Audio Technica VM540ML v. N97xe Jico SAS

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 .

yeah just recently the main plastic body of my 97xE came off the metal upper portion of the cart while I was putting on new leads (looks like the glue disintegrated). I super glued it back but it could be a little off center/crooked...