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Cartridge Limitations or Break In?

I've just gotten going with my first TT and cartridge, a Shure M97xe. So far I'm really impressed with it for the price ($56 or so). The only place where I'm having some problems with it is in certain tones and higher notes. In particular muted trumpets - Miles Davis at the Blackhawk just fell apart - and with the reverberations on some loud vibraphone passages - Milt Jackson on a couple of Pablo recordings. I've read that that this, and other cartridges, need some time to break in to smooth out. Is that what I'm experiencing here or am I discovering the difference between an inexpensive cartridge and pricier model?

Still sounds bloody good for the money.
grimace
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Most suspensions are fully broken in between 25-50 hours with higher compliance cartridges taking somewhat longer.

400 hours is nonsensical.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,451 posts
 
Whoops - I meant 40 hours - the written suggestion on both my Benz Ebony LP, and Ebony H. Sorry for the typo. "Nonsensical" seems a bit mean spirited to me
headsnappin's avatar
headsnappin
295 posts
 
Hello Grimace, I respectfully disagree with the posts. A Shure cartridge not broken in will track most anything on this planet. Please recheck your setup and don't run it at the lowest tracking force, that can cause slight mistracking and not as good sound. A shure cartridge properly setup will sail through just about anything. Lower tracking forces will not result in less wear. If you are unsure (pun not intentional) about setting up a cartridge enlisting some expertise will be very helpful by way of a friend or local dealer.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Mean spirited?

Sorry, no offense intended my friend.

Enjoy your new cartridge.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
And thanks to A-gon member Elevick for loaning me a setup tool and a tracking force scale. I was just a tad off - understatement of the year - on both counts. A little heavier and the stylus might have worn a hole in my platter.

Still though, I played that Miles Davis again with the weight adjusted and it still just explodes into distortion. Maybe the recording? Its just the muted trumet. The recording is Miles Davis In Person Saturday Night at the Blackhawk Vol.2. The track is 'Fran-Dance'. Its the Columbia brown label "limited edition" re-release. Other than the mute its a really really good pressing.

Anyone else have this one?
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