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For the money this is the best buy I ever had. Just replaced a less than a year old Orto Samba $250(can not change the needle on Samba). The Shure was easier to install on my Revox B791 and the sound is great( not as detailed as the Samba) but more full and well ballanced with better bass.Do not skip getting the replaceble needle.WHo knows how long they will be arownd at that price.
It is broken in now and I have a hard time deciding between it and the AT95E. I picked up the Shure M97xE to use as a back up to an AT95E. I really like the sound of this Shure. The brush also does a good job of cleaning the track before the stylus comes across. Well worth the purchase price.
Finally, I've read that some have claimed the cartridge to be somewhat dull sounding. Back when I bought the AT, I really wanted to get a V15, again, based on all of the favorable reviews. The base is decent and tight, and after much fiddling aroung with the TF/VT/AS adjustments I was able to get the mids to a point where I could stand them at lower levels. But it persisted, although slightly reduced, with my Acoustic Research speakers installed. The soundstage was someshat restricted compared to the other cartridges I've owned, but it seemed more precise. Well, I count that as a huge stroke of luck, as I have absolutely loved the AT compared to the other cartridges I've owned, and, if the M97 is any indication of the performance of the V15 (I've read that it has similar qualities), then I am very glad that I didn't throw down the considerable amount of cash for one back then.The M97xE is not as warm sounding as the Grado (forgotten the model, but retailed around $100.00 in 1981) I owned, but it does have better high freq. So, when I won a sales contest that covered the cost of the AT I hesitantly bought it without hearing it, nor reading anything about it.
response, and it certaily does track better. Sonically, I'm more inclined to compare this to the Ortofon M20FL that originally came with my Dual CS-622 turntable, except the Ortofon had better midrange detail. I chose this cartridge to replace my AT PC440LC on a new Technics SL1200MKII based on the many positive reviews I've read on the net. This translated to a very irritating midrange edginess/harshness that I could not tolerate. I even switched out my new Martin-Logan Preface speakers, thinking that they were too bright and were causing the problem. To me the cartridge displayed the sonic detail reminescent of a mid-range cd player, at least in my system. Obviously, there are many fans of the M97. It definately lacks the guttural involvement.
But the AV shop where I worked didn't carry Sure. To that I will have to agree. However, this cartridge completely lacked the midrange sweetness and detail that I am used to. Midrange instrumentation and vocals lacked detail and was very forward. I would describe the as significantly less "live" than the AT. I am not one of them.Equipment List:Onkyo M504/P304 Amp/PreampTechnics SL1200MKII TurntableAcoustic Research 328PS/Martin Logan Preface LoudspeakersAudioquest Cables
My 25 year old Shure V15 type IV needed a replacement stylus and Shure no longer sells them, so I purchased the M97xE for about the same price as a generic stylus that would be of questionable quality. Very happy with the performance, quality and sound of this cartridge.
I had decided that it must be inherent to the original record. I just replaced my 30 yr. My records sound alive again. Even was present on a half speed mastered super disc of the album. In short, BUY this cartridge. One particular album always bothered me even when the Type IV was almost new.
I put in the M97xE , played Car on a Hill.Crystal clear without a speck of distortion. old V15 Type IV with the Shure M97xE.I promise you that this cartridge is every bit the equal of the Type IV. Well, guess what. Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" song " Car on a Hill" had a peculiar distortion during a particularly loud high pitched vocal passage near the middle of the song. Shure's own test calibration record, new stylus, every type of realignment possible failed to eliminate it. I realize that maybe this was a peculiarity or defect in my Type IV, but I don't think so.
I don't think you can go wrong, especially at the Amazon price.Music sounds like it should once again.
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