Shure M3D or M7D ... Which one is the RS100

[malden]

The real differences outside of cantilever mass and stylus differences probably are limited to the quality of the winding in the pickup and the suspension on the cantilever. That can make for a significant difference though, so just because the basic technology is the same on all mag cartridges they can certainly perform differently. Of course the stylus plays into it majorly too, which is why the same body will act different depending on the nail installed.

Kind of like the differences in audio output transformers. On the surface they are all two coils of wire next to each other inside an iron frame. Internally they perform very differently based on precisely how they are wound.

Some good points.

Shure took the lower grade cartridge body of the M7D, added a high compliance stylus and then placed it above the M3D in the chain of command. In terms of sound, I like the M3D with the low compliance N3D stylus better than the higher compliance N21D stylus mounted in either the M3D or M7D.

Keep in mind that the M3D was Shures' first stereo cartridge so they put everything into it. They even offered a premium version, the M3LS.

 

[Montycat]

The catalog page has the Shure M44-7 cartridge, which came a few years after the M3D was introduced. By that time, the M3D was demoted from top of the line, to the bottom.

Before posting that link I browsed a few other years. I think I first saw the RS version and the M3D in the 1965, or maybe 64.

Just checked 1963 and it doesn't have a Realistic but does have the M3D and M7 plus a bunch of other cool ones.

 

[biscuithead]

The catalog page has the Shure M44-7 cartridge, which came a few years after the M3D was introduced. By that time, the M3D was demoted from top of the line, to the bottom.

I have an M44 that I use on a Dual 1019, and it is my 78 rig. Love It.

 

[sberger]

In terms of sound, I like the M3D with the low compliance N3D stylus better than the higher compliance N21D stylus mounted in either the M3D or M7D.

Me too.

 

[malden]

Some good points.

Shure took the lower grade cartridge body of the M7D, added a high compliance stylus and then placed it above the M3D in the chain of command. In terms of sound, I like the M3D with the low compliance N3D stylus better than the higher compliance N21D stylus mounted in either the M3D or M7D.

Keep in mind that the M3D was Shures' first stereo cartridge so they put everything into it. They even offered a premium version, the M3LS.

I spent most of the day today listening to a M7-N21D (M7D) cartridge with a new JICO N21D stylus and have to say that I stand corrected. They are mounted in my Technics SL 1800 MK2 and this is an excellent sounding combination.