V15xMR or Blue Point Special

Well, what differences, if any, do you hear between the Talisman and the type IV? I had a Type III and a Blue Point...Pretty much the same...Shure cartridges have four wheel drive, if you know what I mean. The Sumiko is not a good tracker. However, space and dynamics is where it excels...

What are you looking for?

The MMT arm is a medium-mass arm, and both the Shure and the Blue Point will work well with that arm. Regarding sound quality, each cartridge has its strong points. The Shure is a phenomenally good tracking cartridge, and the newest version -- the V15VxMR -- is also a bit warmer and more musical than earlier versions. Without some extended listening to both cartridges, it would be hard to know which will best suit your tastes. I have owned and used both cartridges, although I did not have both at the same time. I presently have two cartridges that I use -- and one of them is the Shure V15VxMR. You can get the Shure for about $230 from Garage-A-Records (http://www.garage-a-records.com/), and at that price there is no other cartridge that even comes close to its performance. If you need a final selling point, consider that the Shure's stylus assembly can be easily replaced. I understand from an ad I read that Shure is soon going to increase the price of the V15VxMR, so you may want to act soon.

I prefer the type IV on most rock, the Talismam for classical and seem to be split 50/50 on jazz. The type IV has more weight to it, while the Talisman is definitely more refined. I would have to say that I am looking for something that blends the best of both. It's been a while since I have auditioned anything new and figured this was the best place to get some advice. The type IV is nearing retirement and I am looking to compile a short list to audition.

I would spend a little bit more to get a Dynavector 10X4 or 20H if they can properly set up with your TT and arm. I am using a 18 years old 10A which I could not set it up correctly with my cheaper TT I previouly owned. Until my V15-V damaged from the move, so I had to spend the time to set up the 10A with HK T60 TT. Allowing it to burn in for about 50 hours, then it started to show the analog magic. The rest is history and I ended up listening to LP exclusively now and brought a new record cleaner (VPI 16.5) to some of the used LPs from Goodwill for $2 a piece. I never enjoy analog more and I think you would like it too. Happy listening (to LPs)!!