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Shure V15 Type III CARTRIDGE re-issue by Jico ---> JV15 Type III

Sam08861

Sam08861

Super Member
Anyone see this yet? Exciting stuff! Ran across this on instagram


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Introducing the SHURE V15 Type III Reissue by JICO
An Iconic MM Cartridge Returns

◉ Overcoming the Pressure of Reviving a Legend
The SHURE V15 Type III is celebrated worldwide as a pinnacle in MM cartridges for listening. Reviving such an iconic model was no small feat. JICO pooled its technical expertise, engaging in meticulous analysis, testing, and refinement over four years. We believe we’ve successfully met the challenge of resurrecting this legendary cartridge.

◉ The M44 Reissue: A Prelude to the V15 Type III
The internal structures of the M44 and V15 Type III differ significantly. Released seven years after the V15 Type II, the V15 Type III featured an enhanced magnetic circuit and a lighter stylus, resulting in more faithful signal reproduction from vinyl grooves. When we began developing the M44 reissue in 2019, our sights were set on the V15 Type III, with the understanding that success with the M44 was crucial for the V15’s revival. In total, this project spanned six years of dedication and refinement.

“We are proud to announce the release of the SHURE V15 Type III MM cartridge reissue, originally launched by SHURE in 1973. After completing the M44 reissue development in 2021, we immediately embarked on the V15 Type III project, dedicating four years to its development. Building upon the knowledge and experience gained from the M44, we meticulously researched and developed the cartridge, striving to recreate the SHURE sound of the era. Please look forward to the timeless yet new “JICO Sound.”

- Yukihiro Nakagawa, President and CEO, JICO

Stay tuned for the next chapter in the JICO Evolution, as we continue to push the boundaries of high-fidelity audio reproduction.

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Sam08861 said:
Anyone see this yet? Exciting stuff! Ran across this on instagram


--------------------------

Introducing the SHURE V15 Type III Reissue by JICO
An Iconic MM Cartridge Returns

◉ Overcoming the Pressure of Reviving a Legend
The SHURE V15 Type III is celebrated worldwide as a pinnacle in MM cartridges for listening. Reviving such an iconic model was no small feat. JICO pooled its technical expertise, engaging in meticulous analysis, testing, and refinement over four years. We believe we’ve successfully met the challenge of resurrecting this legendary cartridge.

◉ The M44 Reissue: A Prelude to the V15 Type III
The internal structures of the M44 and V15 Type III differ significantly. Released seven years after the V15 Type II, the V15 Type III featured an enhanced magnetic circuit and a lighter stylus, resulting in more faithful signal reproduction from vinyl grooves. When we began developing the M44 reissue in 2019, our sights were set on the V15 Type III, with the understanding that success with the M44 was crucial for the V15’s revival. In total, this project spanned six years of dedication and refinement.

“We are proud to announce the release of the SHURE V15 Type III MM cartridge reissue, originally launched by SHURE in 1973. After completing the M44 reissue development in 2021, we immediately embarked on the V15 Type III project, dedicating four years to its development. Building upon the knowledge and experience gained from the M44, we meticulously researched and developed the cartridge, striving to recreate the SHURE sound of the era. Please look forward to the timeless yet new “JICO Sound.”

- Yukihiro Nakagawa, President and CEO, JICO

Stay tuned for the next chapter in the JICO Evolution, as we continue to push the boundaries of high-fidelity audio reproduction.

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I’m looking into this for sure :thumbsup:
 
Sam08861 said:
Anyone know if the knockoff m44 was actually produced?

Edit... Found this.. J44A 7 Cartridge Only – JICO
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This does make me wonder what the thinking is. There's no shortage of old shure carts, especially the n44. Seems an odd choice? The v15s are a bit more scarce, but is there a market?

Why reproduce something that's arguably not in demand? I support this venture with much gratitude, I'm just curious. At least they haven't gone and made an "improved" claim.

I keep hoping shure will get back into the game...
 
Probably to sell more styli to people who refuse to buy used or have a belief that jico will be able to produce an equivalent to a legendary cartridge.

Sold prices for used cartridges are a good indicator of the demand and I'm sure jicos own sales figures from v15 styli provide the incentive, coupled with their data on the m44 knockoff project.
 
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Looking through reviews of the J44 (their m44 clone) it seems they aren't dismal performers, at least from the 3 or 4 non professional reviews I've seen.

found this one .. https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=44035.0

So there is hope!

