Decided to have some fun. Let's compare a Shure V-15 Type IV HE to a Type V MR. I used a Dual (no surprise) 731Q properly converted to accept 1/2" mount carts, a Yamaha CA-1000 (in Class A) and a pair of bookshelf ESS Heil's (AMT-8's).

Fully expected the V to dominate. Not so. The IV was more musical, higher output, & much livelier mid range. High end and low end was similiar.

Not scientific, and just my ears, but the IV stays on the 731Q.

Decided to have some fun. Let's compare a Shure V-15 Type IV HE to a Type V MR. I used a Dual (no surprise) 731Q properly converted to accept 1/2" mount carts, a Yamaha CA-1000 (in Class A) and a pair of bookshelf ESS Heil's (AMT-8's).

Fully expected the V to dominate. Not so. The IV was more musical, higher output, & much livelier mid range. High end and low end was similiar.

Not scientific, and just my ears, but the IV stays on the 731Q.

now you going to make me install the IV , I got to work tomorrow ! :nono:

Interesting! :yes: I've had a Shure V15 Mk.V mounted up in my AR turntable since day one and I love it! A very, very musical combination!

I've never heard the Mk.IV, so now I'm wondering what I'm missing! :music:

forgot to mention - both genuine Shure styli.

Not me. I've compared them both on a variety of turntables. The VMR always came out on top--flattest response, most detail, most musical. The IV was probably 85% there. Considering that for practical purposes you can't get styli for the V, I could easily live with the IV.

Not me. I've compared them both on a variety of turntables. The VMR always came out on top--flattest response, most detail, most musical. The IV was probably 85% there. Considering that for practical purposes you can't get styli for the V, I could easily live with the IV.

Well Howard iyou might find a type V at that famous auction site but you'd probably have to take out a second mortgage on your house lol:D
The prices for those are through the roof last time I checked

What or whose stylus are you using on the IV?

What or whose stylus are you using on the IV?

Sorry should have specified--both the original HE and a JICO SAS. The HE was so good that I can't say for sure if the SAS bettered it musically, but certainly equalled it--perhaps a bit more detail. Still the VMR eked out a little more performance.

V15-V MR, no if ands or buts, to my ears.

Bought a V15-IV HE new in 1982, replaced the HE with MR stylus and then was given a V15-V MR in 1987. Both carts used with the OEM Jelco arm on The AR Turntable & phono section of an Aiwa 8700 integrated amp (1978) so no variable there. Thing to remember is the IV has a 5.0mv output vs the V's 3.3mv - louder sounds better......

I found the V-MR to have more detail, more extended and even response and better dynamics over the IV-He or MR.