My Shure 'Audiophile' M97xE Phono Cartridge

[@EzeeLinux]

@MrYoda1972 It might be a good fit but I'm steering folks toward the Audio-Technica AT120E these days. It's a lot of cart for the money. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

@PuffSmelly No. The LP60 uses an integrated AT-3600 cart that cannot be replaced. You can only change the stylus. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

@ampheat My M92e said it was assembled in Mexico so I assume these are, as well. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

@jameshodgetts1997 I don't use this cartridge anymore. It never stayed on any one turntable for more than a couple of weeks. I have since found the Audio-Technica AT120E and I'm sticking with that. However, I would assume that you could expect at least 500 hours out of the Shure before you'd have to change styli. A good rule of thumb is to change styli once yearly, assuming you play one or two LP's a day. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

This is an old video. I was not happy with this cart in the end and it's long since gone.I now use an Ortofon 2M Red and I also have an Audio-Technica AT120. Both carts run circles around the M97xE.

[@cmj20002]

I have a Shure cartridge as well and in my years have owned many different brands, but I always come back to Shure. I just really like them.

[@moniqueduchossois1958]

bidon

[@dgillies5420]

the revolutionized the home stereo (inventing the stereo cartridge) and were a decade ahead of the competition for most of the life of the company! But, they stopped work on cartridges in the late 90's.

[@EzeeLinux]

The M97xE has a .2 by 27 mil stylus and as long as it is aliened properly, it will show very little distortion on the high end. It's a bit on the dim side, compared with the bright sound of any Audio-Technica cart. You may find yourself boosting the treble a bit but it's a good tracker. :)

[@EzeeLinux]

@jameshodgetts1997 This cart really does better with low mas tone arms... The T.62 is designed for heavier tracking carts like the 500. However, you could certainly give it a try. Just make sure you can return the M97xE if it does not work out to your liking. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

If you're looking for a cart to playback your records and that's it, I highly recommend the Audio-Technica AT120E. The Shure carts that I have had have been disappointing in the long run. I now recommend AT or Ortofon. :) JC

[@dgillies5420]

Shure gave up making cartridges because they could not get quality parts built in Mexico at affordable prices. But, I find my vintage Shure cartridges (made in usa) are fantastic!

[@TwinMillMC]

If you look at my videos you'll see my 1963 Garrard Type A turntable using the SHURE M97xE phono cartridge. Yes, the damped dust brush is a great feature. It also makes it possible to track very warped or bumpy records without the needle skipping. I used it to track a cardboard Seeburg demo record that wouldn't play with any other cartridge. Another great video, thanks!

[@EzeeLinux]

I think it might work... It all depends on whether the plastic stylus grip on the N78 will fit the M97xE body. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

I don't have this cart anymore. I would highly recommend the AT120E from Audio-Technica or an AT95E. They are head and shoulders about the SHure. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

Yes, new carts come with a new stylus. What kind of cart depends on how much you want to spend and what kind of sound. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

@imfree707 The Shure is retired now in favor of an Ortofon. However, I found that the performance was better with the brush up out of the way... :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

I'm not surprised... This is an old video and the cart turned out to be a disappointment for me also. I am now using an Ortofon 2M Red and it's the best overall cart I've owned. :)

[@EzeeLinux]

@HotelBloedel There is a video with audio from this cart posted as a response. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

@Jesus10741 I suggested the 2M because it's more suited to your tone arm. The Shure is a very light tracking cart and doesn't like high mass tone arms. The 2M tracks at 1.8 grams and will hug the grooves a bit better. My M97xE didn't do well on my AT LP120 but performs great on my Denon. I'd just hate to have you get the Shure only to be disappointed with the sound. You could always try and if it doesn't please, you could send it back. Both carts are very warm and natural sounding. :) JC

[@ChristianGoergen]

Thanks especially for the information concerning the stabilizer issue

[@EzeeLinux]

Yes, they do supply a gauge but use the alignment tool used for Technics translatable now. Also, I don't recommend this cart anymore. Your money is better spent for an Audio-Technica AT120E or Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. :)

[@EzeeLinux]

@orfenandanarchy I'd go for an Audio-Technica AT120E, for sure. It's the absolute best sounding cartridge in the around $100 range. The SHure has proven to be problematic on all four turntables I've tried it on. :) JC

[@EzeeLinux]

This is an old video. See my review of the 2M Red. :)

[@EzeeLinux]

Oh, do the Red! It will be a perfect match. I love mine. I think it's the best cart for the money on the market. It has the solid sound of an old Stanton 680 without the sibilance.

[@EzeeLinux]

The tracking angle is either way off or your tracking the cart way to heavy. Make sure you're tracking at the recommended 1.25 grams. Also, check to see that the tone arm is level with the record's surface. If it is running 'head up' than that will cause this problem. :) JC

[@PJDooWop]

The V-15 Type V-VMR is a hell of a great cart. The M97xE is actually a reissue of the V-15 Type V-RS (the Radio Shack edition that was made in Mexico).

[@EzeeLinux]

Yes... They are pretty well standardized. :) JC

[@GaryFalzone]

I am currently using the stock cart on my LP120 Audio Technica. It is an AT95E cartridge 9came with the turntable) and, after aligning it, AND trying various tracking force and Anti Skate settings, I CONTINUE to get sibilance WAY more than (i think) I should. Will the M97xE reduce sibilance? Great video by the way :)

[@bongaman777]

Great reviews on your channel! I run the M97xE on my Dual CS 5000, but I'm not happy with it. Would you recommend to go for the Ortofon 2M Red or the AT120 (120E/mkII) on this turntable? Thanks

[@HitsTownUSA]

0.2 is a fine point indeed. My new cart is 0.3 x 0.7 even being less fine I still wouldn't back cue especially styrenes.

[@sweetsweatyfeet]

What I've noticed about certain Shure cartridges is a tendency to collapse the soundstage as if everything is moving to mono. Also dynamics are curtailed compared to certain moving coils and the Ortofon 2M line which offer more jump and articulation with better dynamic contrasts. The smooth and lush sound of some Shures does offer low listening fatigue. I've noticed that early sixties recordings work well with Shure cartridges so if vintage vinyl is your thing the Shures are the ticket.

[@OldMusicOnVinyl1]

Does the Numark TTUSB have a low-mass tonearm? I've been planning to upgrade to the Shure M97xE when the Audio-Technica CN5625AL finishes its duty as my main phono cartridge, and I see that the Shure tracks best on low-mass tonearms.

[@EzeeLinux]

@thedude266 What kind of turntable are you putting it on? :) JC

[@marklangston7710]

I bought one of these in 2009 when they first came out. It was a dull and lifeless cartridge. Was mounted on a Technics SP-15 turntable in excellent condition. Back to my old Stanton 681. Now to just find a new needle for it!

[@EzeeLinux]

Best cart for the buck is the Ortofon 2M Red. It will be a perfect match for that table, too.

[@Louminati1]

I just bought an AudioTechnica AT-LP 120 and was looking into purchasing this cartridge. I'm not an audophile but I want to get the best playback. Would you put a video on replacing the original brush and settings. That would be awesome.

[@TheBarePaw]

I bought a JVC JL-B31. I have found your channel to be very helpful. I'm quite unsure about a few things. #1 When I buy a new cartridge, does it come with a new stylus as well? #2 how do i know which type of cartridge do i need to buy?

[@ampheat]

a good review. Is it made in the USA?

[@MaxwellStarr]

I had one of these for 2 months, I just swapped out one of these last week for a Denon DL-110. I can't say that I was all too happy with it - I loved the brush, light tracking weight, and the warm sound, but the highs were a little too rolled off for my liking. I'm loving the DL-110 though. Some of the vinylheads are comparing it to the 2M Blue and it's 60$ less. Recommend it if you're looking to try another decent budget cart.

[@TheBarePaw]

Thank you for the prompt reply. So I can easily change to any cartridge without worrying about compatibility?

[@EzeeLinux]

Yes, I have heard it and I was not impressed... This video has been up for a while. I recommend AT and Ortofon carts these days. :)

[@EzeeLinux]

I never claimed to be an "audiophile.' I am an audio realist and your contempt for 'DJ turntables' shows a lack of understanding of how they work. We used them in radio for years and properly setup they can outperform most of what is on the market today. I have softened my stand against modern belt drive tables in light of the fact that I have found some reasonably priced models that are accurate and durable but in general I think most of what is printed in audiophile magazines is bunk. :)

[@cencalphono]

My experience with the ATP-2 cart was dismal. One came on my first AT-LP120 turntable. I always had skating issues and no mater how the anti-skate or weight was set, at the end of the record, the tone arm would sometimes continue into the record label. After it did this sporatically a couple of time, the stylus was damaged and I didn't notice it until it plowed through a rare and very valuable record and I saw the rows of plastic dust it made. I threw the ATP-2 away, and went back to Shure.

