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M91ED or M97XE

jmchrislip

jmchrislip

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
:scratch2:A friend of mine is looking for a Shure M91ED. I haven't had one since the very early 70's and then I didn't have a good turntable so I don't remember it's performance characteristics. I can only suggest the M97XE. If anyone has used the M91ED AND the M97XE, would you give me your recommendations?:scratch2:
 
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It'll end up being a personal decision, but I much prefer the 91ED. Big bold sound, great tracker. The 97xE just didn't do it for me. Just not enough body, and not enough soul. That said, there are a lot of folks who really like it.

What is the turntable that your friend is going to use the cart on?
 
I am using a Shure M91ED with a generic stylus with my AR XB. It really has a great sound. Bass and mids can really be great. My only criticism is that it isn't as open as I would like in the upper range. Horns can sometimes sound a little pinched. The bass on the other hand is full and open. Mids good. I am using original large Advents which are a little rolled off on top, so that may be part of the problem.
 
M91 easily and I own multiples of both. To my ears the M91 with the generic EVG sounds better than the M97 with the factory stylus, though this has been debated here for years. M91 likes higher capacitance and the M97 low capacitance.
 
Definitely Agree!

sberger said:
It'll end up being a personal decision, but I much prefer the 91ED. Big bold sound, great tracker. The 97xE just didn't do it for me. Just not enough body, and not enough soul. That said, there are a lot of folks who really like it.

What is the turntable that your friend is going to use the cart on?
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Have had both. Twice on the M97. Second time just to see if the first was a dud. Have had many turntables with M91EDs. They will blow away a M97! My last one was on a Dual 1219. Had a $35 JICO elliptical on it. I like all types of music, rock,jazz, and classical. A cart needs to do it all well. The 97 was kinda blah. Find a M91ED cartridge body and get a JICO on it. Sonically, it's close to my latest 1219 with a V15 type II. My two cents. As said above,there is a following for 97's. Hope this helps.

Eric:music:
 
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I'm presently trying an M91 w/EVG stylus in the PL-L1000 as a casual set-up. I'll probably need to check cap loading.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
 
First, I have to admit that I have never heard the M97XE, so I can't comment on it either way.

That being said, I have several M91EDs (4 to be exact) and a couple of M91Es (an earlier version of the M91ED with a different mounting bracket.) They are a great sounding cartridge that can be had for around $30 or so shipped (less stylus) if you keep your eyes open on the big auction site. It sounds great with a cheap EVG generic stylus (about $15 or so shipped from several sellers on that aforementioned auction site), so for less than $50 total outlay, you are ready to go. And if you decide you really like the cart you can upgrade to a JICO SAS stylus (about $130 or so if I recall correctly) for sound that matches or is better than much more expensive carts. It has been said that it punches way above its' weight class. I have to agree. It would be really hard to go wrong with the M91ED.
 
Treker said:
First, I have to admit that I have never heard the M97XE, so I can't comment on it either way.

That being said, I have several M91EDs (4 to be exact) and a couple of M91Es (an earlier version of the M91ED with a different mounting bracket.) They are a great sounding cartridge that can be had for around $30 or so shipped (less stylus) if you keep your eyes open on the big auction site. It sounds great with a cheap EVG generic stylus (about $15 or so shipped from several sellers on that aforementioned auction site), so for less than $50 total outlay, you are ready to go. And if you decide you really like the cart you can upgrade to a JICO SAS stylus (about $130 or so if I recall correctly) for sound that matches or is better than much more expensive carts. It has been said that it punches way above its' weight class. I have to agree. It would be really hard to go wrong with the M91ED.
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Treker is spot on.

I have two M91ED's myself. There are not many cartridges I like enough to have two of.
 
jgannon said:
I am using a Shure M91ED with a generic stylus with my AR XB. It really has a great sound. Bass and mids can really be great. My only criticism is that it isn't as open as I would like in the upper range. Horns can sometimes sound a little pinched. The bass on the other hand is full and open. Mids good. I am using original large Advents which are a little rolled off on top, so that may be part of the problem.
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Yes, it's a bit soft on top, but not exactly rolled off. Smooth without being at all dull.
 
My M91 is one of my all time favorites, right with my M75's which for all intents and purposes is the same cartridge with different plastic. Perhaps he could search for one of them-might be more available, especially in the Radio Shack disguise.
 
I've used both with stock stylus and much prefer the M91ED. I've added a SAS stylus to the M91 and it reveals the highs, keeps the nice mids and full bass. This opinion is based upon using the M91ED on a Technics SL-1200MK2 but the cart will eventually be used on a AR XB that is nearing completion.
 
in my opinion the M91 is an excellent cartridge(especially for rock music)!the M97XE is more insipid.....what is more the M91 accept all styli from M91 of course but also from M75/V15typeII.....MULTIPLE CHOICE INDEED!
 
AvFan said:
I've used both with stock stylus and much prefer the M91ED. I've added a SAS stylus to the M91 and it reveals the highs, keeps the nice mids and full bass. This opinion is based upon using the M91ED on a Technics SL-1200MK2 but the cart will eventually be used on a AR XB that is nearing completion.
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And when you do, remember...............
:worthless


:D
 
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