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REVIEW: Shure V15VxMR Phono Cartridge

Model: V15VxMR
Category: Phono Cartridge
Suggested Retail Price: $400
Description: Audiophile phono cartridge
Manufacturer URL: Shure
Model Picture: View

Review by Woolfman207 (A) on January 28, 2003 at 04:36:27
IP Address: 216.195.144.222
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I have used the new shure v15 on a music hall 7 table for about a year. I paid $275.00 for it new.

Overall, for the money, this is a very good cartridge. It comes with a protractor that’s not remarkable, but it works well. This cartridge has shure’s infamous “dynamic stabilizer” brush... and to that end, it is very difficult to set the cart angle straight-on, using a protractor that does not have a mirror. I do however like the dynamic stabilizer for static removal, and for keeping the grooves clean. All my vinyl is rcm cleaned, but I still used it about 1/2 the time anyway.

If I were to answer the question: “if you could CHANGE one thing about it, what would it be?”... my answer would be, in a word - separation. Separation of freq., notes, vocals, instruments... everything. The word "muddled" comes to mind. It's almost as though the armature movement isn't precise enough, and while it's picking up movement from one instant of track, the magnetic field is still trying to decipher the most recent, previous movement... if that makes sense. It CAN be crisp sounding, but it’s certainly not analytical. This is obviously where the “smooth & soft” reputation that shure enjoys, came from. This smoothness tightens up a but with the dynamic stabilizer lifted,,, but not a lot.

If I were to answer the question: if you could KEEP one thing about it, what would it be?... my answer would be in a word - Durability. The v15 maintains the shure tradition of durability, and as they say... “a working mans cartridge”. No need to be too anal or concerned with the woes of real world vinyl playback, or all that’s involved. Also, the ability to EASILY replace the stylus assembly is a big plus.

So, the question: would I buy it again? Yes. As I said, it’s quite nice for the money,,, so don’t let the “devil’s advocate” stuff scare you away. It’s a “Ford Taurus” of cartridges, not an “Audi S-8”,,, nor was it meant to be. If you have a table like the mmf-7, or a similar tonearm design, it should be a good match. I imagine it would also work well with the pro-ject & rega tables and arm designs.


Product Weakness: Lack of definition.
Product Strengths: Overall quality, esp for the money.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: see sys page
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): see sys page
Sources (CDP/Turntable): see sys page
Speakers: see sys page
Cables/Interconnects: see sys page
Music Used (Genre/Selections): see sys page
Room Comments/Treatments: see sys page
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): see sys page
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): see sys page




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Topic - REVIEW: Shure V15VxMR Phono Cartridge - Woolfman207 04:36:27 01/28/03 (11)


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