Shure M97XE High Accuracy, Low Mass Turntable Cartridge

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I'm loving this new cartridge! It's brought back new life into my vinyl collection and I'm going back and listening to my favorite albums again. I was a little weary of the brush at first, I have never had a cartridge with one before, but after using one I'll never go without again. I was amazed at how much dust it collected that I could not see on the records. The cushion it provides while setting the needle down is excellent. If you're thinking about a new cartridge and don't want to spend a lot of money, this is a great choice.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

Just got my hands on a Dual 1229 turntable and wanted to install a nice cartridge/stylus to give great sound. I did a lot of research before deciding on this reasonably priced model. I'm really glad I got this one...it sounds superb. It's a perfect match for my Dual and my collection of old rock vinyl.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

The Shure M97XE Phono Cartridge, appears to be a very good match for my Technics SL-1350 Turntable. The Dynamic Stabilizer brush feature, works quite well.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I don't consider myself an "audiophile", but I am extremely impressed by the quality of the Shure M97XE. It's a huge step up in sound quality from the $20-40 standard needle/cartridges. The brush works great for picking up extra lint and dust and defintely helps stabilize the needle when the record is not flat. Even the packaging and instructions were extremely professional.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I bought this to use on an old turntable mainly to convert my old LP's to digital files so I didn't want to spend a ton of money. After so many years of listening to MP3 files I was surprised at how much like live music my vinyl sounded. You can rest assured that the reproduction quality of this cartridge is far above anything needed to convert your collection, but also sounds great if you want to keep playing records. The moderate price makes this a good buy.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

phone support ensured cartridge matched turntable.
excellent sound quality. easy installation.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I'm a casual listener, with a thrift system that over the years has grown into a pretty nice kit. Currently I have M97XEs on a Pioneer PL-518 and a Sony PS-X7. Both sound great.

I like this cart because of the reasonable prices replacement styli, and the brush is great since it makes it compatible with just about anything. And, of course, it sounds great. People tell me there is a rolloff of the high end, but I don't have perfect, audiophile grade vinyl, so I'm not too worried about that. I find the very enjoyable and easy to listen too.

There are only a couple of drawbacks. It's not uncommon to get a cantilever slightly askew, my second unit ordered was off buy a couple of degrees. It still plays fine though, I didn't even bother to ask about a return. Any more than 2-3 degrees off though and I'd suggest sending it back. Also, there's just so much packaging. It's really neat looking but all that stuff is going to go in a landfill. I'd say they could reduce the waste by about 80% (though the metal case may be aluminum, and can be reused for a pencil case or something I guess).

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

The Shure M97XE is a classic and one serious performer for several reasons. This cartridge is a class leading tracker. You would be hard pressed to find a cartridge that can track as well. I use it at a VTF of 2 grams (with the damped brush down) and am able track warped LPs that launch other cartidges. Sound is nicely balanced while clicks, pops and surface noise are nicely suppressed. The sound stage is wide and deep. The mid-range is sweet, with tight deep bass and crystal highs. The brush really does sweep the grooves of dust and helps eliminate static. This cartridge out-performs cartridges costing far more.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I just got a used Technica 1200mk5 turntable and needed to replace the cartridge. I am fairly new to vinyl and I decided to buy this Shure cartridge after reading all the great reviews. The sound is so excellent, It took me by surprise. I am very happy with my purchase and would buy this cartridge again.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I'm using this on a Technics SL-1800. I have the tracking force set at 1.75g with the stabilizer down (remember to add 0.5g when using the stabilizer per instructions, no more than a total of 2.0g max). I listen to quite a variety of music, focused on Jazz mainly. I prefer the evenly balanced "warmer" sound on my Jazz records that this cart has, over the AT440mla, which I also have. The M97xe is a decent tracker, with no sibilance and EXCELLENT bass performance.

Although the packing and assesories are excellent, I would forgo the aluminum case for a set of new headshell wires. If your putting this on an old turntable, you'll want to replace those wires. On the Technics SL-1800, this cart will not mount to the "Block-Head" style original headshell with the screws it comes with. However, this will not be a problem to mount on newer stock Technics headshells.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I put the cartridge on a modified to manual rotel RP-2400. I purchased the cartridge because I was getting the wobbling issue that rarely pops up with Grado.

pros:
.best deal I have seen for the cart anywhere
.not at all prone to the wobbling issue
.easy to set up
.looks awesome
.best packaging ever
.analytic without being ugly
cons:
.still slightly more expensive than what I beleive to be its equal: grado black
. like all cartridges takes forever to break in

