Shure V15V cartridge. Worth investing in?

A little history regarding the Denon DL-103 mc cartridge:

Developed by Nippon Columbia and NHK in 1962 and at first were used by NHK radio station only. Since it was so reliable and superb in performance. Other radio stations were starting to use the Denon DL-103.
During 1970, the Denon DL-103 were formerly introduced to the consumer market. There are many different models like the DL-103S, DL-103D, DL-103M etc.
The Denon DL-103 had been in production for almost forty years and still going very strong. Many, many seasoned/experienced audiophiles all over the world had tried it and still using it. Why? Because it is an excellent cartridge. I believe that only excellent and good sounding product can stand the test of time. And Denon DL-103 is clearly one of those product. I love it because the sound it produces is so natural and so full of life. There are many experienced audiophiles all over the world still using the Denon DL-103 cartridge.
I think the best way to fully understand this cartridge is to try one yourself. It is not that expensive.............

Campbell has the V15 pegged. It's a good chartridge, but moving magnet just can't compete with moving coil, except in trackability. Once you hear even a relatively inexpensive Denon MC chartridge, you'll be hooked on MC. Try a Denon, or a Shelter. Buy the Shure too. Compare for your self. You'll be able to resell what ever you don't like for a loss of only the price of a nice evening meal for two, and you'll have about that much fun comparing these needles.

To answer your question first: no, I would not rehab your old Shure; I would get a new one, as it is significantly better. Also note that the damping block tends to lose its elasticity, and that usually imparts a hardness to the sound. So even if you were to get a new stylus, there might be other things in need of attention. The overall cost might approach the cost of a new one, which is indeed more refined than earlier generations of this cartridge.

There has long been an audio snobbery towards this cartridge, IMO, without any basis except that it perhaps doesn't cost enough, and that seems to put off some of the "purists". It is a very fine unit.

Now, I currently use the Denon DL 103 and am as enthusiastic about it as Edle. It has the added benefit of being a HOMC (high output moving coil) and thus doesn't require a pre preamp. In simple terms, you can drive it through a conventional phono input. And it doesn't cost a lot. So unless you're emotionally wedded to the Shure, you might give the Denon a look. But you would not go wrong with Shure Brothers. Good stuff.

This is a great cartridge for the money. Only around $225 new. (I can give you the link). As far as tracking, it is only bettered by one other cartridge I am aware of, the Cartridge Man's 'Music Maker' cart, which is a true audiophile MM (Or moving iron, I forget which) High output cart. Of Course, that one costs $750. For the money, it's hard to beat.

Andrew

OHLALA...FOLKS!

The body still the same, acquire the "Upgraded" stylus...
and Viola...! Listen music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALEX