• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

JICO SAS vs. EVG for Shure V-15 III: my review

beatcomber

beatcomber

AK Member
I spent a little time comparing my JICO SAS ($133) to my EVG 764-DE ($14) last night.

All indications point to JICO as the manufacturer of the EVG, which has a .3 x .7 mil bonded tip.

I found that the cheap EVG compares very favorably! Compared to the SAS, it actually has fuller mids and more bass, although the low end is not as defined. It is also considerably louder than the SAS, giving it a more energetic, peppy character.

As expected, the SAS provides greater detail, resolution and definition, and has more air on top.

Both styli track beautifully at 1.25g. For some applications, the EVG might actually be preferable to the SAS; I like to use it for records that have limited fidelity or are in poor condition. It's great for old mono records.

I would say that the EVG provides 70-80% of the performance of the SAS, which is astounding considering it costs less than 10% of what the SAS costs!!

Unfortunately I am unable to determine which one sounds the closed to OEM; the Shure stylus that came with my V-15 III was compromised when I received it (so I transferred the 'SUPER TRACK PLUS' stylus guard to the SAS).

 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
If EVG are really made by Jico, they are likely rejects from SAS Q/A process. Instead of sending them to trash, they still sell under different brand. This is a common practice in todays business world.
 
for_p1 said:
If EVG are really made by Jico, they are likely rejects from SAS Q/A process. Instead of sending them to trash, they still sell under different brand. This is a common practice in todays business world.
Click to expand...

No, the cantilevers on the two styli are completely different, as are the diamonds. I would guess it is the same budget product that JICO sells direct for about $30.
 
Had many of your observations when I put in the OEM Shure N91ed stylus into my M91 cartridge. Do not know much about the condition of the stylus, it sounds louder, less definition, and a bit overdone in the midrange. It does transmit more surface noise than the SAS. I use it mostly to grade new record acquisitions. Glenn, did you adjust the alignment of the cartridge for the EVG stylus? Or do you think it close enough.
 
I have the n99 from jico which appears to be the same as your evg, difference in voicing compared to the SAS seems down to a resonance that starts much lower down.... Boosting the midrange more.... Also bigger magnets make it a bit louder.


Good review ... Thanks
 
OTOH, one cart in one TT with the SAS for the best worthy records, and for "beater' service with the EVG that doesn't sound like a beater stylus. That makes having this as the only TT a no-brainer.
Classic TT set-up BTW, I remember when that was the ultimate LP rig.
 
91r100gs said:
Glenn, did you adjust the alignment of the cartridge for the EVG stylus? Or do you think it close enough.
Click to expand...

The styli in the two are not identically aligned, but I didn't bother adjusting it (too much of a PITA on the SME arm). The arm is adjusted for the SAS, but I have not noticed any mistracking from the EVG.

dlaloum said:
I have the n99 from jico which appears to be the same as your evg, difference in voicing compared to the SAS seems down to a resonance that starts much lower down.... Boosting the midrange more.... Also bigger magnets make it a bit louder.
Click to expand...

Makes sense!
 
I have been waiting for this review. :thmbsp:

I really enjoy my TD-160/ SME 3009 improved /V15-III w/ SAS rig. I recently added the FD-200 fluid damper and it has take the sound to another level.

I cannot believe that I actually own something that sounds this good! :music:

My one complaint is that the SAS really picks up clicks and record wear. I am going to order two EVGs tonight for use with my lower quality records.

If I can get 70-80% of the SAS SQ with the $15 EVG I will very pleased.

Bob
 
I haven't tried the EVG (probably JICO) styli for either of my V15s, but one of the EVG styli on an M91 is, IMHO, the best all-around deal in LP playback.
 
The EVG for the V15III and the JICO elliptical model are identical in every way, at least based on my naked-eye observations, and are an exceptional value.
 
Thanks for the review. It's good to know that there's an inexpensive option available for folks who don't want to drop the bucks for the SAS. It sounds like the EVG has the characteristics of the original Shure stylus.
 
Not Shure this time, but similar pricing and results:

I have an AT14Sa cartridge that came on a turntable with its original stylus (nude Shibata). If you find a rare NOS ATN14 stylus it will cost in the $150 range. So I also have a $13 Pfanstiehl aftermarket elliptical (0.2 x 0.7 bonded) purchased from thevoiceofmusic.com. Putting the cheap stylus on the cart, the sound is very nearly as detailed as from the OEM Shibata. And the bass response might be just a touch more solid with the elliptical.

As beatcomber said above, "It certainly is a lot better than the low price indicates."

One other note: under a microscope the AT Shibata stylus looks WAY more beautiful and high-tech (rectangular nude stone with careful mounting) than the cheap elliptical with its comparatively rough, clunky finish. But the sound turns out to be much closer than the construction techniques are. I imagine this is also true of the SAS vs. elliptical on the V-15 III.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom