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Shure M97xE vs. V15VxMR and other cartridge musings

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 1:01 pm
by lukpac
Continued from here.

Grant wrote:I use the M97xE, which is the same as the V15xMR in almost every way, and it sounds amazing too!


They are similar, but the V15xMR has a few key advantages, most notably the micro ridge (MR) stylus. Basically it's closer to the shape of the cutting head, which means it will have fewer problems tracking "problem spots" (think inner groove distortion). Check out the stats:

M97xE

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Trackability:
    At 1 gram tracking force
    (cm per second peak velocity)
        * 1 kHz - 44
        * 10 kHz - 31


V15VxMR

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Trackability
    At 1 gram tracking force (cm per second peak velocity):
        * 400 Hz - 30 cm / sec
        * 1 kHz - 46
        * 5 kHz - 80
        * 10 kHz - 60


Check out how much better the V15VxMR can track at higher frequencies.

The V15VxMR also has better frequency response, channel balance, and channel separation.

I'm not saying the M97xE is bad, just that "same in almost every way" really isn't true.

My cartridge actually specs out slightly better than the V15VxMR for a few things, but I've never seen a "trackability" spec for it, which would be key for navigating those tough inner grooves. I should see if the little sheet that came with it makes mention of that. It does have a linear contact stylus, though, which is a bit closer to a micro ridge/micro line than an elliptical (which is what the M97xE uses).

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 10:34 pm
by lukpac
Nope, no mention of trackability in the guide sheet. FYI, mine is the 8008 - the specs of the 331LP (no longer listed on AT's site) are slightly different:

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Audio-Technica Studio Reference Series 8008
Frequency Response (Hz)         Output
5-30,000
                        5.0 (mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

Channel Separation              Channel Balance (dB)
31/21 (dB at 1 kHz/10 kHz)
                                1.0

Vertical Tracking Force (grams) Stylus Shape
1.0-1.5
                                Linear Contact
VTA
20°

                                Cantilever
                                Tapered alloy tube

Recommended Load Impedance (ohms)       Mount
47,000
                                        Universal
-----------------------------------------------------

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AT331LP Specifications
Frequency Response (Hz)         Output
10-30,000
                        3.0 (mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)

Channel Separation              Channel Balance (dB)
31/21 (dB at 1 kHz/10 kHz)
                                1.0

Vertical Tracking Force (grams) Stylus Shape
1.0-1.6
                                Linear Contact

Stylus Construction             Cantilever
Bonded round shank
                                Tapered alloy tube

Recommended Load Impedance (ohms)       Mount
47,000
                                        Universal
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