So, I Went Crazy with Shure Carts (and Jico Styluses)

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So, I Went Crazy with Shure Carts (and Jico Styluses)

Postby zenaudio » Thu May 24, 2018 10:40 pm

After Shure announced they would stop producing phono products (read cartridge and stylus), I quickly ordered another M97xe before prices took off.
But I was too late for the M44-7 (and M44G) as prices already doubled, so I decided to take stock of my inventory. :) Found two M44-7 cart bodies and one near mint stylus. Also found a M55E with N55E that I've forgotten.

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So maybe these carts will last me a lifetime.

But I needed to match them with stylus so ordered some from Jico Japan.

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They came in nice jewel cases. These are diamonds after all. :)

After some testing and mix and matching, found some viable combinations, but this is the one that I'm currently enjoying. M55E body with Jico N55E stylus tracking at 1.70 g.

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Sounding quite nice. :)
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Re: So, I Went Crazy with Shure Carts (and Jico Styluses)

Postby zenaudio » Sat May 26, 2018 10:04 pm

I've been really enjoying the M55E body (which is similar to a M44 body) with a Jico N55E stylus that I did some more digging (ie, Google).
Found this thread on vinylengine https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=65378&start=45

with the following comment:
"... the original Shure V15 was nothing more than an M44 with a nicer mounting block and a 2x7 elliptical diamond. You can get virtually identical sound/performance today by putting a JICO 3x7 elliptical in any M44 body."

I've never heard the highly regarded V15, so I can't really tell.

"Make it Mine" and "I'm Yours" on vinyl
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... superb.

"Dragon Attack" on this
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has, well, attack, while letting the warmish tone of Brian May's guitar glide through the weighty and tuneful drum and bass lines.

New or old recordings, pop, jazz, rock -- this is such an all-rounder.

Is it really as good as the V15?
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Re: So, I Went Crazy with Shure Carts (and Jico Styluses)

Postby Jon Agner » Mon Jun 04, 2018 5:00 pm

Nes,

I also did try using another shure stylus on my 44-7 and as discussed in the Vinylengine link you posted, the cart's output is determined by the stylus used :)
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Re: So, I Went Crazy with Shure Carts (and Jico Styluses)

Postby zenaudio » Tue Jun 05, 2018 12:20 am

Thanks, Jon, for sharing.
Yes, that's exactly what I found.
While the M44-7 body with N44-7 stylus was relentless like a pit bull that grabs you by the throat with its thumping high output, the N55E stylus gives a more laid back sound, almost Grado-like lush, like a puppy licking you on the face. :D

Just to add, the Jico N44-7 stylus has the same character as the OEM Shure N44-7 but has a more refined top end especially its control on sibilance. It's a cart/stylus I can live with. :)
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