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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
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for the V15VxMRI 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?â€... 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 cartridgeâ€. 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-8â€,,, 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)
- Shure V15VxMR Phono Cartridge - rrsands 05:23:25 01/29/03 (0)
- Shure V15VxMR Phono Cartridge - Bushman 12:27:30 01/28/03 (1)
- Re: Thanx Bro [nt] - Woolfman207 16:27:45 01/28/03 (0)
- Shure V15VxMR Phono Cartridge - briggs 12:20:59 01/28/03 (1)
- Re: Shure V15VxMR Phono Cartridge - Woolfman207 16:26:41 01/28/03 (0)
- I really hope it is better than a Taurus!! - illusus 11:51:50 01/28/03 (4)
- I'm a little disappointed.... - Andy 20:31:44 01/29/03 (0)
- Re: I really hope it is better than a Taurus!! - DaveR 19:47:25 01/28/03 (0)
- More Like Honda Accord then Ford Taurus (nt) - Jerry O. 13:01:08 01/28/03 (1)
- Re: More Like Honda Accord then Ford Taurus (nt) - DaveR 13:39:27 01/29/03 (0)
- I think you've nailed its sound... - Marc Bratton 10:42:47 01/28/03 (0)