Hello Grimace, I respectfully disagree with the posts. A Shure cartridge not broken in will track most anything on this planet. Please recheck your setup and don't run it at the lowest tracking force, that can cause slight mistracking and not as good sound. A shure cartridge properly setup will sail through just about anything. Lower tracking forces will not result in less wear. If you are unsure (pun not intentional) about setting up a cartridge enlisting some expertise will be very helpful by way of a friend or local dealer.
Cartridge Limitations or Break In?
I've just gotten going with my first TT and cartridge, a Shure M97xe. So far I'm really impressed with it for the price ($56 or so). The only place where I'm having some problems with it is in certain tones and higher notes. In particular muted trumpets - Miles Davis at the Blackhawk just fell apart - and with the reverberations on some loud vibraphone passages - Milt Jackson on a couple of Pablo recordings. I've read that that this, and other cartridges, need some time to break in to smooth out. Is that what I'm experiencing here or am I discovering the difference between an inexpensive cartridge and pricier model?
Still sounds bloody good for the money.
Still sounds bloody good for the money.