Any experts here on TT cartridges?

[Kurt 2,237]

So, I continue to proliferate my collection of gear... Since I have two systems going these days, I have rationalized a need for a second turntable (the word "need" is getting misused in this context" I'm sure )

 

 Found a minty Technics SL D2 (I already have one and I love it).   But it has this cartridge stylus combo I've never heard of... I googled it and got some info.  Apparently SHURE made cartridges for Technics back in the day.  But I can't find any reviews or comparisons to other cartridges.  The guy who sold me the turntable says it is a fantastic cartridge.  I was going to click the Amazon button and buy myself an Ortofon Blue, like I have on my other TT....but, thought I'd check the sellers claims first.  The unit is such pristine condition, I'm inclined to believe him.  Of course, I'll hook it up and listen to it too... 

 

Anyone have any experience with these?  Are they any good? 

 

Edited June 29, 2024 by Kurt

[3M_Audio 1,576]

Shure made tons of cartridges and an old cross reference sheet I have says the ME103 was, in fact, an OEM model. The replacement stylus is the N14 which is a .4x.7 elliptical tracking at 1.5 - 3 grams.

 

I can't speak to the merits of that particular stylus, but I'd balance it up and put on some music and see what you think. Shure made some excellent cartridge/stylus setups - and of course some not so great.

 

And I'm sure the stylus could use a cleaning - Discwasher used to make a nice stylus cleaner kit which included some cleaning fluid (which I think was just 50/50 alcohol and distilled water). I can't recall the model of the cleaning kit but some google work would probably locate it. I'm sure there is a modern equivalent.

 

BTW, Shure has a very good support site and even has some pictures explaining stylus wear. Good stuff.

[Sk1Bum 10,556]

I have no experience with that Shure cartridge. My experience has been with the Stanton 681EEE, and the Ortofon 2M Bronze (very nice) and the Ortofon 2M Black (even nicer). The Ortofon 2M Bronze and Black share the same body, so the upgrade to Black just requires the upgraded stylus.

 

I don't think the Stanton 681 EEE is available anymore, though replacement stylus are available. 

[davidc 345]

Sorry to hijack...I have two Shure V15 Type V ME cartridges. Last used probably 30 yrs ago. Can the rubber connecting the stylus to the cartidge go bad? Should I replace it automatically if I'm going to hook it up again? The stylus itself I know isn't worn out. Can replacement styli be trusted to be just as good as original?

[Eyexlr8 85]

Davidc

Your best bet is mount the cartridge and set the proper tracking weight and see whether it will collaspse to the body.

If it doesn’t then playing it will very quickly tell you if it’s good to go

 

I have a lot of old low output moving coils and most used silicone suspension and most are still aok

I did have this V15  MM model but didn’t remember the suspension composition

 

 BTW- consider the tip profile made back then more than likely superior to what is made today since that was  the pinnacle

of the cartridge making era

 

Edited June 29, 2024 by Eyexlr8
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[Kurt 2,237]

Thanks all, very good tips!  I much appreciate it.  I have since learned this does have a newer N14 stylus, but ME103 cartridge is the OEM, as mentioned by @3M_Audio.  I think that's what the seller was talking about... that he had replaced the stylus with something he felt was superior.  Well, I'll set it up tonight, grab some vinyl and give her a go.  See what I've got on my hands.  Again, appreciate the tips.

[Kurt 2,237]

Update:  Spent last night with my new (old) turntable with the SHURE cartridge. Some Van Morrison, some AC/DC, and some Fleetwood Mac on vinyl.  It's not bad.  Not really different than my other Tecnhics SL D2 with the Ortofon Blue.  Maybe a little less bright... which is not a bad thing sometimes on records that have a few pops and clicks in them.  Definitely not a basket case in need of immediate investment in a new cartridge.  I may replace it someday when I'm feeling the need to part with a few hundred dollars.  Thanks again, all, for the info.

[BrianT 271]

Kurt

 

Glad things worked out for you.

 

Brian

[4krow 5,874]

The tougher part for me is getting the cartridge alignment correct, and even cleaning the stylus can make a difference. This stuff can go on and on, so I just do the best that I can with the alignment tools that I have.  As much as anything, the mounting of the stylus at the factory where it came from can make or break what you hear in the end. Good luck with getting the best from this as you can. I still really like vinyl.

[chiroacademy 833]

I suggest googling the best pairing between cartridge, table and arm.  I like using different cartridges and see what i like best with different types of music. Like rolling tubes. I have a Lyra cartridge on a Linn LP12 table that I love for critical listening and a Denon 103 on a different Linn LP 12 that I prefer for rock and heavy bass tracks.

[Receiver2000 3,182]

I am no expert but had help from the CS guys with matching and optimizing my cartridge/TT/preamp. And I recall Steve Hoffman having some good advise on his forum.

[4krow 5,874]

Vinyl Engine may be of help as well. And then there are the videos that Wally Tools have can give insight as to what is important and how to do it (with their products anyway). I had a guy in Europe somewhere make a very professional alignment disc for my particular TT. It was NOT expensive and I would do it again. You can choose your alignment, and most importantly, set the cartridge for correct azimuth, overhang, and parallel the cartridge the way that it needs. I am not very good at explaining this stuff, but this is where I would start.