My $55 M97xE arrived today
- Thread starter DanBa
- Start date
awise1961
Super Member
I mounted my M97XE on the Rega RB300 that's on my Thorens TD-150 and it sounds very good. I've played ten LP's or so with it and it keeps getting better. The only problem I have now is that my new ATN140lc stylus arrived yesterday from stereoneedles.com and I fit that into a Signet TK3ea body last night. My plan was to install this in place of the M97XE today, but I'm really liking this Shure cartridge and I may hold off a day or so.
PS; I'm using the recommended trick of setting the RB300's tracking force to number "3" and then using my digital gauge and the weight at the back of the tone arm to set the true vertical tracking force. By doing this (adjuster set to "3") you disable the spring tension that can cause slight vibration in the arm.
Al. Wise
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ejman
Super Member
Did Shure change anything in their current run of M97XE's? I've had an M97 XE for quite a few years and it was pleasant sounding on my Rega P3 but a little laid back. I was going to buy a replacement stylus but looking at the Amazon deal I thought it made more sense to get the whole cartridge deal as the difference in price is minimal. I put the new stylus in the old cartridge body and hello much more dynamic and really great sounding. Maybe it's my imagination but I shure like it.
Balifly
Listening
How about the JICO SAS stylus for the V15 III instead?:scratch2: 
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=SHVN35HESAS
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=SHVN35HESAS
Ghoulardi
Well-Known Member
I also ordered one of the Shure cartridges today...the overall reviews and price seem too good to pass up. I am figuring that this will be the highest quality cartridge that I have had. Right now the cartridge that I am most familiar with is a Stanton L737 that I have on a MCS 6500. How much difference? I will be using the Shure on a JVC QL-Y55F turntable. The JVC came with a MC200E cartridge that is supposed to be very good, but the stylus is missing from the cantilever. I never got to try it and the replacement stylus is quite pricey. Waiting on the mailman...
DanBa
Well-Known Member
I also have a QLY55F, and it came with the same MC200E. It's been years since I even thought about that cartridge! Yes it was a wonderful cart, I don't think the Shure will come close to that one, but that cart was $300 20 years ago, and probably impossible to find now. I think you will enjoy the M97xE.
DanBa
Well-Known Member
I'm glad a replacement is available, but it's not the same as the OE JVC MC200E.
Mine looked like this
Andrei
Active Member
I second that. Lately, I've ordered many M97XE, since I rediscovered it in the way it works on a very low mass tonearm, and especially with the SAS stylus. I just love this cartridge and I thought the many I have the better
, you never know with Shure, when they decide to call it quit.So I've ordered several from a dealer (don't want to mention his name, as I don't want to make bad publicity and maybe I was just unlucky), three of them had issues, but really bad issues, like really bent stylus and one even had the cartridge body overglued and totally misaligned with the body's support. The seller was desperate as we unsealed several and couldn't find one without a flaw!
I didn't give up, because as said above, once you get one in good shape, it's a splendid cartridge, so I've ordered from another dealer and managed to get several in perfect shape.
So I just love it, regardless of its QC issues.
Pio1980
AK Member
It's LP tunes that has it as the A-T MC200E insert, for $130.:sigh: It should be samey-same, only different color & logo.I'm glad a replacement is available, but it's not the same as the OE JVC MC200E.
Mine looked like this
http://www.lptunes.com/Replacement-for-JVC-DT-200E-DT-200E-DT200E-stylus-p/jvcsdt200e.htm
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DanBa
Well-Known Member
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, unfortunately for myself, I managed to destroy/lose the entire cartridge years ago, before the internet. Somebody told me either"you can't get those anymore" or "that cart is $300", so I just kinda forgot about it. I wish I still had the cartridge body-Dan
Ghoulardi
Well-Known Member
The unfortunate part of my story is that I acquired the JVC turntable and cartridge in a thrift store trade involving many pieces of equipment. The cartridge worked fine and was intact at the thrift store. The manager had some employees move the equipment to my van. Sure enough, as luck would have it, they didn't lock down the tonearm before moving the turntable...stylus ruined. So I know that the cartridge is good but I never got to really listen to it. Replacement stylus quite pricey(at least to me).
Pio1980
AK Member
My IR scanner shows ca a bit over 100F for the NE5532 and something around/over 120F for the OPA2134. The SMD surfboard mounted OPA2604 that came with a kit line pre shows something over 150F/70C
for the Tic-Tac sized device. Attaching a modest dual-wing heat sink radiator via regular set epoxy brought it down to ca a bit over 120F. Can't comment on relative sonix at this time.
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G'day mate, interesting temperature observations. Those IR scanners are fun aren't they. I used to use one at work and using it was rather interesting!
Yes I believe that the current drain is quite high with the OPA2134, but the heat dissipation seems quite effective, but to my 'calibrated finger' temperature gauge, they do get rather warmer than the NE5532 and/or LM833. No failures yet! Regards, Felix.
Yes I believe that the current drain is quite high with the OPA2134, but the heat dissipation seems quite effective, but to my 'calibrated finger' temperature gauge, they do get rather warmer than the NE5532 and/or LM833. No failures yet! Regards, Felix.
ricohman
Adventure Rider
Quote:
Originally Posted by ricohman
I went and ordered one from J&R which is a U.S company for $54.99. And the shipping is only $5.95 so $60.94 total.
And although I never get anything shipped if it isn't USPS to Canada they say all the brokerage is included.
We shall see if they try and get another $20-30 out of me.
Either way its a screaming deal for anyone in Canada. Local shop is $189.99 for the same cart. I hate to save money this way as I like keeping the local shops afloat but this is over $100 in savings and I can't ignore that
It arrived and there were no additional charges. I can't believe it as UPS is usually a total rip-off if you live in Canada and order from the U.S.
I want to remove my Pickering XSV-3000 and try this in its place.
Originally Posted by ricohman
I went and ordered one from J&R which is a U.S company for $54.99. And the shipping is only $5.95 so $60.94 total.
And although I never get anything shipped if it isn't USPS to Canada they say all the brokerage is included.
We shall see if they try and get another $20-30 out of me.
Either way its a screaming deal for anyone in Canada. Local shop is $189.99 for the same cart. I hate to save money this way as I like keeping the local shops afloat but this is over $100 in savings and I can't ignore that
It arrived and there were no additional charges. I can't believe it as UPS is usually a total rip-off if you live in Canada and order from the U.S.
I want to remove my Pickering XSV-3000 and try this in its place.
Raynald
Addicted Member
Thanks for the info. The new pre cleared UPS service seems like a bargain for shipping to Canada. I got a 4 element Yagi antenna shipped here from the US at a very reasonable price a little while back.
Looks like I might have to get one of those M97XE for my Gyro/RB300 combo...
Looks like I might have to get one of those M97XE for my Gyro/RB300 combo...