Audio Technica VM540ML v. N97xe Jico SAS

Seems like the Jico has a better cantilever with it being boron, but the 540 has dual magnets for better channel separation. Looks like a tie with tips. Micro line and SAS look real similar.

I would like detail, but want to keep nice full bass. Anything to worry about with the 540? It's not too bright or thin?

Stock tone arm from Technics SL1200mkll and using a Schiit Mani for phonopreamp

Coming from a Shure M97xE. You think I will notice a difference?

Sorry Viridian, trying to find out the capacitance of the Mani, doesn't look like it has it directly? Perhaps it's in the details here?

Gain 1 = L, Gain 2 = L (Decca Mode)
Gain: 30dB
THD: <0.005%, A-weighted, at 1V RMS
SNR: >90dB, A-weighted, inputs shorted
Crosstalk: -75dB, 20-20kHz
Sensitivity: 9mV for 300mV output
Overload Margin: >20dB

Gain 1 = L, Gain 2 = H (Standard MM Mode)
Gain: 42dB
THD: <0.008%, A-weighted, at 1V RMS
SNR: >82dB, A-weighted, inputs shorted
Crosstalk: -75dB, 20-20kHz
Sensitivity: 2.3mV for 300mV output
Overload Margin: >20dB

Input Impedance: Selectable 47 ohms (typical for MC cartridges) or 47k ohms (typical for MM cartridges)
RIAA Accuracy: +/- 0.2dB, 20-20kHz
Output Impedance: 75 ohms
Topology: Fully passive RIAA network with ADA4897 and AD8066 gain stages, thin-film resistors, and film capacitors throughout
Power Supply: “wall wart” style 16VAC transformer, regulated +/- 5V rails
Power Consumption: 4W
Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”
Weight: 1 lb

Also, for those who've heard both (maybe I should start a separate thread on it, but I'll throw it out there anyway) How about how the Nagaoka MP-150 compares to the 540ML? They are nearly identical in price.

Thanks Stevecham, what does this mean on whether one cart will perform better than another?

yeah just recently the main plastic body of my 97xE came off the metal upper portion of the cart while I was putting on new leads (looks like the glue disintegrated). I super glued it back but it could be a little off center/crooked...

But tracking force of the Nagaoka is only 1.5 - 2.0 (similar to the Shure) why would I want to add extra wight?

Looks like a direct correlation. the nag and 540ML overlap in the VTF and their masses are almost the same, so both have similar compliance

@chakster what do you recommend that is new (no NOS) for no more than $300 that is better than the AT VM540ML, Nag MP150, or N97 Jico S.A.S?

Thanks @chakster , I appreciate you trying to steer us in the right direction. You are right, I have never heard any golden age carts, but I haven't heard many new ones either. Perhaps ignorance is bliss? Really the ONLY cart I've spent any amount of time with is the Shure M97xE -  I've had for 10 years and now it's giving up the ghost. Surely the ones I mentioned should at least put the Shure to shame? But if you are talking about what's the absolute best for under $300, now you have me intrigued by the Garrett K3...How would you compare the Garrett K3 to the 540ML? Both seem to have similar tips - Micro line compared to Shibata (I take it the Shibata is a step above?) how would this translate into what I will hear in the music all else being equal? more detail? more bass? better sound stage? Just trying to piece it all together. Thanks for your time!

Just bought the AT VM540ML. I didn't want to buy the JICO SAS since the main part of the Shure cart body was ever so slightly crooked after I super glued it back together.

After doing a lot of research I am confident that I bought the right one. (should pair Nicely with my Vandersteens since those are a bit laid back the extra treble and detail will do them nicely). I am excited. I will report back probably end of next week with my initial impressions.

Well, after I bought the 540, I kept doing research and listening to more needle drops, so not so confident as my last post in this thread. I am giving up on the Jico since I believe the cart isn't square anymore (and maybe glued on slightly cockeyed) that leaves the Nag if the 540 doesn't work out. Again probably shouldn't have gone searching for negatives against the 540. I will attach the 540 tonight and I will finally find out if I made the right decision.

So, I got the  AT VM540ML installed properly and listened to it over the weekend and....I'm not a fan. My fears were realized. On most of my records that gave me the warm and fuzzies previously, now sounded bright, thin and with the life sucked out of them. There were only 2 records that sounded better than my old Shure M97, those were Paul Simon Graceland and Daft Punk Randon Access Memories. I think the reason is that they seem to have been recorded the highs rolled off, were-as the 540 accentuates the treble so those now seemed more balanced out. Everything else was just too bright. So, yes, I am disappointed as I had high hopes for it. Did I give it a fair shake? Perhaps it did not get broken in all the way, but I do not believe the sound signature will drastically change at 100 hours, though it may get a bit less harsh. I am returning to order the Nagaoka MP-150. I will let you know how that one turns out...to be continued...

Nagaoka MP150 ordered and on the way. Looking forward to comparing to the 540ml over the weekend

I can see why people really like the 540ML due to it's extremely detailed nature, but for me I think I prefer more warmth (full velvety mid-range and solid bass with good dynamics) even if it means it's at the expense of just a tad of detail. I just find the hyper detail to suck the musicality out of the recordings and it lost it's emotional impact. I guess I am learning more about myself and what I like  with these experiments, so that's good I guess (even if it's a bit frustrating)

Tracking was set to 2 grams

Chakster, it sounds mouth watering, but a bit too much $$. Maybe if The Nagaoka doesn't thrill me I will save up for the Garrett.

opps, my bad...Still a couple hundred more than the Nag. If Garrott could have their stuff on amazon with prime shipping that would be a plus, as well.

Again, may consider it if I don't like the nag (I have a good feeling about it, though)

The Nagaoka MP-150 is incredible! I’m only a few records in but the music and emotion is back big time. It’s crazy how the music is just leaping off the vinyl. It’s punchy and dynamic and the mids are smooth and great bass as well. The detail is there but no harshness at all...this is the real deal...

What's crazy is that I believe the MP-150 actually has better detail than the 540ML. (Which is what I thought would be the Nag's weakness) I think the MP-150 exposes the 540 as having "fake detail" if that makes sense. Just doesn't sound believable even though it did SEEM like it had  great detail at the time. I think this proves that the cantilever and stylus shape should not be the determining factor that one cart is better than another, you just have to listen to it. I will be happy for many years to come I think. Now to focus on the preamp...

Well the MP-500 is around $600 more than the 540ML, so not sure if it would be a fair fight. Would be fun to compare, nonetheless. I would be more interested in the 150 vs 500 in the Nagaoka line since the 150 is already so good...