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Shure M44-G vs Shure M7D

beatcomber

beatcomber

AK Member
I just scored via eBay a circa 1959 ESL S-1000 arm complete with armboard for mono/78 duty on my Thorens TD-124. (The cool one with the black Ortofon-style headshell.) The arm is already fitted with a Shure M7D.

I was planning to use my vintage white body Shure M44-7 with either a Shure N-44G stylus (for mono microgroove) or a Pfanstiehl 78 stylus on the ESL, but I'm curious about the M7D. I know that the M3D and M7D have quite a cult surrounding them.

Has anyone ever compared the M7D and M44-G? How would you describe their relative strengths and weaknesses? Obviously this heavy old arm is a perfect match.

I just ordered a Pfanstiehl-marketed (*757-D7) NOS Shure N21 and plan on trying it out. If I like what I hear, I'll go ahead and spring for the hard-to-find 78 stylus from turntableneedles.com.
 

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beatcomber,

I have used the new M44-G on an ESL badged RMG 212 where it worked very well - surprisingly well considering the price and that it's a "DJ" cart. I have used M7D and M3D carts on ROK and Empire arms with the same 757-D7 N21 you have. I'm confident you'll find the M7D/N21 ESL TD-124 experience very satisfying to say the least. I also recommend you try the conicals on more than just mono/78s.

That's an impressive set up you've put together recently. Congratulations.
 
dtut said:
beatcomber,

I have used the new M44-G on an ESL badged RMG 212 where it worked very well - surprisingly well considering the price and that it's a "DJ" cart. I have used M7D and M3D carts on ROK and Empire arms with the same 757-D7 N21 you have. I'm confident you'll find the M7D/N21 ESL TD-124 experience very satisfying to say the least. I also recommend you try the conicals on more than just mono/78s.

That's an impressive set up you've put together recently. Congratulations.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Doug!

I have heard the M44-G on an Empire 980 arm (on an Empire 208) and was astounded by how great it sounded on that arm - which is one reason I wanted a heavy arm to use the old Shure M44-G on my Thorens.

I have no doubt that it will sound similarly terrific on the ESL... but the M7D is being thrown into the mix and I'm looking forward to checking it out. If I like it as much as I expect I will, it will stay mounted on the ESL and the M44-G will find use elsewhere.

Having heard both cartridges on similar arms, can you offer some comments on their relative strengths and weaknesses? Do you have a preference?
 
I should have said No Original Shure 78 styli for the M7D. Try that aftermarket tip for 78, this is one of the better makes for success with aftermarket styli.
 
BC,

I tried to keep my comments about the M7D/N21/heavy arm on a rim drive understated and under control because I tend to get a little goofy about how much I like that combo and embarrass myself.

There may be specific M44-G/arm/table combinations that would put that cart ahead of the M7D, but I haven't heard one. There is something about the M7D that I haven't been able to define or describe, yet. It is, at the same time, precise and musical, a bit richer, in ways I don't quite experience with any other cartridge and I simply enjoy the music more.

Two caveats: I don't have extensive experience with a lot of carts and the high output of the M7D really suits my system, which is DIY tube.

I think there may be a M44/55 78 stylus.

I'll be looking forward to your reaction post after you get chance to hear what you have there.
 
dtut said:
BC,

I tried to keep my comments about the M7D/N21/heavy arm on a rim drive understated and under control because I tend to get a little goofy about how much I like that combo and embarrass myself.

There may be specific M44-G/arm/table combinations that would put that cart ahead of the M7D, but I haven't heard one. There is something about the M7D that I haven't been able to define or describe, yet. It is, at the same time, precise and musical, a bit richer, in ways I don't quite experience with any other cartridge and I simply enjoy the music more.
Click to expand...

Whoa! AWESOME...!


I think there may be a M44/55 78 stylus.
Click to expand...

There is... available from JICO or Pfansteihl. I have the latter and it is better than I would have expected. It's excellent, in fact.
 
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