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Stylus replacement for Shure V-15 v MR

Hi All, I have two Shure V-15vMR cartridges that, like many, need new stylus. Question is: send in to Soundsmith for a re-tip and if so where is the "sweet spot" value wise of their three levels of service? Know each level provides a better end product but enough to justify the expense? Any opinions?

Also, any opinions on the Saunders replacement stylus that is now being marketed at very reasonable price ($79) Is this close enough in sound given the substantial savings?

Lastly, is the V-15 reputation more myth than material. I know it is a very good cartridge, but is it better to just invest the same amount of money into another make/model?

Any opinions greatly appreciated before I decide on a path to take in bringing these back to life.
whyland

Showing 1 response by plangco

plangco's avatar
plangco
158 posts
 
I have listened to both the Shure V-15 V with a Jico SAS and the VN5MR stylus, and overall I prefer the Shure VN5MR to the Jico.

I know others prefer the Jico SAS. Like everything, you get something and you loose something. With the Jico SAS, I hear more detail and frequency extension in the highs and a very nice midrange. However, with the Shure VN5MR, I hear layers of midrange detail with real life texture, timbre, and emotion not quit equaled by the Jico. The highs with the Shure V-15 V stylus (VN5MR), although not as extended as the Jico SAS, still sound excellent and seem to be a little more delicate.

Which is better largely depends on personal listening preference and sonic priorities - and where you with to move the sound of your system on balance.

Unfortunately, due to apparently unexpected demand and being months behind in production, Jico has raised their prices of their SAS sylus in the last year by around 50%.
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