• 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

If I like the Shure M97xE cart...

mcp1

mcp1

Well-Known Member
...what else would I like? It's getting close to replacement time and was thinking about getting another one (KAB Technics SL 1200 Mk II). Any other suggestions for a MM undert $300? I'm not a fan of Ortofon; didn't care for the 2M Blue or OM5SE.
 
Register to hide this ad
Why not grab a fluid damper from KABUSA? They make an audible difference, and you could keep rockin' the Shure. I find the Shure to have a very particular sound that is hard to match. I'm a huge fan.
 
dualhead said:
Why not grab a fluid damper from KABUSA? They make an audible difference, and you could keep rockin' the Shure. I find the Shure to have a very particular sound that is hard to match. I'm a huge fan.
Click to expand...

I already have the damper...
 
mcp1 said:
I was under the impression that the stylus would cost nearly as much as a new cartridge...
Click to expand...

You could try the SAS stylus from LPGear. But yes, you might as well buy another Shure cart because the stylus ain't much cheaper.
 
Sam Cogley said:
Why not simply replace the Shure's stylus?
Click to expand...

I think hes saying he wants to upgrade, not just get another 97.

As far a new MM under the 300 dollar range there are quite a few options. Clearaudio's Aurum, which are said to be a very neutral cart, and excellent with Classical and quite good with Jazz. Another great cart which I found quite neutral and laid back (things the 97xe are called), but still very detailed and just great with all types of music, is LPgear.com's AT95sa. It has a shibata cut diamond, which is a great and not seen at this price anywhere else.

Best of luck with your choice, Nick
 
Last edited:
Or roll the bones and try something totally different ? I was a Shure man for over 25 years , same V15 IV with new stylus , on my 4th now , but am glad to have ventured out to try different carts .and with your table headshells are readlily available . I would say go with a something wild and exciting and you will always have the shure ready to go if it doesn't work out .Lots of sub $100 carts to fool with , you might find a winner ? I am very happy with a cheap Grado at the moment but that's just me .But I was also impressed by an AT110E so go figure?
 
You might be able to find an AT-150mlx. I can't remember what they're going for now, but mine was about you're target price. I had some version of the M97 and felt the AT-150 was similar in sonic character, but fuller sounding. It sounds different on every phono pre I use, though. Sometimes better, sometimes worse. On my fisher tube pre it sounds wonderful.
 
JohnVF said:
You might be able to find an AT-150mlx. I can't remember what they're going for now, but mine was about you're target price. I had some version of the M97 and felt the AT-150 was similar in sonic character, but fuller sounding. It sounds different on every phono pre I use, though. Sometimes better, sometimes worse. On my fisher tube pre it sounds wonderful.
Click to expand...
Like the V15, that's a little high in compliance. But there are SL-1x00MK2 users of both who are satisfied.
 
The V15 III sounds nice on my 1210, and the recent upgrade to SAS stylus made it even better. I am contemplating the M97xE for a vinyl only living room system I am putting together(I just play CDs through the HT setup but it doesn't have a phono input). So far I have a Technics SL-1700 that I picked up for $25. A little elbow grease and it looks great. I will also upgrade the RCA cables. I plan picking up a decent integrated amp (maybe an older McIntosh) and using some JBL L36 speakers my father-in-law has.
 
JohnVF said:
You might be able to find an AT-150mlx. I can't remember what they're going for now, but mine was about you're target price. I had some version of the M97 and felt the AT-150 was similar in sonic character, but fuller sounding. It sounds different on every phono pre I use, though. Sometimes better, sometimes worse. On my fisher tube pre it sounds wonderful.
Click to expand...

I found the AT much brighter and revealing, well almost any cart will sound brighter and revealing than the 97 which I found to be dull and lifeless.

The AT 150 is a much better cart than the 97. If 300 is in your ballpark the Sumiko Blue Point would give a big upgrade in sound.
 
If you like the Shure then I doubt you would like any of the AT's suggested. You might like the AT110E now i know it's a cheaper cartridge but it doesn't have that AT sound as some of the older an some of there newer models do. You might even consider one of these.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Nagaoka-Phono-Cartridges

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Stanton-Phono-Cartridges

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Stanton-Phono-Cartridges

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Grado-Phono-Cartridges
 
Stanton681EEES said:
If you like the Shure then I doubt you would like any of the AT's suggested. You might like the AT110E now i know it's a cheaper cartridge but it doesn't have that AT sound as some of the older an some of there newer models do. You might even consider one of these.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Nagaoka-Phono-Cartridges

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Stanton-Phono-Cartridges

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Stanton-Phono-Cartridges

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Grado-Phono-Cartridges
Click to expand...

Took a look at the site:

What exactly is "True, European-like sound"?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom