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Anyone have an opinion, Jico SAS stylus?

As this is my first post, let me recognize and thank the many 'goners who are so well informed and ready to share their knowledge and experience, and opinions too. I've gained a lot insight when searching the various audio forums and enjoy Audiogon the most.
My system: T/T is a SP-25 in the SH-15B2 base with a Black Widow T/A. I started with, and still have, four large Advents in the early '70's. The other components that count are: Pioneer SX-1980 and 980 receivers, Pio. SG-9500 eq., Pio. CT-F1000 tape deck and a Dual CS-5000 as back-up. Wasatch Cable I/C's. Sony Blu-ray for digital. Nothing to claim bragging rights about, but I'm happy with it. Is sentimentality an audio asset?
Last week I scored on the 'bay. An in-the-box EPA-500 with the A501 pressure gauge, A501H wand and a fresh Shure V15V-xMR cartridge to go with it, very good bang for the $. It fits well with the 70's gear.
I mounted the tonearm today with the xMR on it and was impressed with its midrange smoothness and definition, but cannot bring myself to use it daily. I have three V15-111's with Ed Saunders' excellent replacement styli(i?), but the ellipticals just don't have the finesse of the stereohedron xMR.
Am I expecting too much of these relics if I fit one with the SAS, can I anticipate an upgrade in the type 3's presentation?
One more: Best Buy is now selling LP's, ALL Beatle records are on backorder, about 10% of the rest. 4000+ listed on-line.
For those who read (suffer) through this, I thank you.
Now, what to do with the Black Widow?
timeltel
markd51
741 posts
 
I think you'll be very happy with the performance the SAS Stylus gives on the V-15 Type III. This ultra tiny Stylus seems to bear much resemblence to what is used on the top end MC Cartridges, for example, like what's on a ZYX Cartridge.

I have bought one for my own Type III. The SAS will perhaps be a little more touchy on set up, but will be worth the effort. Other things I'd like mentioning, is the nude SAS Stylus is bonded to a Solid Boron Cantilever, which appears to be sleeved onto the remainder of stock Cantilever going into the Cantilever Holder Assembly.

They can be ordered direct from Jico in Japan, but if you're in the USA, then LP Gear is a better option, they cost slightly less at LP Gear, and shipping times of course will be quicker.

The one quality I've usually experienced with many Shure Cartridges, is they are a little noisy in the groove. The SAS Stylus should lower this groove noise, typical to how other fine Cartridges perform using a Line Contact-Micro Line Stylus. Mark
timeltel's avatar
timeltel OP
794 posts
 
Markd51: Pretty much what I anticipate, with hopefully a little more openess in the harmonics through increased groove depth. The type 111 is certainly not lacking in detail, and the EPA-500 presents a with a high degree of resolution. If, as I expect, the SAS will diminish a sense of dryness "a mile wide but only an inch deep" I'll be pleased. Setup has not been a problem for me, I appreciate the heads-up with this stylus. Thanks for the add'l input.
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear friends: I replaced too the VMR for a M97xE.

Do you know if there is a Jico SAS stylus replacement for the M97 through LPGear? even if was not designed expresly for the 97?

regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
markd51
741 posts
 
Hello Raul my friend,
As I understand it, the Jico N-97 SAS available from LP Gear fits the older M-97 perfectly, but on the newer M-97xE requires some minor trimming to fit properly.

And as I understand it, the Damping Brush that comes on the Jico SAS replacement is not quite as robust as the original Shure Damping Brush. Probably for good reason. as the Jico replacement is probably a more delicate affair.

I've heard some mixed results of the Jico SAS on board the M-97xE, mostly positive, saying less inner groove distortion, and better clarity, but some others seemed to believe the Jico SAS was less forgiving with poorly recorded vinyl, but shined nicely with high quality vinyl.

As of late, I haven't heard very much good about quality control with these south of the border Shure Cartridges, so if a replacement Stylus is needed, one might be better with the higher quality Jico, versus Shure factory replacement.

There's much writtn about the Jico SAS over at AudioKarma. A simple search of "Jico SAS" will bring up quite a few threads. Hope this helps Raul, Mark
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Markd51: Thank you a lot. I will read on AudioKarma and I will try with that Jico SAS.

Btw, I don't use the damping brush on Shure or my Stanton cartridges,I prefer with out it. It seems to me that the very sensitive microphone that it is what is the cartridge take some " sound " from the damping brush due to the friction between it and the record.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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