Jico SAS question

[szeppelin75]

I currently have the Shure M97xe cartridge with the stock stylus, while i do like the sound, i've read wonders of the Jico SAS stylus on this cartridge. I need to change my stylus next month as it is over 500 hours. Thinking of either buying the stock stylus again (very cheap and reliable) or investing in an upgraded Jico SAS stylus.

Question is at over $180.00 in price, how many hours can i expect my Jico SAS to last?, if i'm going to make the investment i need to know how long will it pass before i need to change it.

Thanks

 

[kermit z]

I have a Shure M97xE and do like it alot. I have a Shure M91ED with the Jico and love it. Having said that, I would not be worried about a stylus with 500 hours. 800 and 1000 hours at the most IMHO. But everyone thinks differently so.

 

[ghamilton]

I have that shure SAS combo. Jico claims a longer life due to it's shape.
As for the sound. It's an improvement. It depends on your setup as to how much improvement you'll hear.

 

[szeppelin75]

That's the thing, i hear there's an improvement but that also because of the characterisrticos of the Jico SAS you hear more "imperfections" on the record, like surface noise, tics and pops.

 

[jsisk]

I have one of the Shure M97xe cartridges that I use for playing used records and it will also need a new stylus at some point. Also looked at the Jico and not sure I want to put a $200 stylus on a $75 cartridge when I can put the money toward something a little better. Perhaps an Ortofon 2M Blue. Will most likely buy a couple OEM stylus for the M97xe while they are still readily available and keep it for what it is.

 

[szeppelin75]

Now, is it worth the almost $150 dollar difference?

 

[ghamilton]

The most expensive part of the shure is in the stylus assembly. Going to the SAS is like changing the whole cartridge assembly. You will be impressed with the improvement the SAS makes.

 

[boreas]

Now, is it worth the almost $150 dollar difference?

Maybe. It depends. The SAS represents an improvement over the N97xE, a big improvement in a revealing system. The questions you need to answer are whether you have a system that will allow the SAS to stretch its legs or whether the $150 might be better spent upgrading some other aspect of your system. Then, of course, there's the question of how much of a stretch that extra money would be for you.

John

 

[szeppelin75]

Maybe. It depends. The SAS represents an improvement over the N97xE, a big improvement in a revealing system. The questions you need to answer are whether you have a system that will allow the SAS to stretch its legs or whether the $150 might be better spent upgrading some other aspect of your system. Then, of course, there's the question of how much of a stretch that extra money would be for you.

John

I have a midfi stereo system. Nice speakers and amp, Sansui SR 636 TT, and i'd say very good acoustics in my media room. Nothing to write home about but nothing too shabby either.

 

[aj_chicago]

I also have several "mid-fi" systems with a Shure M97XE, an old M91ED, several V15IIIs with elliptical styli and MR styli, a V15 IV with a SAS stylus I ordered, and a V15VMR with stock stylus. They are all very good! I am more an enjoyer of vinyl and collector of things "audio" than I am an audiophile. I listen to mainly 70s rock, 70s pop, and blues. It all sounds GOOD on any of these cartridge/stylus combos. IMHO... (and this may border on blasphemy) I don't think anyone can tell a difference to the point of saying, "Ya, that's definitely the old M91Ed," or "Ya, that's definitely a micro-ridge, and that one an elliptical." While there may be slight differences that could be picked up in a lab environment, I don't think the common ear/brain can decipher most of these differences. I used to like my M97XE. It was the first cartridge I bought. Bought a table with an old M91ED on it.... pretty damn good! Then I liked the V15 IV. Then I liked the V15 IV with the Jico. Then I acquired a couple V15 III's... pretty damn good! Then I just had to have a V15 VMR with accompanying MR stylus. Now I am listening to the V15 III with elliptical stylus and it seems fairly permanent. Toys are fun! I think they are more toys than breakthroughs in technology. Whatever you pick I think you will like, barring any setup flaws. Enjoy the toys and the music!

 

[ssmith3046]

I have three turntables. Two with V-15 III's and one with a V-15 II. I use the Jico SAS stylus in all three and the improvement is amazing. I've been listening to V-15 III cartridges since 1973 and the first listen after putting the SAS in was a HOLY COW experience. I could immediately tell the difference between the elliptical and the SAS.