[@miker7456]

I got one of these cartridges recently. I found a SL-1700 Technics last month on eBay. I'm switching between an old Stanton RS500DJ, the Shure, and a Ortofon that came with the turntable. The price of replacements stylus for the Shure will probably keep me from using the cartridge all the time.

[@WARRIORofHARDCORE]

Never mind I happened to have an Audio-Technica ATN-15E lying around, it was DEFINITELY the shure. Enslaved's Frost now sound better than the lossless version from the 1st pres CD.

[@charlesludwig9173]

I’m satisfied with my 97xE. It is for the most part indistinguishable from V15V-MR, which I also own. I have ZERO compulsion to upgrade, since it sounds similiar to my SACD system, that’s to say, as detailed as SACD.

[@MrYoda1972]

hi. would this be compatible with my Technics SL-B2? pardon me, i'm just a newbie on vinyl format. hope you can enlighten me on this. thanks.

[@AirfoilOne]

Sincere thanks for posting this video! I have just received my cartridge, now trying to figure out how to properly set it up lol

[@cencalphono]

I've been using the M97xE cart for many years and have bought about 6 of them. I've never paid anywhere close to the prices shown in the video, always much lower. Once, I got a pair of NIB carts for around $90. A couple of months ago I bought another pair for $60. each. A couple of the Shure stylii were about $45. each. There are deals out there.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

I think the M97xE is derived from the old classic, the V15. I've one of those on my Sony, Type III to be exact. Got the original Shure stylus as well. Perfect match for the very low mass tonearm PS-LX3 has.

[@primaryspiral]

Do you have an opinion on the Shure Whitelabel, on an audiophile point if view? Do you think it's worth the 100d.?

[@WARRIORofHARDCORE]

I have one of these and just set up new speakers. I compared the vinyl and lossless version of Billy Bragg's "Greeting To The New Brunette"; The vinyl version had sloppy S's, sounded like it was recorded from the BACK of an amphitheater and the drums were messed to hell as well as the treble being awful. Is the culprit my TC-750 preamp, the cart or my mint and babied SL-1500 table?

[@guillemiami]

Thanks man. Great info. I had the same Shure for a couple of years, time to replace it now, and even though I was 99% convinced to buy the same one, you just gave me the 1% I needed to decide.

[@MonajemShayan]

Hey I have a Denon DP 23F that I got,but he doesn't have a cartridge..does the M97xE would function on it?

[@EzeeLinux]

I remember the V-15 quite well... We used them to dub records to tape for broadcast. Awesome.

[@bobbyhenneberger9219]

how would you say the v 15 compares to m 97xe? the only exp i have is with the type 2 and 3 series,,, but never messed with the m 97xe? is it the same family sound?

[@EzeeLinux]

@@bobbyhenneberger9219 The m97xe is not nearly as well made as the older v-15. It's a very fussy cart. :)

[@bobbyhenneberger9219]

@@EzeeLinux wow thanks for the advice i almost bought one for 75 bucks used ,, because of shure getting out of the cart game there prices are crazy....whats your favorite shure out of the v 15s?

[@EzeeLinux]

@@bobbyhenneberger9219 I haven't used Shure carts since this one and before that it was in the 80's so I don't have much of an opinion. I like Audio-Technica these days. :)

[@bobbyhenneberger9219]

@@EzeeLinux agreed AT has some great carts,,, i prefer detailed over veiled,,,ill take an At over a grado any day

[@cyjo2009]

I listened to Pickering Empire and a few more for years, but when I bought My first Shure ( an M91ED) I was blown out of the water. I could Not believe How much better they sounded than all others.

[@rickseneris]

+cyjo2009 , Pickerings, Stantons and Empire didn't appeal to me at all in the 70's. They all gave me headaches and bleeding ears. The Shure and the Audio Technica are much better sounding cartridges in those days.

[@wb5oxq]

I was told that the N78 would not work in the M97. If you find that is does I would buy one because I have some 78s and I wont try to play them with the expensive stock stylus that came with my m97. BTW I love the M97 and am enjoying records that have been in my family for over 50 years because the sounds that I missed on older phonographs.

