Anyone have an opinion, Jico SAS stylus?


As this is my first post, let me recognize and thank the many 'goners who are so well informed and ready to share their knowledge and experience, and opinions too. I've gained a lot insight when searching the various audio forums and enjoy Audiogon the most.
My system: T/T is a SP-25 in the SH-15B2 base with a Black Widow T/A. I started with, and still have, four large Advents in the early '70's. The other components that count are: Pioneer SX-1980 and 980 receivers, Pio. SG-9500 eq., Pio. CT-F1000 tape deck and a Dual CS-5000 as back-up. Wasatch Cable I/C's. Sony Blu-ray for digital. Nothing to claim bragging rights about, but I'm happy with it. Is sentimentality an audio asset?
Last week I scored on the 'bay. An in-the-box EPA-500 with the A501 pressure gauge, A501H wand and a fresh Shure V15V-xMR cartridge to go with it, very good bang for the $. It fits well with the 70's gear.
I mounted the tonearm today with the xMR on it and was impressed with its midrange smoothness and definition, but cannot bring myself to use it daily. I have three V15-111's with Ed Saunders' excellent replacement styli(i?), but the ellipticals just don't have the finesse of the stereohedron xMR.
Am I expecting too much of these relics if I fit one with the SAS, can I anticipate an upgrade in the type 3's presentation?
One more: Best Buy is now selling LP's, ALL Beatle records are on backorder, about 10% of the rest. 4000+ listed on-line.
For those who read (suffer) through this, I thank you.
Now, what to do with the Black Widow?
timeltel

Showing 3 responses by markd51

The SAS Stylus for the type III is better than anything Shure ever made for any of thier Cartridges, and with SAS on board the older Shure, you might find it stomps your newer Shure, which by many, was never really that highly regarded anyway.
I think you'll be very happy with the performance the SAS Stylus gives on the V-15 Type III. This ultra tiny Stylus seems to bear much resemblence to what is used on the top end MC Cartridges, for example, like what's on a ZYX Cartridge.

I have bought one for my own Type III. The SAS will perhaps be a little more touchy on set up, but will be worth the effort. Other things I'd like mentioning, is the nude SAS Stylus is bonded to a Solid Boron Cantilever, which appears to be sleeved onto the remainder of stock Cantilever going into the Cantilever Holder Assembly.

They can be ordered direct from Jico in Japan, but if you're in the USA, then LP Gear is a better option, they cost slightly less at LP Gear, and shipping times of course will be quicker.

The one quality I've usually experienced with many Shure Cartridges, is they are a little noisy in the groove. The SAS Stylus should lower this groove noise, typical to how other fine Cartridges perform using a Line Contact-Micro Line Stylus. Mark
Hello Raul my friend,
As I understand it, the Jico N-97 SAS available from LP Gear fits the older M-97 perfectly, but on the newer M-97xE requires some minor trimming to fit properly.

And as I understand it, the Damping Brush that comes on the Jico SAS replacement is not quite as robust as the original Shure Damping Brush. Probably for good reason. as the Jico replacement is probably a more delicate affair.

I've heard some mixed results of the Jico SAS on board the M-97xE, mostly positive, saying less inner groove distortion, and better clarity, but some others seemed to believe the Jico SAS was less forgiving with poorly recorded vinyl, but shined nicely with high quality vinyl.

As of late, I haven't heard very much good about quality control with these south of the border Shure Cartridges, so if a replacement Stylus is needed, one might be better with the higher quality Jico, versus Shure factory replacement.

There's much writtn about the Jico SAS over at AudioKarma. A simple search of "Jico SAS" will bring up quite a few threads. Hope this helps Raul, Mark