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I use this cartridge in a VPI Traveler turntable. For me it tracks best at 2 grams with the damped brush down. The M97XE is an excellent tracker. It tracks my warped records perfectly without a squawk. The sound has great smoothness and great detail. Soundstage has very good depth. The M97XE outperforms boutique cartridges that cost stupid prices. This is a must have piece of equipment.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

This sounds amazing on a sl-q2! Highly recommend for that TT.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I used this to replace an Audio Technica cartridge that came with my turntable. The sound quality is excellent and is a definite upgrade. Install took some time but found that my patience was rewarded. I don't use the attached brush and keep it in the upright position since I dust my records always before playing. Product came in a nice case with all necessary accessories.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

The M97XE was used to replace the old cartidge on a home turntable that we use to play our original Beatles, Miles Davis, Dione Warwick etc. vinyl albums. It may not be a top-end cartridge, but it sure sounds great.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I use the Shure M97XE in combination with an SME tonearm, it is tracking beautifully. I can't wait to listen to my albums after the cartridge is broken in since it will gradually improve on an already great sound.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I bought the M97XE to bring back to life my dad's old Philips 212 turntable for casual listening. It is paired with an early 90's Adcom GFA-555 and GFP-555. The M97XE replaced a Micro Acoustics 2002e cartridge (actually I partially bought the Sure so that I wouldn't wear out the Micro Acoustics which is no longer available). I do not presume to be an audiophile and I am fairly new to turntables, but I did record a few songs with each cartridge for comparison, and there is a noticeable difference. The M97XE sounds a lot brighter and the stereo is much more defined than the 70's era 2002e. The stereo from the M97XE sounds much closer to the stereo a 320 kb/s mp3 of the same track produces (I didn't have a CD to compare), so I guess it's pretty accurate. In the end though, it is lacking the warmth and midtones that the old Micro Acoustics had.
However, I am very impressed with the audio quality that this cartridge produces, especially considering the price. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

It's a nice improvement in the sound over my budget cartridge, and I love the features that help stabilize it over crummy record, which most of mine are. Very nice case and accessories.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I installed the M97XE in a Marantz 6270q TT: great match. The cartridge is easy to install with the hardware included. The sound is exquisite, and the tracking excellent; great bass and well defined treble. No complains.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

This is certainly a good buy. Its good value for money, especially when its on sale. Complete kit where you can't go wrong installing it yourself. For the money you pay, the sound goes way much further than that. Recommended especially for entry level audiophiles. Your pockets doesn't have to go too deep to listen to analogue music again.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I'm loving this new cartridge! It's brought back new life into my vinyl collection and I'm going back and listening to my favorite albums again. I was a little weary of the brush at first, I have never had a cartridge with one before, but after using one I'll never go without again. I was amazed at how much dust it collected that I could not see on the records. The cushion it provides while setting the needle down is excellent. If you're thinking about a new cartridge and don't want to spend a lot of money, this is a great choice.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

Just got my hands on a Dual 1229 turntable and wanted to install a nice cartridge/stylus to give great sound. I did a lot of research before deciding on this reasonably priced model. I'm really glad I got this one...it sounds superb. It's a perfect match for my Dual and my collection of old rock vinyl.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

The Shure M97XE Phono Cartridge, appears to be a very good match for my Technics SL-1350 Turntable. The Dynamic Stabilizer brush feature, works quite well.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I don't consider myself an "audiophile", but I am extremely impressed by the quality of the Shure M97XE. It's a huge step up in sound quality from the $20-40 standard needle/cartridges. The brush works great for picking up extra lint and dust and defintely helps stabilize the needle when the record is not flat. Even the packaging and instructions were extremely professional.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I bought this to use on an old turntable mainly to convert my old LP's to digital files so I didn't want to spend a ton of money. After so many years of listening to MP3 files I was surprised at how much like live music my vinyl sounded. You can rest assured that the reproduction quality of this cartridge is far above anything needed to convert your collection, but also sounds great if you want to keep playing records. The moderate price makes this a good buy.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

phone support ensured cartridge matched turntable.
excellent sound quality. easy installation.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I'm a casual listener, with a thrift system that over the years has grown into a pretty nice kit. Currently I have M97XEs on a Pioneer PL-518 and a Sony PS-X7. Both sound great.

I like this cart because of the reasonable prices replacement styli, and the brush is great since it makes it compatible with just about anything. And, of course, it sounds great. People tell me there is a rolloff of the high end, but I don't have perfect, audiophile grade vinyl, so I'm not too worried about that. I find the very enjoyable and easy to listen too.

There are only a couple of drawbacks. It's not uncommon to get a cantilever slightly askew, my second unit ordered was off buy a couple of degrees. It still plays fine though, I didn't even bother to ask about a return. Any more than 2-3 degrees off though and I'd suggest sending it back. Also, there's just so much packaging. It's really neat looking but all that stuff is going to go in a landfill. I'd say they could reduce the waste by about 80% (though the metal case may be aluminum, and can be reused for a pencil case or something I guess).

