cantilevers seem to be larger diameter and the spade is subsequently wider, but also longer. EVG and JICO styli generally have some marking on them (blue or black dot). Pfahnstiehl generally not.
So:
V15III
1) EVG stylus 764-DE from Carolesneedles - box with bar code number. Black 'dot' on bottom of cantilever near tip & 'Special Tracking' on the stylus guard.
2) EVG stylus 764-DE from Carolesneedles - box with zeros bar code number. Same cantilever markings and stylus guard as (1)
3) Ed Saunders elliptical replacement (purchased directly, but some years ago) - red 'dot' on bottom of cantilever mid-way down and nothing on the guard. Ed Saunder's styli are made in Switzerland ... Pfahnstiehl? (that opens another debate!).
The EVG styli (1) and (2) are absolutely identical. So that firmly, as far as I am concerned, puts to rest any issue that EVG styli with 'zero' bar codes are somehow a counterfeit product. The Ed Saunders (3) has a thicker cantilever and wider / longer spade. Differences in the molding of the body and guard too. The body is subtle. the guard is definite.
m97 styli:
4) JICO stylus 771-DHE (hyperelliptical) from Turntableneedles. Blue 'dot' on bottom of cantilever close to tip and no marking on swing-down brush/guard.
5) Pfahnstiehl 4771-DE from Voice of Music. No marking on cantilever, completely different body, guard marked N97E and no brush.
Cantilever and spade for the JICO (4) looks the same as the EVG (1) and (2). The Pfahnstiehl (5) is thicker, but not as thick as the Ed Saunders (3) and the spade looks similar.
V15IV stylus:
JICO 772-DE from Turntableneedles. Black 'dot' on bottom of cantilever near tip and no markings on guard/brush.
The cantilever and spade on this stylus looks exactly like the EVG (1), (2) and the JICO (4).
m91 stylus:
6) EVG PM3136DE stylus from Stereoneedleslady. Black dot and same cantilever characteristic as (1), (2) & (4).
Too bad I don't have my Tonar (Nagaoka) m91 stylus anymore to compare (oops ... there's another debate!).
Final thought - I don't think you'll find a marking on the cantilever of a conical stylus, regardless of manufacturer. The EVG and Pfahnstiehl styli I have for non-Shure cartridges certainly don't.
There are a number of reports you can find confirming source for EVG styli. Here's an example:
http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=39705
Just looking at my collection, I can see a trend regarding the diameter of the cantilever, markings on the cantilever and the size and shape of the mounting surface for the shank of the needle (let's call it the 'spade' for lack of a better term - I'm sure there's one out there). The styli I have that are sold labeled JICO (from turntableneedles.com) and EVG (multiple sources) have very similar characteristics. In general Pfahnstiehl cantilevers seem to be larger diameter and the spade is subsequently wider, but also longer. EVG and JICO styli generally have some marking on them (blue or black dot). Pfahnstiehl generally not.
So:
V15III
1) EVG stylus 764-DE from Carolesneedles - box with bar code number. Black 'dot' on bottom of cantilever near tip & 'Special Tracking' on the stylus guard.
2) EVG stylus 764-DE from Carolesneedles - box with zeros bar code number. Same cantilever markings and stylus guard as (1)
3) Ed Saunders elliptical replacement (purchased directly, but some years ago) - red 'dot' on bottom of cantilever mid-way down and nothing on the guard. Ed Saunder's styli are made in Switzerland ... Pfahnstiehl? (that opens another debate!).
The EVG styli (1) and (2) are absolutely identical. So that firmly, as far as I am concerned, puts to rest any issue that EVG styli with 'zero' bar codes are somehow a counterfeit product. The Ed Saunders (3) has a thicker cantilever and wider / longer spade. Differences in the molding of the body and guard too. The body is subtle. the guard is definite.
m97 styli:
4) JICO stylus 771-DHE (hyperelliptical) from Turntableneedles. Blue 'dot' on bottom of cantilever close to tip and no marking on swing-down brush/guard.
5) Pfahnstiehl 4771-DE from Voice of Music. No marking on cantilever, completely different body, guard marked N97E and no brush.
Cantilever and spade for the JICO (4) looks the same as the EVG (1) and (2). The Pfahnstiehl (5) is thicker, but not as thick as the Ed Saunders (3) and the spade looks similar.
V15IV stylus:
JICO 772-DE from Turntableneedles. Black 'dot' on bottom of cantilever near tip and no markings on guard/brush.
The cantilever and spade on this stylus looks exactly like the EVG (1), (2) and the JICO (4).
m91 stylus:
6) EVG PM3136DE stylus from Stereoneedleslady. Black dot and same cantilever characteristic as (1), (2) & (4).
Too bad I don't have my Tonar (Nagaoka) m91 stylus anymore to compare (oops ... there's another debate!).
Final thought - I don't think you'll find a marking on the cantilever of a conical stylus, regardless of manufacturer. The EVG and Pfahnstiehl styli I have for non-Shure cartridges certainly don't.
malden
Lunatic Member
Jico styli offered on their website are not the same as those offered by other sellers. I have several examples of Jico styli (purchased directly from their website) and styli offered by several re-sellers in the U.S. that claim to be "Jico".
If they, the re-sellers are indeed getting styli manufactured by Jico, then Jico is supplying them a lesser product than what is offered on their website.
If they, the re-sellers are indeed getting styli manufactured by Jico, then Jico is supplying them a lesser product than what is offered on their website.
GeoKost
Well-Known Member
Thats basically the same thing I said. I have tried the EVG.
I've purchased styli from the stereoneedleslady in the past. She's a straight shooter, no problems.
I assume that those of us that post in the turntable forum regularly know a little something more than the average music lover about vinyl and the gear that extracts music from those precious grooves. The life-span of those grooves, as we are all aware is totally dependent on how we handle the records, the cleanliness of the grooves, the quality of the tone-arm and most importantly, the quality of the diamond tip.
Claiming a stylus "looks fine" or "sounds fine" doesn't offer anything useful.
What we can't "see" or "hear" is the microscopic damage that occurs to the record groove by a poorly manufactured stylus assembly and a poorly polished diamond tip...
...end of rant.....for now...
I think we're on the same page here malden, but its the ears that determine if it sounds good. :yes:
The average person does not have the technology to tell if it is hurting a LP or not.
I do understand that you are ranting there.:yes:
From all the threads posted, it seems to be a consensus that the Pfanstiehl is made in Switzerland, and the EVG is made in Japan.
That is my understanding to.
I guess it would be nice if someone knew the actually facts about this.
George.
Van_Isle
Super Member
Interesting - I can't recall ever seeing a Pfanstiehl that doesn't list country of origin on it.
Van_Isle
Super Member
I asked Kyle at Turntableneedles.com the question, on whether or not the JICO he sells would be the same as a JICO purchased direct from Japan, and his response was: "I've no reason to believe why they wouldn't be."
Another interesting development:
1) Shure V15II stylus from Pfanstiehl 'Made in Switzerland:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4763-DE-STE...e-II-763-DE-/201254763666?hash=item2edbb7fc92
2) Shure V15II stylus from Pfanstiehl 'Made in Japan':
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TURNTABLE-S...-V15-TYPE-2-/270210663130?hash=item3ee9cf82da
Another interesting development:
1) Shure V15II stylus from Pfanstiehl 'Made in Switzerland:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4763-DE-STE...e-II-763-DE-/201254763666?hash=item2edbb7fc92
2) Shure V15II stylus from Pfanstiehl 'Made in Japan':
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TURNTABLE-S...-V15-TYPE-2-/270210663130?hash=item3ee9cf82da