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Anyone have an opinion, Jico SAS stylus?

As this is my first post, let me recognize and thank the many 'goners who are so well informed and ready to share their knowledge and experience, and opinions too. I've gained a lot insight when searching the various audio forums and enjoy Audiogon the most.
My system: T/T is a SP-25 in the SH-15B2 base with a Black Widow T/A. I started with, and still have, four large Advents in the early '70's. The other components that count are: Pioneer SX-1980 and 980 receivers, Pio. SG-9500 eq., Pio. CT-F1000 tape deck and a Dual CS-5000 as back-up. Wasatch Cable I/C's. Sony Blu-ray for digital. Nothing to claim bragging rights about, but I'm happy with it. Is sentimentality an audio asset?
Last week I scored on the 'bay. An in-the-box EPA-500 with the A501 pressure gauge, A501H wand and a fresh Shure V15V-xMR cartridge to go with it, very good bang for the $. It fits well with the 70's gear.
I mounted the tonearm today with the xMR on it and was impressed with its midrange smoothness and definition, but cannot bring myself to use it daily. I have three V15-111's with Ed Saunders' excellent replacement styli(i?), but the ellipticals just don't have the finesse of the stereohedron xMR.
Am I expecting too much of these relics if I fit one with the SAS, can I anticipate an upgrade in the type 3's presentation?
One more: Best Buy is now selling LP's, ALL Beatle records are on backorder, about 10% of the rest. 4000+ listed on-line.
For those who read (suffer) through this, I thank you.
Now, what to do with the Black Widow?
128x128timeltel
markd51
763 posts
 
Hello Raul my friend,
As I understand it, the Jico N-97 SAS available from LP Gear fits the older M-97 perfectly, but on the newer M-97xE requires some minor trimming to fit properly.

And as I understand it, the Damping Brush that comes on the Jico SAS replacement is not quite as robust as the original Shure Damping Brush. Probably for good reason. as the Jico replacement is probably a more delicate affair.

I've heard some mixed results of the Jico SAS on board the M-97xE, mostly positive, saying less inner groove distortion, and better clarity, but some others seemed to believe the Jico SAS was less forgiving with poorly recorded vinyl, but shined nicely with high quality vinyl.

As of late, I haven't heard very much good about quality control with these south of the border Shure Cartridges, so if a replacement Stylus is needed, one might be better with the higher quality Jico, versus Shure factory replacement.

There's much writtn about the Jico SAS over at AudioKarma. A simple search of "Jico SAS" will bring up quite a few threads. Hope this helps Raul, Mark
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear Markd51: Thank you a lot. I will read on AudioKarma and I will try with that Jico SAS.

Btw, I don't use the damping brush on Shure or my Stanton cartridges,I prefer with out it. It seems to me that the very sensitive microphone that it is what is the cartridge take some " sound " from the damping brush due to the friction between it and the record.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
ddarch44's avatar
ddarch44
40 posts
 
The Shure V-15 series is highly overrated, and the Series Type III with the JICO SAS stylus replacement is abominable. If I were you, I would send me a private email right away and let me take any V-15 you have off your hands.

J/K

Dave
jb0194
476 posts
 
Dave,

Thirty to fifty years ago engineers at Shure, Stanton, Ortofon, Dual, Garrard, Thorens and the like simply didn't understand what makes for great vinyl lp reproduction like "we" do now.

Get over it and move on ;)
opalchip
355 posts
 
If you can spend a bit more, the Soundsmith retip is an alternative.

There is a thread on Audiogon somewhere about this.
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