Audio Technica VM540ML v. N97xe Jico SAS

Also, for those who've heard both (maybe I should start a separate thread on it, but I'll throw it out there anyway) How about how the Nagaoka MP-150 compares to the 540ML? They are nearly identical in price.

I’ve got two VM540MLs. One on my SL-1700mk2, one on my SL-Q2. They floored me with the detail an clarity of presentation. You will not be disappointed!

They may be identical in price, but they are not identical in compliance. If you go the 150 route you will want to add mass at the headshell with the 1200.

But tracking force of the Nagaoka is only 1.5 - 2.0 (similar to the Shure) why would I want to add extra wight?

I run a Nag 200 0n a project 9CC Evo arm and I don’t need any more
weight . Why on 1200 ?

I don't run Shure but I would not be surprised if they stopped production of 97 because who ever was making  them for Shure had zero  QC .