• 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 v15 type III

V65008

V65008

Member
I have a shure v15 type III cartridge that needs a new stylus. My question is should i spend the money (approx $300) on an original new VN35MR stylus? How do the SAS replacements compare? The other thing is I have never used this cartridge, so i better "check" it before i buy anything. How do you check a cartridge? I have the following turntables to use this cartridge on, which would be the best fit?
Pioneer PL-5 AT-90
Pioneer PL-200 AT VS-200
Pioneer PL-15D Empire LTD 200
Pioneer PL-115D Ortofon OM5E
Pioneer PL-530 ADC XLM improved
Pioneer PL-A25 PC-35
Marantz 6100 AT 95E
Nad 5040 Sonus
I also have a brand new Shure M75E type 2, used Acutex LPM-312, and a used AKG P10ED to use.
 
Register to hide this ad
I recently bought the same stylus on Ebay for 149.00. It was a noticeable improvement over the elliptical stylus I had been using. I wouldn't spend 300.00 on the MR mainly because that is way to expensive for a NOS stylus. I have heard no complaints about the JICO SAS just rave reviews, and in fact when it's time to replace the MR I'll obtain a JICO.

As far as what to mate it to for a test I can't be of much help. I assume the it has no stylus or a stylus that is suspect. I suppose mounting it and getting the alignment just close enough and then using a record you have no real respect for would be easy enough.

You might be able to measure the resistance of the coils as well and see if they are close to spec or at least similar enough to each other without being open to purchase a stylus. You'll have to dig for that spec or wait until someone else chimes in.
 
A perfectly good replacement is available from Ed Saunders for less than $50, shipped. It is at least the equal of the original Shure VN35E eliptical stylus in every meaningful and audible respect.
http://www.ewsaunders.com/shurereview.htm
Go with that. I am considering giving my typ III another try with that stylus.
As to which TT is best, it would probably do best in a lo-mass straight arm tho it's been used in pretty much everything and given satisfaction.
 
Last edited:
I use the Jico SAS stylus on my V-15 III and wouldn't use anything else. I have an Ed Saunders stylus too and for the money It's a great stylus. I'll put the Saunders stylus in to compare the two but always go back to the Jico.
 
I agree with Pio1980. As long as you have the Saunders/Jico choice I don't see why you would need to spring for a OEM stylus. I belive the Saunders stylus has almost the same specs as the original Shure stylus.
 
I seem to remember hearing something once or twice about a danger when testing the resistance on cartridge coils. Something about how the minimal voltage a multimeter runs through the circuit could be enough to fry a phono cartridge? Anybody have any more info about this?

I'm really not at all sure, but it was nagging at me, and I didn't want somebody to wreck a great cart because I was too afraid to speak up.
 
G'day mate, use a typical digital (high impedance) multimeter on the ohms test and there won't be a problem. I haven't killed any cartridges yet! Regards, Felix aka catman.
 
Which other Shure cartridge most closely resembles the V15 III? (Not counting other V15 series)
I have the M97HE, M95ED, M91 Hi Track, and M75 Type D
 
I finally set-up and used the JICO in my PL-530 and it sounds great. The image and spatial qualities are very nice. The biggest difference I noticed is in spoken words with the letter "s", cymbals,and "hiss" sounds, they are very clear. With several other different cartridges I could never get a clean sound i thought the lps should have. One other thing is there is no sound distortion towards the center of the record.
 
The Shure M91 Hi Track sounds wonderful with great detail and musicality like the V15 II or III. There is also a Jico SAS for it.
The V15 III is for low mass arms and suffers from noise modulation with my more massive arms.
It seems the JICO SAS replacement also is very high compliant perhaps even more than the original.
 
tmblack said:
The Shure M91 Hi Track sounds wonderful with great detail and musicality like the V15 II or III. There is also a Jico SAS for it.
Click to expand...

Sounds awesome too. My main cart at the moment is an M91ED with Jico SAS, mounted on an Acoustic Research AR-XA.
 
tmblack said:
The Shure M91 Hi Track sounds wonderful with great detail and musicality like the V15 II or III. There is also a Jico SAS for it.
The V15 III is for low mass arms and suffers from noise modulation with my more massive arms.
It seems the JICO SAS replacement also is very high compliant perhaps even more than the original.
Click to expand...

Just the Shure M91 SAS ?:scratch2:
 
I also have a V15 type III that needs a new stylus and would prefer the VN35MR, but can't afford the price for a NOS piece. So who's stylus comes closest to a VN35MR (not VN35E), JICO SAS or Saunders?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom