Does anyone own an original Shure (VN35E if I remember) stylus and a
Jico SAS? I think my SAS seems to be much shorter in length than what
I remember the original to be. Maybe it's just my eyes getting old. It
is so small I can barely see it. Sorry I can't post a picture at this time,
but can anyone compare the two for me ?. My cartridge was aligned
with the Shure stylus, and I don't know if I need to realign. I have
to double check the tracking weight. I noticed the other day that the
stylus was so flexed, that the cartridge was rubbing against the record!
There is very little time on this stylus, I might add. I find this
rather puzzling.

Cancel that, I just got a return email from Jico. The spec is the same.
Maybe it just seems so small compared to my Benz Glider which is easily
4x as long.

But the cart should not rub on the lp. Is it seated correctly? What are you using for tracking weight? 1.25g?...... is what I use on my V15 type 4.

I just installed an SAS into the V15 TypeIII (NE). The SAS cantilever is not the same as the SHURE Super Track Plus. I needed to add a spacer on longer screws to make the stylus locate properly in the SHURE stylus gage. I believe I used #3 screws....4-40's were too thick.

I also invested in a digital 5 gram scale, and surprisingly, the adjustment on the gimbal is fairly accurate, but I like the digital now. I'm tracking at .9 grams and that works well with the SAS.

Steve-

Tracking weight should be between 0.75 and 1.25 grams. Most folks can run undr a gram and get good results :)

Joe,

I recall that this is the stylus you played for me. Sounded great. It is kind of obvious if tracking weight hasn't changed, the suspension on the JICO has. Or it is bent.
Tracking weight is determined by suspension rigidity. Jico might be suspended by some real soft rubber. I would never go under 1 gram. Mis-tracking is verry bad for a record.

Seth
Forever Analog and Covered In Parrot Poop

I just pulled the accompanying sheet that came with the Jico SAS I have for my own Shure V-15 Type III.

Vertical Tracking Force (VTF) suggested by Jico is 1.25g plus/minus 0.25g. Hope this helps. Mark

Joe,

I recall that this is the stylus you played for me. Sounded great. It is kind of obvious if tracking weight hasn't changed, the suspension on the JICO has. Or it is bent.
Tracking weight is determined by suspension rigidity. Jico might be suspended by some real soft rubber. I would never go under 1 gram. Mis-tracking is verry bad for a record.

Seth
Forever Analog and Covered In Parrot Poop

Seth,
I can't figure how the tracking force could have changed, as I never fiddled with it. Is it possible to change from sitting outside of the base for a number of months? The stylus is not bent. I've got to find that Shure gauge.

To my Fine Feathered Friend,

Sometimes the dustcover hits the counterweight, as you are re-installing it. This will increase tracking force.
Happens here at least a few times per month.

Seth
Forever Analog and Covered In Parrot Poop

Somebody correct me, but didn't Shure set their tracking forces for the v15 at 0.75 to 1.25 (brush up, if so equiped) and establish the original light tracking formula?

Next, I think you can track as light as you need to to keep the suspension working? If it's too light you'll hear distortion, sibilance and it'll mis-track or take off on the first flaw (only talking about Shure's here).

Using headphones and doing some critical listening on a complex orchestral piece should tell you what the minimum tracking force should be for that cart/arm combo? I go down to slight distortion and back up a 1/2 gram for a good starting point, then tune either way from there for best sound using good phones. In any case the cartridge should not be riding that low?