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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 2 responses by stevecramertoo

stevecramertoo
2 posts
 
Jico SAS stylus for the Shure M97xE is no longer acceptable as a replacement for the original stylus ...period!

The manufacturing of this once desirable replacement is nowhere near usable anymore.

They allow the bonding agent i.e. glue to be applied to both sides (Top & Down) of the stylus. Even where the SAS tip is bonded to the shank; although you can't see the tip. I could not see anything showing at all is crazy. My first one had the needle covered so much I thought they had send a dirty built-up used stylus. I could not clean it, so got a microscope and wow what a mess. At hundreds times of the microscope, I SAW the tip poking out.

Glue on everything. I complained and sent pictures, they replaced it. The next one was even worst. Jico claimed the minimum clear stylus is .14mm and the one sent back was .15mm showing.

A couple turns on the slights dusty record and the stylus is pushed up and out of the groove; Unbelievable. With the unaided eye you can't see the needle or shank at all. I'm not going to play/use the 2nd stylus from Jico as I can't see the tip of the stylus either. What a painful and costly mistake. $75.00 (USD) in lost money on just shipping fees.

Jico will take the stylus back, but I've lost. The price at Jico is $167.00 USD and $189.95 in USA at turntableneedles.
stevecramertoo
2 posts
 
Jico SAS stylus for the Shure M97xE is no longer acceptable as a replacement for the original stylus ...period!

The manufacturing of this once desirable replacement is nowhere near usable anymore.

They allow the bonding agent i.e. glue to be applied to both sides (Top & Down) of the stylus. Even where the SAS tip is bonded to the shank; although you can't see the tip. I could not see anything showing at all is crazy. My first one had the needle covered so much I thought they had send a dirty built-up used stylus. I could not clean it, so got a microscope and wow what a mess. At hundreds times of the microscope, I SAW the tip poking out.

Glue on everything. I complained and sent pictures, they replaced it. The next one was even worst. Jico claimed the minimum clear stylus is .14mm and the one sent back was .15mm showing.

A couple turns on the slights dusty record and the stylus is pushed up and out of the groove; Unbelievable. With the unaided eye you can't see the needle or shank at all. I'm not going to play/use the 2nd stylus from Jico as I can't see the tip of the stylus either. What a painful and costly mistake. $75.00 (USD) in lost money on just shipping fees.

Jico will take the stylus back, but I've lost. The price at Jico is $167.00 USD and $189.95 in USA at turntableneedles.
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