I have a dilemna that maybe you guys can help me with. As some of you know I recently hooked my TT (Pioneer PL-514) back up. This time hopefully on a permanent basis. I purchased a Shure N94E cartridge for it a year or so ago after discovering that Shure V15 Type IV cartridge stylus tip was missing. Don't know what happened to it. I hooked it up for a week or so to transfer some LP's to cd and then returned it to storage.

Anyway, My dilemna is:

A: Should I get rid of the N94E and upgrade to a Shure M97xE?
B: Should I find a replacement stylus for the V15 Type IV instead of spending the money on the M97xE?

I found a site in New Zealand that has a replacement stylus for the V15 Type IV for $84 USD plus shipping.

Amazon has the M97xE for ~$60.00.

Will I gain any benefit in sound quality out of the V15 over the M97xE on this particular TT? Or should I save the $20.00 and go with the M97xE?

Thanks,
Paul

This question sounds familiar...

If you think there will be a HUGE difference in sound quality, then go for the V15 stylus. I don't know what kind of difference the beryllium cantilever makes, but I've read it has a 'faster' transient response. I'm currently looking to buy an M97, and I've gotta say - Amazon's price can't be beat.

Hmmmm......memory is telling me that the upgrade of the V15 IV was simply a stylus change to the MRxV. Almost shure :D that the lastest stylus will work with the V15. But, a quick e-mail to Shure should answer this question.

Well, the following post is definitely not my recollection.. Now I'm forced to do some research. e-mail is on its way to Shure. Not that I doubt Dick, but now I'm doubting my memory. :screwy:

The Shure V15 Type IV stylus assembly is different than what is used in either of the V15 Type V cartridges and they are not compatible.

Also, the two V15 Type V's (the 20 year old V-MR and the recently discontinued VxMR) use different stylus assemblies and they are not interchangeable.


I have used a V15 Type V-MR for over 20 years, until it lost a channel a few months ago. I have since been using a V15 Type IV that came in the SME arm with the Thorens TD125MKII I purchased. In looking for a replacement stylus for the Type IV, I found out that they are no longer available from Shure, and are somewhat difficult to find. The Type III styluses are still available, but they do not work on the Type IV.

I now have located another Type V-MR cartridge and I bought a couple of new styluses for it, as they are still available. I will be switching to it soon.

Dick Schneiders

Like Dick says, they're no longer making the styli for Type IV's, and they've stopped production of the cart itself. I'd save myself some grief and just go for the M97xE and be done with it, Paul. Just my two centavos.

Tom

Ok. I hear you guys. I believe you're right. The M97xE it is.

Thanks for the advice.

Paul

Just order my M97xE from amazon for an amazing $57.99 with free shipping.
Can't wait to hear it. Estimated arrival is November 4th but with free shipping, what the hay!

Paul

Good things come to those who wait:D Please let us know how it sounds, Paul.
Tom

I have the V15 Type IV and it sounds great. The replacement stylus is the VN 45MR. The newer cartridges may be a better investment, but if cost is a factor, the replacement stylus should be less $.
Ron

Thanks for the tip Ron. I decided at this point to purchase a M97xE. I feel it is the best option for me at this time.

Someday I would like to fire up the V15 again though.

Thanks,
Paul

Who-hoo! :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: