OK then. How about a Shelter 201? Rather than spending the $258 needed to replace my AT150MLX’s stylus, I sprang for a Shelter 201 from a Japanese vendor on eBay for $167. I’m *really* loving this cartridge. More dynamics than any .3x.7mil elliptical stylus mounted on a tubluar aluminum cantilever has any right to be, I’m astounded by this cartridge’s musical ivolvement, transparent and honest midrange, and stunning dynamic range at its price. I think everyone should have one--the budget-minded for its performance for under $200, and as the spare for the well-to-do while their 4-figure LOMCs are getting retipped.
Phono cartridge advice
My turntable is a Garrard 401 in skeletal plinth, fitted with an SME3009 series 2 imp arm (fixed shell) with a Shure V15vxmr cartridge and a Trichord Dino MM/MC phono stage. The stylus on the V15 was broken my cleaner! My question is should I shell out on a new Japanese Jico stylus (which has had very good reviews) as Shure no longer make this stylus, or should I get a new cartridge, if so, what? I have been looking at the Denon DL110 moving coil, but how will it compare to the V15vxmr? The Jico stylus is very expensive (£350GBP) so the Denon cartridge would save me a few pounds but I don't want to be disappointed. Because I have a good phono stage, I could consider a more expensive lower output MC cartridge but if the cost is approaching that of the Jico stylus I may as well just buy one of those and continue with the V15. So, in short, do I replace the stylus or will the Denon cartridge be a better bet and save me money ... or is there another MC cart that would work well in the SME arm and offer an improvement over the Shure? Thanks in advance for any help. Les.
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Thank you everyone so far for some very good advice! My thoughts about the AT150MLX are that in the UK, even ordering it from Japan is is going to cost about the same as a Jico stylus for the Shure, the Same applies to the Denon 103 especially if I am to modify it. I would consider these options if they are likely be an improvement over the V15vxmr with a Jico.... I guess that is a matter of opinion and personal taste, but worth thinking about. I have been very happy with the Shure and the 401/SME3009/V15 setup is a "classic". I hear people talk about the "synergy" of this combination. However it is always good to try alternatives, so I am still considering my options. So far nobody has said the DL110 would be an improvement, or equal to the Shure so I am thinking I might be better off sticking with the V15 or consider one of the above mentioned alternatives as an upgrade. I am not familiar with the Shelter 201, but I have looked at very good reviews The stylus is replaceable and it woud certainly be less costly .... but again my worry is how it stands up against the Shure. For interest and in case it adds any relevance to the choice of cartridge, the other system components are a Quad 99/909 pre/power amp and the speakers are Audiovector M2 floor standing. I listen to a wide variety of music from Jazz to rock and I tend to like a good extended top end, possibly because after 40 years of working in radio and wearing headphones, the high frequencies are not as clear as they used to be! Please keep the suggestions coming as I am considering all the options. I don't mind spending a little extra if I am going to get better performance than the V15vxmr ... rather that than be disappointed if I try to save a few pounds. |
I don't know how you got the price for the Jico stylus to fit your Shure at £350.00 because Jico sell it direct for $211.00 for the SAS with other styli much much cheaper http://www.jico-stylus.com/index.php?cPath=18 I highly recommend the SAS implant which can make this cartridge compete with many high priced LOMCs or you can try the cheaper Jico replacement... |
Thank you halcro .... The on line price seems to be $267 which is still cheaper than I thought ..... not sure (pardon the pun) how I came up with £350! I don't know if that includes postage or any import tax, but it does make the Jicro stylus look like the best option, especially as the SME has been set up for the V15. Thank you. |
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