Shure V15 Type IV stylus compatibility

[ikorman]

Folks, I have a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge with a broken stylus. I looked on eBay and Type III stylus is quite a bit more affordable. Can it be used with my Type IV cartridge? If not, what's the cheapest source for a new Type IV stylus?

 

[wualta]

We just did a short thread on this and found that yes, the III stylus will fit and work in the IV. The broad consensus is that JICO makes the best aftermarket III styli, and you can get a basic elliptical for ~ $15.

There's one other genuine-Shure Type IV possibility, and it doesn't come up often, but sometimes when it does, it's within reach: the p-mount version stylus, VN45LT.

 

[Azimuth]

It's still better to use the stylus made for the V15 IV (VN45) I got a very reasonably priced one made by Jico under the EVG brand recently from Carole's Needles on eBay. (Stereoneedlelady).

 

[Azimuth]

Here's the link
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/STEREO-RECOR...rd_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item1e7c78e2d5

 

[ikorman]

Here's the link
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/STEREO-RECOR...rd_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item1e7c78e2d5

That seems reasonable. Thanks very much.

 

[ETI_5000]

The advantage of the V15 Type IV stylus over the Type III is that it’s a hyperelliptical (line contact) and so has much more extended contact up the groove walls compared to the Type III elliptical. That means better sound and lower record and stylus wear. The Type IV stylus also has the advantage of the stylus brush, which damps resonance, discharges static, and sweeps dust away from in front of the stylus - dust is a significant cause of record wear, as it’s an abrasive.

So there are quite a few advantages in using a Type IV stylus, compared with a Type III one, although the disadvantage is that it will usually cost more, even as an aftermarket (generic) replacement (not that you’ll find many genuine ones these days, as they are no longer made). Line contact styli may be called Shibata or hyperelliptical (the original Shure name for line contact). LPGear sell what looks like an acceptable replacement http://www.lpgear.com/product/SHVN45HEL.html at a realistic price.

 

[taineasy]

Folks, I have a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge with a broken stylus. I looked on eBay and Type III stylus is quite a bit more affordable. Can it be used with my Type IV cartridge? If not, what's the cheapest source for a new Type IV stylus?

It will fit. Finding an original Shure type iii or iv with beryllium cantilever is tough and expensive but worth it. I only purchase JICO styluses direct from JICO as there are ton's of fakes. Only JICO sells JICO.

 

[taineasy]

The advantage of the V15 Type IV stylus over the Type III is that it’s a hyperelliptical (line contact) and so has much more extended contact up the groove walls compared to the Type III elliptical. That means better sound and lower record and stylus wear. The Type IV stylus also has the advantage of the stylus brush, which damps resonance, discharges static, and sweeps dust away from in front of the stylus - dust is a significant cause of record wear, as it’s an abrasive.

So there are quite a few advantages in using a Type IV stylus, compared with a Type III one, although the disadvantage is that it will usually cost more, even as an aftermarket (generic) replacement (not that you’ll find many genuine ones these days, as they are no longer made). Line contact styli may be called Shibata or hyperelliptical (the original Shure name for line contact). LPGear sell what looks like an acceptable replacement http://www.lpgear.com/product/SHVN45HEL.html at a realistic price.

HE does not mean better sound just different sound. I have both and go back and forth depending on the pressing/recording. In many cases the VN35E can sound better than the VN35/45 HE. I also have an Astatic MF100 (HE) and MF200 (E) and the jury is out on which sounds better. Sometimes the HE can have a shrill effect. Both are very good however.