JICO revives the Shure classic M44
- Thread starter johnjhazel
- Start date
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
All of the M 44 cartridges were used for broadcast work save for the E styli. This was just as true in 1963 as it was now. The cartridge didn't change for nobody. It was used by audiophiles even in the 1960s, AMI-Rowe and later on Rock-Ola jukeboxes used them to the last vinyl machines.
Problem is, if the Jico doesn’t fit and sound like the Shure original M44, many folks will complain. If it sounds “better” than a Shure, many wont think it’s better, but “different”, and will complain.
So, about the best Jico can do is make an exact replica. And if that’s the case, who in their right mind would pay 4X-5X the price of a vintage and original Shure M44?
Who knows? Maybe Jico will offer a laminated pole version. Then you would EXPECT it to sound better and be different. Even then, there will be those who prefer the old vintage units.
So, about the best Jico can do is make an exact replica. And if that’s the case, who in their right mind would pay 4X-5X the price of a vintage and original Shure M44?
Who knows? Maybe Jico will offer a laminated pole version. Then you would EXPECT it to sound better and be different. Even then, there will be those who prefer the old vintage units.
MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
This is probably why the product lasted as long as it did.
I think, from what you say^^, you COMPLETELY misunderstood my post.
I’m talking about THESE:
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
These are the same cartridge as it was when first released in 1963. The cartridge hasn't changed. And trust me, they've been used on the air one heck of a lot, before there was HipHop, Techno, Scratch, or House. And used in clubs before Disco was born. This cartridge has been around a few months before I was even born.
Page 3, I said this:
(If A = B, and B = C, then A = C.)
Again, you completely misunderstood what I’ve already posted. Page 1 also. The bodies are all the same, just cosmetic differences. They haven’t changed, other than colors and stencils. Styli are different.
Why these modern DJs are willing to pay $100s more for the same ol’ cartridge is beyond my understanding.
This cartridge (1964)....
Is the same as this cartridge (1977):
And the same as this cartridge (2018):
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I am not exactly sure what you mean with old fashioned.
If you mean the 'vintage' kind of tonality that a Shure M97xE 're-introduced' with much followed love/hate or the sound of an old Pickering V15/AC, then no.
The main thing with the M44/55 series is their lively and open character and if loaded right will give you a relatively flat response.
The most typical example of that is probably the M44-7.
It is not a coincidence that M44-7 is the most known example of the series and the one that Shure decided to re-introduce for DJ duty.
It packs a punchy sound, which extends well in both lows and highs and tracks surprisingly good.
Now, there are differences in tonality between styli.
Comparatively speaking, the more 'modern' sounding will be the M44-7/G/E and the more 'vintagey' will be the M44C and strangely the M55E.
The M55E is a lot more 'refined' and smooth than raw of course.
In any case, if you want to know what M44-7 will sound like you should try it with original stylus.
Best with a pre-DJ era stylus but I know that is hard to find today.
To give you a context though, a very similar sound to the M44-7 is that of the ubiquitous AT3600L.
Both are sharing a very similar tonality, a wide soundstage and both are pretty dynamic.
Shure wins over in punch and power of course due to its massive output.
At some point I intend to post a few recordings from all variants of the M44/55 family and also from an AT3600L for 'reference' since it is a cartridge that both audiophiles or not are probably familiar with. I just have to find the time to do it. Then you will be able to get a better idea of what they sound like.
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Wolfie I am speaking with their original styli on and the M44-7 in particular. Not the whole series.
Have you been trying these cartridges with original (NOS) styli in good condition?
Because if you use them with pfanstiehl or other copies (even JICO ones) either on the M44/55 or the AT3600L to compare them it is obvious you will disagree.
For me, they sound pretty similar.
I say this using my own set of ears and based on my compulsive comparisons among literally hundreds of recordings.
But everyone's ears are different, as is equipment.
For example, If I use dedicated headphones and an accompanied amplifier to do ABX testing and you use a mobile phone speaker then it's possible we'll never agree.
And by the way, the M75 series shares the same generator but the sound of the two families is mostly worlds apart.
So, in my opinion, it comes down to specific styli to speak more precisely for comparisons.
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KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
Until the Jico revival, many of those DJ types prefer that sound, that cartridge. I am happy to see Jico revive the cartridge.
MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
Agreed. There may be “cheaper” alternatives but my curiosity is piqued by the Jico option. They just do things right. Clearly have a passion for the art of making cartridges and day to day and exotic stylus assemblies.
ripblade
Addicted Member
Shure and AT are polar opposites, IME. Doesn't matter which model. But for anybody who believes them to be similar, the AT is obviously the cheaper alternative.
beat_truck
Addicted Member
The AT3600 series is actually much warmer than the rest of their cartridges and closer sounding to a Shure than you'd think.
When doing some vinyl ripping, I directly compared my AT CN5625AL to my Shure Designer Series with HE stylus. They were remarkably similar in tonal quality. The AT was just slightly more dynamic and the Shure more refined due to the HE stylus.
I do agree with the rest of the ATs I have heard and own being totally different, though.
The generator of the M44 is the same as the M91, which is the same as the M75, which is the same as the M93, which is the same as the M70, which is the same as the M55, which is the same as the M92. Different styli can add color to the sound, but the “house sound” is still there.
The AT3600L does not sound like all these carts. Not at all.
The 3600 May sound more “Shure-like” than other AT carts, true. That’s only relative to other AT carts. But it doesn’t sound like a Shure cart.
And it doesn’t matter which Shure stylus I use in an M44, or even a competent aftermarket stylus. The 3600 doesn’t sound like an M44. The 3600 lacks the mid presence of the Shure carts. It lacks that Shure “house sound”.
The AT3600L does not sound like all these carts. Not at all.
The 3600 May sound more “Shure-like” than other AT carts, true. That’s only relative to other AT carts. But it doesn’t sound like a Shure cart.
And it doesn’t matter which Shure stylus I use in an M44, or even a competent aftermarket stylus. The 3600 doesn’t sound like an M44. The 3600 lacks the mid presence of the Shure carts. It lacks that Shure “house sound”.
beat_truck
Addicted Member
Everyone is welcome to their own opinion, even if it is wrong.
Studio_D
Active Member
My own M44-7 cartridge has started cutting out on one side. Wiggling the stylus in the body can make it came and go, it seems like there might be a bad connection developing inside.
Anyway, this thread inspired me to stalk the auction site for a couple days and I just managed to snag a nice looking M55E body with no stylus for $35. My current stylus is fine so that works for me. I guess the DJs must not be looking for the '55 variant.
Anyway, this thread inspired me to stalk the auction site for a couple days and I just managed to snag a nice looking M55E body with no stylus for $35. My current stylus is fine so that works for me. I guess the DJs must not be looking for the '55 variant.
beat_truck
Addicted Member
The second M44G body I bought used had a dead channel. I would still like to find another since I have multiple styli, and I'd like to sum one for mono use.
