Latest 6 Reviews Here is what people are saying about the Shure M97xE High Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge
"The affordable cartridge that could."
2009-11-17
- Reviewed By User: A36CA7WO8H60SK
First off I am not or have ever been a Shure fan. The only time I ever bought anything with the "Shure" name was when I was broke after spending my money on other worthwhile audio equipment. Like after buying my first Thorens turntable and I had no money left for a cartridge. I would pick up a Shure to past the time until I could get 'mo money for something decent. In the case of the Thorens it was an Audio-Technica AT-125LC that cost more than half its price. The Thorens that is. I was in my early 20's and in heaven. A Thorens, the Audio-Technica, Polk Monitor 7's and a splendid Fisher 500-C tube receiver/amp. I get chills just thinking about it. And my girlfriend (future wife)wasn't bad either.
Through the years I went through Stanton, the 681, Grado and a few more AT cartridges. I had recently purchased the AT-PL120 direct drive table and while the OEM cartridge was OK, and far better than any Shure I'd ever heard (I've never heard the V-15), I know I had to upgrade. My first thought was the AT-440ML but it was a little pricey. I went through my old issues of Stereophile and even Stereo Review and went on the net looking for something. The Shure M97xE got alot of good reviews and was even favorable compared to the 440ML. That caught my attention but I was't going to pay over a hundred dollars for a Shure. No way!
But then I saw it on sale at J&R in NYC for about $60. I gave it a shot.
Ladies, this cartridge is not bad. I hooked it up to my Music Hall phono preamp and to my Yamaha RX-V663 AV receiver ("I" before "E" except after "C"??)and while it took a while for it to burn, when it did, it started to open up and took me totally by surprise. The soundstage is not as wide as I would like, though it is relatively deep. And while the highs may not snap, crackle or pop, overall this is pretty nice. The bass is okay as is the mid-range and while individually no particular aspect stands out overall I'll hold up my purchase of the 440ML and see what else this baby will do after I brake it in some more.
Highly recommended as an entry level audiophile type quality cartridge. If you've heard or have a Denon DL-160 a Blue Point Sumiko or the aforementioned AT-440MLa you might find the Shure a little drab and boring but for the money... If I knew then what I know now, I would have happily paid double the price. It's that good.
Good sound, good design(I love the stabilizer brush), but seriously over-packaged. The case is made out a 1/8 in. matte finish aluminum box, with aluminum hinged cover with "SHURE" stamped on it. I mean, really? a $15 box for a $60 product?
"Gold for my money"
2009-10-27
- Reviewed By User: A4CC5CBJ90NJD
Not much more that I can add than whats already been stated here. Out performs my previous Audio Technica cart by far. The difference was magical, and the price difference small. I love it!!!
"Just buy it"
2009-10-15
- Reviewed By User: A2N92R5C8AL3E3
I used to be an audiophile but I am ok now. I have been using my trusty Technics for some time again and a friend said, "Why do you have old technology for a cartridge?" Yes, you can pay more for a cartridge, but why would you? This 97 rocks. It tracks great and sounds better. Just buy it.
"Audiophile Quality at fraction of cost"
2009-10-01
- Reviewed By User: ANZWRJFQDDSJW
This is being used on a Technics 1200 in a sterio system with a 180 W/Ch ATI Amp, Marchand X-Over, NAD pre-amp and Dynaudio Speakers.
I previously had purchased the Audio Technica ATLP120 from Amazon and although a nice player for the money ($150) it lacked the sturdy and rugged construction I was looking for.
To be honest, however, the Audio Technica comes with a very nice cartridge and the difference in sound quality is negligible.
Bottom line. If you want a top quality audiophile grade cartridge for under $ 75 get this !
Congradulations as you have found the one of the greatest bargains in audiophile history.I own and have tried many MM and MC over the years.I currently have a Audio Technica AT20SLa,AT15SS,Shure V-15 V-MR,V-15 III and others.All great carts but time after time I go back to the Shure M97xE.This cart will sound great on many tables but can also sound epic with the right turntable and tonearm.I currently run this cart on a 1979 Marantz 6370Q and the combination is just amazing and exceeded the above carts to my ears.I have also run this on a 1978 Pioneer PL-570 with excellent results.I use a digital scale and set it 1.25 grams with the brush/guard up and then put the guard down creating a additional .5 grams for a total of 1.75.The manual suggets 1.75 grams as optimal and I agree.You will buy this cart and try to convince yourself that there is no way a $60 cart can sound better than something that costs $200,$300,$400 ect. and like me you may actually buy a more expensive cart.But you will also be wasting time and money.Just set it up properly and enjoy the warm,smooth,deep bass ect..Give it 20 hours or so for breakin and don't look back.This is trully a bargain of epic proportions.
Last updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 22:48 EST. Pricing information is provided by the listed merchants. GoSale.com is not responsible for the accuracy of pricing information, product information or the images provided. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.com or other merchants at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As always, be sure to visit the merchant's site to review and verify product information, price, and shipping costs. GoSale.com is not responsible for the content and opinions contained in customer submitted reviews.
Expedited Available
![Xitel INport Deluxe [Record From Your Stereo to Your Computer]](product_images/4949000/xitel-inport-deluxe-record_t-4949332.jpg)
"The affordable cartridge that could."
"Over packaging"
"Gold for my money"