SHURE M75ED/R1000 EDT CARTRIDGE REVISITED
Haven't been satisfied from prior use of that cartridge, since it lacked some life. Nonetheless confident that it may be able to deliver better sound than what i got from it.
Replaced the RS5T stylus on it for a brand new original Shure N75ED Type 2 stylus i had in stock, which Shure describes as an upgrade with improved performance. Doing again cart alignment with the AT turntable protractor just couldn't land exactly where i wanted, so i put that one aside and used instead Shure's own alignment protractor, perfect. Tracking force 1.4 gr., tried load capacitance 120pf, 220pf but little too much VHF, then tried 330pf and this closed the deal.
Cart actually sounds better than i anticipated for a not "grand class" unit. Using same audio setup as usual, played LP's for 3 hours, those having piano, mandolin, violon, harmonica, etc. Wasn't disappointed, characteristic Shure sound i like is there. Misses some minor refinements, but the essential is on board. Since i prefer that sound to that of the four AT carts i have, its worth keeping in this era where Shure carts/stylus were all discontinued.
Based on search done the first version of M75ED cart was released in 1972 and has a somewhat bulky and square shape, whereas mine appears to come from the 1979 revision with slimmer black body under the white plastic cover. Then it was still made in USA, however since early 80's Shure started moving production to Mexico... Out of the four Shures on hand the V15IV and M75ED were US made, while the Me95ED and SC35C (DJ) come from Mexico.
I'm sufficiently impressed with the M75ED Type 2 results considering its placement in the Shure lineup. When everything is set perfectly that cart performs better than its model number would suggest (not far behind M95 ED). In fact, 2 days after that test i ordered another stylus for it from LP Gear's Japan made house brand. There's a slight difference though between LP Gear's .3 X .7 mil diamond and Shure's original .2 X .7 mil. We'll see for sound.
A little over a year ago i commented on the N95ED stylus (and others) i got from LP Gear and was most impressed at the craftsmanship of that $37.95US stylus, and suggested to those with slimmer wallets to find themselves a good used M95ED then put that stylus on, possibly for $100. or less. I guess there was a 95ED craze because LP Gear DOUBLED the price on that stylus! To get an idea of the situation i checked four others to see their fate and they had price increased by say 12, 20, 25%, one 0%, but not doubled. So, dynamic pricing involved based on demand?
Well, since the above deal has become less affordable in these tough times for people on a budget, then alternatively i would suggest getting a good used M75ED or R1000 EDT cart with a N75ED Type 2 stylus ($47.US), hopefully both for $100. Note there's a few models of R1000: E, ED, EDT, XT check for cart/stylus before buying.
Richard
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