• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Shure pecking order

BrandXRC

BrandXRC

BrandXRC
Does anyone know, or of a list of what is what and which is better?
I recently picked up a dual 721. It has a V-15 type III, with no needle. I also have a M995ED. What are the differences? Is one better than the other? Is the V-15 worth buying a needle? If so, any recommendations?Thanks...
 
Register to hide this ad
BrandXRC said:
Does anyone know, or of a list of what is what and which is better?
I recently picked up a dual 721. It has a V-15 type III, with no needle. I also have a M995ED. What are the differences? Is one better than the other? Is the V-15 worth buying a needle? If so, any recommendations?Thanks...
Click to expand...
The V15 III is a good enough that a replacement needle is worth the money.

But there are variations of the type III
You will need to look here to see which one it is.

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LG&Category_Code=SSBC
 
According to Shure's answers database, they no longer have styli for either model (though after-market styli are available). They suggest the M97xE as a superior-performing replacement for anything up to and including the V15 IV.
 
jrtrent said:
According to Shure's answers database, they no longer have styli for either model (though after-market styli are available). They suggest the M97xE as a superior-performing replacement for anything up to and including the V15 IV.
Click to expand...

From my experience with both these carts the M97xE doesn't come close to the sound quality of the V15 Type IV.
 
BrandXRC said:
It is a V-15 type III-LM. I do not see that one on that page...
Click to expand...
More than likely the "LM" referred to a turntable with which it was packaged. Either way, all V15 III cartridge bodies were the same. I agree with Whell--a JICO stylus will make you very happy.

The M995ED was a clone of the M95ED, which was second to the prevailing V15 back in the late 70s. .2 x .7 elliptical stylus. They also made a hyperelliptical stylus for it. It's an excellent cartridge--not quite the caliber of the V15, but many feel better than the current M97xE. JICO makes a fancy stylus for that, as well.
 
jrtrent said:
According to Shure's answers database, they no longer have styli for either model (though after-market styli are available). They suggest the M97xE as a superior-performing replacement for anything up to and including the V15 IV.
Click to expand...
Right, Shure trying to rely on the power of suggestion. I think there's enough evidence to prove that they were delusional when they wrote that.
 
hakaplan said:
Right, Shure trying to rely on the power of suggestion. I think there's enough evidence to prove that they were delusional when they wrote that.
Click to expand...

I'm not so sure about that, not that I've owned a lot of Shure cartridges. I didn't have the V15 III, but did own the very similar VST III. The M97xE is easily the most musically involving Shure cartridge I've had in my system--much better in terms of rhythm and timing when mounted on my LP12/Ittok LVIII (I think that nice aluminum mounting block helps out a lot). I liked the M97xE well enough to buy another stylus for it after a year's use; I discarded the VST III after a couple months.
 
That Shure V15 Mk.III is a very nice sounding cartridge! Does it sound better than the M97xE? Don't know, never heard one! But I think I'd go for the Jico stylus first, as the most cost effective way to get quality music from the good gear that I already have! The V15Mk.III with a Jico stylus will definitely sing! Good luck! :music:
 
G'day all, I love the Shure M97xE. It is a cartridge that requires some tweaking to sound its best but I love absolutely no complaints.

I do run mine at 62 k which does help with the treble, but overall it's a fine cartridge.

One of my turntables did use an Ortofon 2M Red, but I've since put another M97xE back into service on that turntable and I like it better than the Ortofon. I love the M97xE:music: Regards, Felix. aka catman.
 
hakaplan said:
Right, Shure trying to rely on the power of suggestion. I think there's enough evidence to prove that they were delusional when they wrote that.
Click to expand...

Yep - they think that everyone buys only genuine Shure stylii, and if they can't get them, will buy one of their more expensive cartridges to replace one they love. Yeah, right...here's the keys to my car, as well!:D

-Don
 
Thanks for all the info and opinions. I have a chance to get a VN-15E stylus with low hours at a good price. Will this fit my cart? I would like to give the V-15 III cart a listen.
 
jrtrent said:
I'm not so sure about that, not that I've owned a lot of Shure cartridges. I didn't have the V15 III, but did own the very similar VST III. The M97xE is easily the most musically involving Shure cartridge I've had in my system--much better in terms of rhythm and timing when mounted on my LP12/Ittok LVIII (I think that nice aluminum mounting block helps out a lot). I liked the M97xE well enough to buy another stylus for it after a year's use; I discarded the VST III after a couple months.
Click to expand...


The Ittok LVIII is a great arm. I owned one mounted on an LP-12 years ago and an Asak cartridge.

The Shure V15-III is a great cartridge. I owned one too for a few years mounted on an Audio-Technica AT-1100 arm on an Ariston RD-80 TT.

Having said that I wouldn´t think they make a good pairing. The Ittok really calls for lower compliance MC cartridges, whereas the Shure V15 only gives its best on very low effective mass arms.

I never owned or even heard a M97X, but I´m pretty sure its compliance is considerably lower than the V15´s, hence the reason it sounds so nice on the Ittok.
 
jrtrent said:
I'm not so sure about that, not that I've owned a lot of Shure cartridges. I didn't have the V15 III, but did own the very similar VST III. The M97xE is easily the most musically involving Shure cartridge I've had in my system--much better in terms of rhythm and timing when mounted on my LP12/Ittok LVIII (I think that nice aluminum mounting block helps out a lot). I liked the M97xE well enough to buy another stylus for it after a year's use; I discarded the VST III after a couple months.
Click to expand...
No, your comparison is not valid. The VST III was not similar to the V15 III. They were two different animals. It was the same as the V15-RS, the version Shure made for Radio Shack. It had the larger shank as used in the "M" carts. The stylus was the VNSE3HE as compared to the VN35HE or VN35MR for the V15 III. I have heard of others not caring for the sound of this cartridge, so your impressions don't surprise me.

Both the VST III and the M97xE have the same high compliance, so I guess there are other synergistic factors at work creating a nicer sound.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom