Shure V15V cartridge. Worth investing in?


I have a old Shure V-15V cartridge that I bought many years ago and have not used for years. The stylus broke years ago and I retired it. My question is, is it worth investing over $100 in a new needle for this or should I purchase a new cartridge altogether? I have recently upgraded my entire 2 channel system and listen alot to my old jazz albums. I presently am using a mid grade ADC set-up that seems to sound fine. I am willing to invest the money if I'll hear a difference.
128x128ssand1

Showing 1 response by adamanteus

To answer your question first: no, I would not rehab your old Shure; I would get a new one, as it is significantly better. Also note that the damping block tends to lose its elasticity, and that usually imparts a hardness to the sound. So even if you were to get a new stylus, there might be other things in need of attention. The overall cost might approach the cost of a new one, which is indeed more refined than earlier generations of this cartridge.

There has long been an audio snobbery towards this cartridge, IMO, without any basis except that it perhaps doesn't cost enough, and that seems to put off some of the "purists". It is a very fine unit.

Now, I currently use the Denon DL 103 and am as enthusiastic about it as Edle. It has the added benefit of being a HOMC (high output moving coil) and thus doesn't require a pre preamp. In simple terms, you can drive it through a conventional phono input. And it doesn't cost a lot. So unless you're emotionally wedded to the Shure, you might give the Denon a look. But you would not go wrong with Shure Brothers. Good stuff.