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

The Shure M97XE is a classic and one serious performer for several reasons. This cartridge is a class leading tracker. You would be hard pressed to find a cartridge that can track as well. I use it at a VTF of 2 grams (with the damped brush down) and am able track warped LPs that launch other cartidges. Sound is nicely balanced while clicks, pops and surface noise are nicely suppressed. The sound stage is wide and deep. The mid-range is sweet, with tight deep bass and crystal highs. The brush really does sweep the grooves of dust and helps eliminate static. This cartridge out-performs cartridges costing far more.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I just got a used Technica 1200mk5 turntable and needed to replace the cartridge. I am fairly new to vinyl and I decided to buy this Shure cartridge after reading all the great reviews. The sound is so excellent, It took me by surprise. I am very happy with my purchase and would buy this cartridge again.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I'm using this on a Technics SL-1800. I have the tracking force set at 1.75g with the stabilizer down (remember to add 0.5g when using the stabilizer per instructions, no more than a total of 2.0g max). I listen to quite a variety of music, focused on Jazz mainly. I prefer the evenly balanced "warmer" sound on my Jazz records that this cart has, over the AT440mla, which I also have. The M97xe is a decent tracker, with no sibilance and EXCELLENT bass performance.

Although the packing and assesories are excellent, I would forgo the aluminum case for a set of new headshell wires. If your putting this on an old turntable, you'll want to replace those wires. On the Technics SL-1800, this cart will not mount to the "Block-Head" style original headshell with the screws it comes with. However, this will not be a problem to mount on newer stock Technics headshells.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I put the cartridge on a modified to manual rotel RP-2400. I purchased the cartridge because I was getting the wobbling issue that rarely pops up with Grado.

pros:
.best deal I have seen for the cart anywhere
.not at all prone to the wobbling issue
.easy to set up
.looks awesome
.best packaging ever
.analytic without being ugly
cons:
.still slightly more expensive than what I beleive to be its equal: grado black
. like all cartridges takes forever to break in

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I use this cartridge in a VPI Traveler turntable. For me it tracks best at 2 grams with the damped brush down. The M97XE is an excellent tracker. It tracks my warped records perfectly without a squawk. The sound has great smoothness and great detail. Soundstage has very good depth. The M97XE outperforms boutique cartridges that cost stupid prices. This is a must have piece of equipment.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

This sounds amazing on a sl-q2! Highly recommend for that TT.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I used this to replace an Audio Technica cartridge that came with my turntable. The sound quality is excellent and is a definite upgrade. Install took some time but found that my patience was rewarded. I don't use the attached brush and keep it in the upright position since I dust my records always before playing. Product came in a nice case with all necessary accessories.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

The M97XE was used to replace the old cartidge on a home turntable that we use to play our original Beatles, Miles Davis, Dione Warwick etc. vinyl albums. It may not be a top-end cartridge, but it sure sounds great.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I use the Shure M97XE in combination with an SME tonearm, it is tracking beautifully. I can't wait to listen to my albums after the cartridge is broken in since it will gradually improve on an already great sound.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I bought the M97XE to bring back to life my dad's old Philips 212 turntable for casual listening. It is paired with an early 90's Adcom GFA-555 and GFP-555. The M97XE replaced a Micro Acoustics 2002e cartridge (actually I partially bought the Sure so that I wouldn't wear out the Micro Acoustics which is no longer available). I do not presume to be an audiophile and I am fairly new to turntables, but I did record a few songs with each cartridge for comparison, and there is a noticeable difference. The M97XE sounds a lot brighter and the stereo is much more defined than the 70's era 2002e. The stereo from the M97XE sounds much closer to the stereo a 320 kb/s mp3 of the same track produces (I didn't have a CD to compare), so I guess it's pretty accurate. In the end though, it is lacking the warmth and midtones that the old Micro Acoustics had.
However, I am very impressed with the audio quality that this cartridge produces, especially considering the price. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

It's a nice improvement in the sound over my budget cartridge, and I love the features that help stabilize it over crummy record, which most of mine are. Very nice case and accessories.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

I installed the M97XE in a Marantz 6270q TT: great match. The cartridge is easy to install with the hardware included. The sound is exquisite, and the tracking excellent; great bass and well defined treble. No complains.

Comments about Shure M97XE High Accuracy Turntable Cartridge:

This is certainly a good buy. Its good value for money, especially when its on sale. Complete kit where you can't go wrong installing it yourself. For the money you pay, the sound goes way much further than that. Recommended especially for entry level audiophiles. Your pockets doesn't have to go too deep to listen to analogue music again.