2. analog
  3. 1302263624

Stylus replacement for Shure V-15 v MR

Hi All, I have two Shure V-15vMR cartridges that, like many, need new stylus. Question is: send in to Soundsmith for a re-tip and if so where is the "sweet spot" value wise of their three levels of service? Know each level provides a better end product but enough to justify the expense? Any opinions?

Also, any opinions on the Saunders replacement stylus that is now being marketed at very reasonable price ($79) Is this close enough in sound given the substantial savings?

Lastly, is the V-15 reputation more myth than material. I know it is a very good cartridge, but is it better to just invest the same amount of money into another make/model?

Any opinions greatly appreciated before I decide on a path to take in bringing these back to life.
Ag insider logo xs@2xwhyland
orpheus10
5,988 posts
 
Can anyone compare the V-15 with JICO/SAS stylus assembly to one of the "Grado" cartridges?
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I have two V15Vmr cartridges (note, not the x model, which I once owned but did not care for), one with an original USA Shure stylus - later ones were made in Mexico - and one with JICO SAS stylus, and my JICO SAS is, IMHO, inferior to the original stylus and hardly a category killer. On the other hand, it is very modestly priced and represents fair value. I avoid labels like "mid fi" probably because I don't understand them, but for the cost, the V15Vmr is a fine performer, I own several better cartridges, though they all are quite a bit more expensive.
arfan
3 posts
 
Dopogue,my stylus fell apart last night.From whom did you order? If the JICO/SAS is an improvement it would be worth it.
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
Arfan, I got my last one from LP Gear.
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
For a quality MM cartridge with a MicroRidge/MicroLine stylus, currently in production with a replaceable stylus, the Audio Technica AT150MLX is pretty hard to beat. It certainly has more sophisticated innards than the Shure, and is wired with PCOCC. I've been using mine for 3 years now, and every improvement in downstream cabling, electronics, and speakers has shown the cartridge's goodness rather than limitations so far. It *is* picky about capacitive loading; 150pF total (including tonearm/turntable cable) seems to be about ideal.

I am tempted, however, to get a Jico stylus for my M97xE to see how competitive it is.
More to discover