Anyone know the cartridge / stylus costs for a V15 III with the VN35MR stylus was when it was last produced? Might be a fun little curiosity to see what the old vs. new ratio is if/when produced and avalable. Their equivalent-ish stylus “VN35MRB II” is $180 on their website. VN35MRB II, VN35EB – JICO
 
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Sam08861 said:
Looking through reviews of the J44 (their m44 clone) it seems they aren't dismal performers, at least from the 3 or 4 non professional reviews I've seen.

found this one .. https://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=44035.0

So there is hope!

Anyone know the cartridge / stylus costs for a V15 III with the VN35MR stylus was when it was last produced? Might be a fun little curiosity to see what the old vs. new ratio is if/when produced and avalable. Their equivalent-ish stylus “VN35MRB II” is $180 on their website. VN35MRB II, VN35EB – JICO
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I paid 76 dollars retail in 1975, maybe 74. Still have it, have a NOS stylus from the time, kept it all these years. It deserves the reputation. JICO knows what they are doing.
 
The nickname of the 'Basie' stylus 'supervisor' gave me a little chuckle, and hopefully this isn't a 'Japan only' like the VN35MR B was apparently. Also look like very limited production runs

I worked at a Japanese pharma company for a number of years, so can probably pull some favors if needed.

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Jazz Cafe BASIE Replacement styli “VN35MRB II” and the “VN35EB” supervised by Mr. Shoji “Swifty” Sugawara will be released!​

Nippon Seiki Jewel Industry Co.,Ltd. (Headquarters:100 Ashiya, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture, President: Yukihiro Nakagawa, hereinafter JICO) has released a SHURE V15 Type III compatible replacement stylus supervised by Mr. Shoji “Swifty” Sugawara of Jazz Cafe “BASIE”. The “VN35MRB II” and “VN35EB” will be on sale. JICO will start with accepting orders from Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

“VN35MRB II” uses a Microridge (MR Stylus) at the needle tip that is the successor of the Japan only release “VN35MRB” that was released in February of 2020, and now you are able to experience the enjoyment of the advanced sound.

Orders can be placed to 10 units per customer from a limited edition of 1,000 units.

“VN35EB” is a standard product that uses the Elliptical tip.
 
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MuchoReverbo said:
So do you think it's fake? It shure looks like it might be.
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Lol, it is by definition a fake not being a genuine Shure.

The ad itself... tbd. However they did produce the J44 clone and looking at their catalog Shure styli for the various V15 series is a large chunk of their offerings, so I'm inclining toward real.
 
loudnoises said:
This does make me wonder what the thinking is.
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Whatever it is, it is out there.
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And for the most part, I am with them. A very interesting analog company catering to a unique audience.
I have a handful of JICO styli, plus the Clipper & J50 cartridge, and I want an ALFA.
Sam08861 said:
Probably to sell more styli to people who refuse to buy used ....
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I can agree with this for their J44 products. DJs want the consistency & availability of new retail.
I do not know why they reissued the V15III. Used audio equipment is a viable market in Japan & elsewhere. I would think most new & old audiophiles are going to want a 'real' Shure.
It could be a strategic LT decision 'we spent the money to manufacturer the VN35 (or N44) & don't want to demand to rely on the used market for cartridge bodies'
 
Looking at their J44 body price and M44s sold prices on ebay, it appears they priced it competitively vs. used, giving folks who for whatever reason may prefer 'new' vs genuine an option.

I'd agree it's a very niche market given the production volume of 1000 units starting in 2021 and still listed as available for the 'basie' above. Also, the major demand seems to be local to Japan, based on their market decisions on some of these products.

I suppose a cartridge sold, perhaps even under cost, can lead to a lifetime of stylus purchases and upgrades. Loss leaders as anchors are a typical tactic for consumable items.

Also, the fashion in retail business strategy these days is to keep releasing 'small batch' variants of the same thing for repeated sales. Like the porsche 911--> 911R, weissach edition, GT3rs, GT3R... something new and shiny every year that has slight variations, limited production and the cachet of owning something seemingly 'rare,' 'special' and 'unique'
 
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I don’t get it either. I own 2 V15IIIs both with Jico SAS, and they are in my top 3 favs, but it’s not like they are hard to find.
 
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