[@JayRudko]

To expound on one of your comments, about finding "the right transducer", I've found that some records sound better with one cartridge than they might with another. It's like speakers in that regard. I also use the M97Xe on my Technics SL1200mk2, and it's terrific. But some records sound better with my Denon DL-160 cartridge; still others with an Audio-Technica AT-15SS. It's trial and error, but worth the effort.

[@EzeeLinux]

@fechner15 The ATP-2 that comes with it is a good match. Another good choice is the Audio-Technica AT65E. Anything that will track at 2 grams or high is a good fit. That would include professional carts from Stanton and Ortofon, as well. :) JC

[@Fremen82]

Have you had any issues with the arm skating skating to the right? I just received both the record and stylus and I've been having issues with skating. Thanks.

[@mister-bellini]

Hey! I have this shure pickup and I really like the sound, but I have one problem: The "belly" of it, I mean that black part right behind the needle sometimes "taps" on the record and anyway it seems to get dangerously close to the vinyl surface. Is there something that I can adjust, like an angle adjustment possibility to avoid that? I really don't want to damage my records. Or is this normal? Can somebody advise me?

[@orfenandanarchy]

What would you recommend for an entry level audiophile cartridge to put on a Pro Ject Debut III?

[@TheDabbinDave]

Was it difficult to align this? Simone on amazon said their is a gauge under the foam. Did you use that?

[@WARRIORofHARDCORE]

Question: I used one of those magic erasers on this cartridge and heard a scratching sound (the turntable was off), did I mess it up? I tried the cartridge afterwards and it sounded great, but I lightly checked how it was seated and it was kind of lose. do I need to replace it?

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I recently changed to a new cartridge for my SL1200mk2. I bought the Shure M97xe, along with a new Ortofon headshell. I've read plenty about this cartridge, it's pros and cons, so I've made sure to give it plenty of hours to bed in. I also uprgraded to new lower cap cables and a new phono pre-amp, the MoFi StudioPhono. I like the sound this cartridge gives, but my new combo seems to have more background hiss than I've experienced before. So, last night, I decided to toss my old cart/headshell on to remind myself of why I replaced it. It's an old Stanton 680EL from the 90s, with a $40 replacement stylus I bought from LPgear about 3 years ago. Yes, it's sound is pretty harsh, especially in the mid-treble region, but what I noticed most, was the increased volume. Not a subtle amount, but dramatic. At the same setting (twelve o'clock knob) on my receiver, I was getting 98db peak music, measured with my iPhone app at about 3 feet from the speakers, versus just 83db from the Shure. That's a difference of 15db! Is there something wrong with my Shure cart, Ortofon headshell combo, or could there really be that much of a difference in output between these two cartridges?

[@dgillies5420]

No, the design of the coil and windings inside the cartridge determine the output some cartridges (such as M44 or M55) can product 50% higher voltage (3 dB) more output than others. But if yours is truly 15dB higher then you might want to check your connections thats literally 31x higher voltage output - something must be wrong!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

@@dgillies5420 Ha, I forgot about this old post. Yes, something was wrong. The stylus wasn't fully inserted in the cart body.

[@thedude266]

Thanks Great video. I just bought one and can't figure out how to use the protractor that came in the box.

[@EzeeLinux]

@MonajemShayan It would but I think the AT120E from Audio-Technica would give you more bang for the buck. :) JC

[@Annonymus121]

How is the inner groove distortion on this cart? :D

[@JohnDoe-uq3mx]

Ah, the felt mat tonearm height adjustment, brilliant.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I took a Scrabble tile, drilled two holes in it, and used it as a spacer. Perfect size and thickness.

[@thedevo01]

I'd be very interested in your opinion on the Shure M447. Have you tried it? Or is it not your cup of tea since it's for DJ's? Could the M97xE be used for mixing?

[@GaryFalzone]

Damn. I kinda already ordered the sure. it is more in my price range. But, will it decrease sibilance though? more than the stock cart/stylus ? that is one of my main concerns right now.

[@Annonymus121]

@Annonymus121 I also used it one my technics SL-B-202 if you wanted to know.

[@MegaRadio90]

You missed the sure V-15 that was the holy grail of sures line!! ;)

[@pulezanpulezan4918]

Great video Joe. Already own AT-LP440MLb and Nagaoka MP110. Tempted to get this too. Or maybe M44-7? For those skippy warped records? Guess i'm becoming a cart obsessed too. Anyways i wanted to ask you. Where did you get those gold plated sockets that you installed on your AT-LP120USB turntable? Especially the one for the ground wire can't find it anywhere to buy. Btw i think this cart is not the best for 78s because it is too light, 78s prefer at least 3-4 grams tracking force so the old Stanton 500 is best for those. Happy holidays from Europe.

