Shure V15 RS (Radio Shack)

[Yamaha B-2]

Does anyone recall where the Shure V15 RS (Radio Shack) cartridge fell in the Shure line? Was it comparable to V15 III, or what? Thanks.

 

[Andyman]

I just looked one up and think it was like an M91 or an M95 body with a V15 type stylus so it tracked like a V15.

Can't recall if I found that here or by Googling

 

[hakaplan]

Does anyone recall where the Shure V15 RS (Radio Shack) cartridge fell in the Shure line? Was it comparable to V15 III, or what? Thanks.

Yes, the stylus was a VN3 variation. But keep in mind that only the original stylus or those specifically designated for the RS, or the VN5XMR will fit. The N97xE will fit, but may not result in a true V15 sound. None of the older V15 (non-x) styli will fit as the metal shaft is too thin.

 

[Yamaha B-2]

Does this mean that this cartridge is comparable to the V15MRxV?

 

[hakaplan]

There's conjecture that Shure just rebadged the RS and change the stylus to make the V15VXMR. But if the RS is really a V15-III then it doesn't follow because the XMR is warmer in sound than a real type III. But there's also conjecture because of the shaft size that the RS was just a rebadged M95 or some M-type. I don't know if anyone really knows. The only empirical report I know of is a guy over at VA who put an N97xE in his RS and thinks it sounds like heaven. LP Gear sells the N97xE as the replacement for the RS. So maybe it is more like an M-type in its design.

 

[absolon]

The Shure discontinued products list also indicates the N111E stylus will fit.

 

[Yamaha B-2]

Which Shure cartridge was the N111E a stock replacement stylus for?

Also, concerning your post on the Sony magnetodiode - I assume that means that part of the table is working well? Did you notice the lot of three (3) 3000s on eBay?

 

[absolon]

The stylus fits the M111E, also the Radio Shack RXT6. There is an HE version available as well. The story I've found in my research is that the RXT6 is considered one step down from the Shure V15 series. From experience, it isn't quite as nice sounding as the V15III though it is a nice cart with the typical Shure sound, just a bit brittle.

Saw the 3000s, love to pick them up but don't need three more TTs and I expect the cost with shipping would be prohibitive, at least equal to what a single elusive 4000 would run. I have more projects than I need right now so refurb and resale isn't going to work.

I'm making good progress on the 1800. I have both manual and auto reject working now; turns out there is a single point where the linkage binds which put a damper on both reject and shutoff. Next issue is to get the motor off (frozen screws) so I can replace the motor suspension isolators, also a bit of a problem with a microphonic TA to track down. The base and cover are in pretty good shape so both will get a refinish but I'm holding off on that until I've got all the electrcal and mechanical problems sorted. I may be able to obtain a copy of the OM which should supply the specs but am not sure yet. So far I'm pleased, and I've had literally hours of entertainment getting to know it.

 

[NoTransistors]

I got a bunch at close-out. In typical Radio Shack fashion, it was junk. Really shrill sound.

Seth
Forever Analog

 

[hakaplan]

Which Shure cartridge was the N111E a stock replacement stylus for?

The N111E is the same as the N97xE, (.2 x .7 mil elliptical) but with a red brush bar instead of a blue one. The M111E/HE and RXT6 were p-mounts.

 

[Paul C]

The cantilever of the N97xE is aluminum, not beryllium but it sounds the same as the N111E in my RXT6. I have new N111E's and N97xE's here and have done a lot of A/B testing. The N97xE is a perfectly acceptable substitute for the N111E.

The N97xE will replace the N104E, N105E, N111E, N111HE, and will also replace the N92E and N94E stylii. Also NE97HE, VN5HE, VN5MR, and VNSE3HE.

 

[jaymanaa]

Not to hijack or derail this thread, but I use V15IIIs, and was recently told that cartridges have a shelf life, due to the magnets wearing out.:scratch2: Is this true:sigh:

 

[absolon]

The N111E is the same as the N97xE, (.2 x .7 mil elliptical) but with a red brush bar instead of a blue one. The M111E/HE and RXT6 were p-mounts.

RXT6 is a universal mount, comes with the 1/2" adapter

 

[hakaplan]

The cantilever of the N97xE is aluminum, not beryllium but it sounds the same as the N111E in my RXT6. I have new N111E's and N97xE's here and have done a lot of A/B testing. The N97xE is a perfectly acceptable substitute for the N111E.

The N97xE will replace the N104E, N105E, N111E, N111HE, and will also replace the N92E and N94E stylii. Also NE97HE, VN5HE, VN5MR, and VNSE3HE.

Paul, it will not replace the VN5HE or VN5MR. Those are the styli for the V15 Type V which had the thinner shank. It will fit in the V15VxMR, but the result will not be a true V15 sound.

 

[NoTransistors]

Sometimes the Type III falls apart, but wear out? None of us have come across that problem.
The sheet of plastic that has the 4 connector pins is known to fall off. The wires shear off with it. I put a spot of crazy glue on its edge to prevent this.

Seth
Forever Analog

 

[hakaplan]

Not to hijack or derail this thread, but I use V15IIIs, and was recently told that cartridges have a shelf life, due to the magnets wearing out.:scratch2: Is this true:sigh:

No. They essentially last forever. The stylus is the only part with limited life, either from the elastomer (which holds the cantilever) losing elasticity from age, or a worn diamond. Sounds like someone wants to sell you a new cartridge.

 

[rcdis]

The V-15 Type RS is comparable to the Shure V15V-MR. It even came with the beryllium shank stylus. The VN5MR stylus is them correct replacement sylus for the cartridge.

 

[NoTransistors]

Then why does it sound so inferior to the real Shure V15 models?
My ears as well as a general mistrust of anything RatShack disagree with you.
Do not let a fancy, poisonous-to-lick cantilever sway your judgement.
My type III and ML-140HE kick vinyl in its face.

Seth
Forever Analog

 

[jaymanaa]

Sometimes the Type III falls apart, but wear out? None of us have come across that problem.
The sheet of plastic that has the 4 connector pins is known to fall off. The wires shear off with it. I put a spot of crazy glue on its edge to prevent this.

Seth
Forever Analog

Thanks for the tip, I thought they sounded fine :thmbsp:

 

[Paul C]

Paul, it will not replace the VN5HE or VN5MR. Those are the styli for the V15 Type V which had the thinner shank. It will fit in the V15VxMR, but the result will not be a true V15 sound.

I stand corrected. Thanks.