Looking for a Replacement for AT VM740ML Cartridge

@stereo5 

I currently use a new VM540ML and have a Shure V15 type III.  Three questions: what tracking weight are you using for the VM540ML what stylus on the Shure, and does your Shure have the carbon fibre brush?

@theflattire 

Why would you prefer a Shibata stylus shape over a micro-line?  Maybe because the rounder Shibata cannot track the high frequencies as well, leading to a "softer" sound?

Interested in your rationale ...

@stereo5 

Thanks, I am ok for the Shure tracking weight, but the VM540ML is about twice as much (excluding the extra for the Shure brush).  The VM540ML is over the standard adjustment range for my 'SME 3009 S2 improved with fixed head shell', which I can extend using a tracking force gauge, and also over the anti-skating range for which I have no answer except a heavier anti-skating weight.

@theflattire 

I would have thought the progression in detail (high frequency resolution) would increase with stylus shape from round to elliptical to Shibata to micro-line, simply because they fit progressively better into the groove.

Many people might prefer a smoother sound with less high frequency, which shoul translate into less transient attack.  I have switched from a Shure V15 type III with elliptical stylus to the AT540ML with its micro-line stylus.  To my ears it probably is a bit more detailed but without two tone arms or a detachable head shell, I am relying on my memory!

One day I might buy a Jico micro-line stylus for the Shure ... but the entire AT540ML was cheaper!

@wturkey 

Thanks for the idea.  We do not have nickel coins Down Under, though we mine plenty of nickel!

The VM540ML has a designed tracking force between 1.8 and 2.2 grams.

The SME 3009 tone arm is a high-precision, low mass design and worked particularly well with the Shure V15 high compliance cartridges, tracking at about 1 gram.  Tracking force is applied by turning a big counterweight until the arm balances level, then sliding a smaller weight along a calibrated rod to apply tracking force.  The rod is marked in 1/4 gram intervals and stops short at 1.5 grams.  It is easy enough to turn the big counterweight to give more tracking force, but you have to use some other way of measuring it.  No drama with digital scales..

The anti-skating force is applied by a bob weight dangling on a very fine line running through a miniature pulley.  The other end of the line loops around another calibrated rod to apply side pressure.  Once again, the rod length is designed for a maximum of 1.5 grams tracking force.

The obvious solution is to increase the mass of the bob weight with some very small nickel equivalent with a central hole!  I have test records with tracks for setting the anti-skating force but I have not worked out how to use them yet!

@stereo5

Thanks! My Shure cartridge is the V15 type III. When I priced that Jico stylus it was A$399 plus delivery while the VM540ML complete cartridge was A$409.69 including delivery and a head shell I cannot use. I ordered it on Friday night and it was on my doorstep next morning. Not bad for Amazon and inland Australia!

This is probably not helping the OP, though! His VM760ML has 2-db better channel separation and goes to 30-kHz versus 27-kHz which could make it a bit brighter than its lesser (on paper) brother. It seems odd to propose an upgrade to Shure V15 because they have been out of production for yonks, but maybe it does make sense in the context of wanting to stay with moving magnet cartridges?