[@dgillies5420]

I have a Shure M55e and M97xE and V15 Type IV. M44 and M55 exactly the same mount, just a different stylus. I grew up with a V15 Type II. The m97 does not have a sparkling-bright high end, or a very-high voltage output, but it is very clear and incredibly pleasing, especially for rock and vocals.. The other cartridges have a flatter response. Where Shure really kills it is in tracking and stereo separation (for their higher-end cartridges). I would be fine with an M44 but I would certainly buy either an upgraded 3x7 nude elliptical (or shibata - try LP gear or Jico) stylus, or if you can find one, the elusive N55 2x7 oem shure stylus (which distinguished the M55 from the M44 cartridge). The same 2x7 elliptical was also used on the V15 Type 1 cartridge. From my study of Shure cartridges it seems that the V15 was just a premium metal mounting-assembly, they innovated only on the styluses and the lesser styluses were relegated to lower-model cartridges. Since V15 was actually made of metal the tone arm has a lower mass with M44 or M55 base cartridges. But the V15 came with a wood box and some people are into that sort of thing ... not me!

[@edyoung6573]

I have the same set up as you. Love the Shure 97Xe, Sounds fantastic for my genre of music (Classic Rock) using two mats as well (Cork on top of rubber mat)

[@silenozcefas1562]

who the best? this or 2M Red Ortofon?

[@MrYoda1972]

@BadEditPro thanks for your input. will surely consider your advise.

[@Louminati1]

Thank you! I see the AT95E is listed for much, MUCH less than the 120E. I think I'll go with the AT95E. I mean, I only paid $200 for my AT-LP120.

[@georgedoughly6344]

Louminati X The 120E is worth the extra money. It is a Much Better Cartridge than the AT95E.

[@rafaelparamo873]

Hi JC, I have been folwing your channel for asisnce you uploaded your cartridge videos , I remember you put a sample of this cartridge with a melody calles morse mode by George Searing , you states in that videon that , that lp was never released on cd , do you know what is the name of the lp in whic it came or could you send me the file ?, thank you and best regards

[@EzeeLinux]

The album is called "Shearing Today!"

[@jedi8189]

I bought one a few days ago.. Such a pain in the ass to align on a Technics 1210, still haven't properly aligned it yet :(

[@mitch19636]

I aligned it over 8 years ago using a cardboard too that had a hole in it for the middle of the turntable. I then sat the stylus carefully on the cross hair, moved the cartridge for alignment on the cross hair, then tightened the screws fully up... Done,

[@dbattaglia7]

Where do you get the spacers for extending the cartridge?

[@Barb5001]

Hi,. I find your videos very informative. About the anti skating..... I used to have V-15 type IV on a Thorens 160 back in the '70s. It also had a dampened brush The instructions for it for said to set the AS to the VTF you set with the brush down ft you use the brush. . I now have a M97xE on a Pioneer 112D set up ..with the brush down with a VTF of 1.75 I also set the anti skate by ear and... using a blank record and it is spot on set at 1.75. Where did i get a blank record? I happened to have a copy of "Steve Forbert - Oil Song song" which is a 33 single only recoded on one side :) .

[@creekandseminole]

I made my own custom mat online which came with two covers that I sandwich together. I wonder if it brings the height up enough? I seems to be either the same thickness, or just a hair thicker than the mat that came with my LP120.

[@josh2maier]

Hi joe, I'm kinda new to the vinyl scene. I have my fathers 1970's Technics sl-1900, I have a basic cart from Sam ash but i ordered a Shure! Do you have or can you make a video showing how to adjust the tracking to set this sure up,?

[@EzeeLinux]

+Josh Maier I don't even have a standard half-inch turntable any more. I run a SOny linear tracker. But, there are tons of good videos on setting up a tone arm. Just do a search for "Setting VTF" and you find one for sure. :)

[@josh2maier]

+Joe Collins thanks, I got it pretty good (I think) only issue I'm having is when I pull the start lever, when the arm sets down on the record, it'll slide into the first 30 seconds of the first song.

[@mitch19636]

Need to adjust Anti-skating.

