M97xE review on YOUTUBE

[ghamilton]

I agree with this guy on the shure as long as it's loaded at 250 to 300 pf.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=PArs6CpR8_E&feature=endscreen

 

[grooveman]

I agree with this guy on the shure as long as it's loaded at 250 to 300 pf.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=PArs6CpR8_E&feature=endscreen

In the comments section the original poster claims this an "old" video and now is using both the Ortofon 2M Red and the Audio Technica AT120. Both he claims, "runs circles around the M97xE".

I have heard the 2M Red and like it alot. Haven't heard the AT-120. Own and use the M97xE on a Dual 1229 which is pretty good for casual listening.

 

[catman]

G'day all, yes I've seen that youtube video and yes it has been 'superseded' as it were, although he does have a supplementary video where he states that the M97xE sounds great on another turntable!

The difference I suspect is 'loading'. In fact my chief annoyance with these sorts of videos is the at times, total lack of technical aspects/understanding/set up that can make a very big difference, even something as basic as cartridge overhang, as it does with the M97xE and many other cartridges too.

I don't think that I've ever seen any youtube video that takes these important set up factors into account. In my opinion these things serious limit their value/use. Regards, Felix aka catman.

 

[ghamilton]

I know what you mean Felix. Some people just don't get it. The PF setting for the M97xE makes ALL the difference in the world.

 

[catman]

G'day mate, yes those sorts of reviews/videos are obviously well meaning but the obvious lack of attention to detail really gets me down. A bit like reviews that report severe inner groove distortion with certain cartridges when the IGD actually due to incorrect cartridge set up!

Sometimes I'm sorely tempted to give up turntable stuff completely and take up something more enjoyable like wild promiscuous sex! If only I could! Regards, Felix aka catman.

 

[guest102]

Watched the video... it's only an opinion. My experience with the M97xE leaves me cool toward it as other examples better meet what I want to hear. And that's just me.

I followed this reviewer's links to reviews of Ortofon's Red cartridge. I don't have an Ortofon cartridge - yet. But if I were to take the plunge, I'd start with a Blue. It seems to agree better with it's buyers than the red, and it's stats are more in alignment with what was considered what to look for in the early '80s when I was learning this game. However, just staying with stats, other potential buys mirror the Blue's capabilities for less money. It may be that the Blue has something that justifies it's elevated "cost to play" factor, but until I hear one, or amass the courage to buy one just for kicks, I won't be able to appreciate it's abilities.

 

[ghamilton]

I know there are more expensive cartridges out there that can out-perform the M97xE. It's just about getting the most out of this little gem. A lot of folks have given up on it because IMO they didn't get it set-up completely correct. That PF setting is an often overlooked issue. If only more phono stages had that setting option. The NAD 1020 preamp has that switch on the rear. I had a chance to play around with the 1020 preamp with the M97xE.
That little switch revealed what the PF setting can do for the little Shure!:yes:
By the way. I also have the ($1200) Grado statement-reference. I've been doing this since the 70's.

 

[analoghifi]

G'day mate, yes those sorts of reviews/videos are obviously well meaning but the obvious lack of attention to detail really gets me down. A bit like reviews that report severe inner groove distortion with certain cartridges when the IGD actually due to incorrect cartridge set up!.

Hi Catman, Good Day! I remembered a while back you had a post all about cartridge loading on these Shure cartridges and changing impedance values and such on the pre-amps. That thread was quite interesting as its something I havent read about! I'd love to learn more of this technique and what is considered optimal based on cartridge specs.