[@PuffSmelly]

would this work on a audio technica at-lp60

[@nikitatissera1979]

Hey Joe, thanks so much for this. I use a Denon DP 200 player (please don't laugh) :-) Will this cat fit that tone arm? Question 2, will that be a good upgrade or am i putting lipstick on a pig? Many thanks- Nikita - Colombo, Sri Lanka

[@EzeeLinux]

The DP=20 uses an integrated cart that cannot ne replaced.

[@nikitatissera1979]

Joe Collins Thanks Joe.. How will i replace the needle when worn out?

[@mclaine33]

Happy to know only 8 years later that the cost is now $99. So $10 in 8 years ain't bad at all!

[@navy831ari]

Very good review Sir, What would be the height setting on the technics SL1210mk5 with the extra mat? Thanks

[@EzeeLinux]

Set it to where the tone arm is level with the surface of the record. :)

[@mitch19636]

www.tnt-audio.com/accessories/schon_e.html

[@Tam.488]

j ari

[@EzeeLinux]

@Annonymus121 It's rather high... I think the Audio-Technica AT120E is a much better cart. Too bad, Shure used to be my favorite cart maker but now they are not as good as they once were. :) JC

[@vinylnewbie3032]

Have you tried Nagaoka MP-110? Thank you

[@georgedoughly6344]

Vinyl Newbie The MP-110 is an Excellent Cartridge!

[@jro7075]

Hello to Mr. Joe Collins this vid is great I stumbled upon this vid normally I would ignore this vid never had a shure cart did not think of them but remembered seeing a lot a advertisements for them when I subscribed to Stereo Review I have a shure 91ED cartridge it is not the one you have but I bought a used Dual 1225 TT it had the cartridge bit stylus was broken I got a replacement stylus after6 repairing Dual the tracking force is rated to .075 to 1.50 I have used the at 95e and ortophon ome 10. Both are good but when I listened to this cartridge it blew me away the sound was perfect it even played a album I bought used that skipped on both of my other TT's This sounds great I can imagine how this one sounds Shire cart are not bad I am a believer JRo

[@dgillies5420]

You should consider them. They invented the stereo cartridge and were the largest maker of cartridges for most of their time in the business!

[@G1951-w1y]

Bought my last MX97E over 15 years ago for $69. I know I should have ordered more.

How about compliance ? What kinds of tonearms it fits best, lowmass - middle mass types ?

[@sweetsweatyfeet]

Great little cartridge however the original made in America M97HE (hyper-eliptical) and it's brother the M95HE were even better. Alas they are no longer available. The HE stylus coaxed more detail from the groove with an even flatter response yet retained the smooth warm sound. However you can upgrade the M97XE (or any number of Shure bodies) with a JICO S.A.S. super stylus for about $189. Not chicken feed but it will transform your cartridge into something more akin to a $3000 moving coil cartridge.

[@dgillies5420]

The thing is, you can upgrade ANY cartridge with a Jico SAS stylus, in that case I prefer the M44 / M55 since there are a billion styluses available and I believe the stylus is 90% of the performance of most cartridges, so as long as you get a low-tracking force (usually Shure) cartridge you'll be good.

[@cubdukat]

Looks like we might be losing this one this year. Shure just announced today that they're killing of at least their DJ phono carts, but it'll probably include this one too...

[@dgillies5420]

Cartridges don't really wear out - only the styluses wear out - and so we will have Shure cartridges (with replacement - probably Jico or Pfienstihl) styluses for many decades to come! I use a shure M55 with an oem N55e stylus, i also have a spare EVG nude 3x7 elliptical - only $45 on ebay !!

[@EzeeLinux]

No, everything is fine... That's how it works. :) Joe

[@sweetsweatyfeet]

The Shure M97xe is more of a budget value cartridge than an "audiophile" one. Yes, it's very good for the money. But there are much better, more lively, detailed, dynamic and just more life like cartridges if you've got the scratch. Get the a cantilevered line contact S.A.S. stylus fitted to any number of Shure bodies and you'll improve them orders of magnitude. Of course listeners who have no experience with the better models will find the M97xe sounds great. It all depends on what you are used to listening to.

[@thedevo01]

Thanks for the fast reply!

[@Annonymus121]

You are a lifesaver. Thank you very much.

[@Fremen82]

Awesome post! Thanks for the info.

[@EzeeLinux]

Around $100. :") JC

[@Annonymus121]

@BadEditPro See I found with my system I get almost none. It's the audio technicas I get a lot of IGD with