I have a Shure cartridge as well and in my years have owned many different brands, but I always come back to Shure. I just really like them.

If you look at my videos you'll see my 1963 Garrard Type A turntable using the SHURE M97xE phono cartridge. Yes, the damped dust brush is a great feature. It also makes it possible to track very warped or bumpy records without the needle skipping. I used it to track a cardboard Seeburg demo record that wouldn't play with any other cartridge. Another great video, thanks!

This is an old video. See my review of the 2M Red. :)

I bought one of these in 2009 when they first came out. It was a dull and lifeless cartridge. Was mounted on a Technics SP-15 turntable in excellent condition. Back to my old Stanton 681. Now to just find a new needle for it!

Thanks especially for the information concerning the stabilizer issue

I never claimed to be an "audiophile.' I am an audio realist and your contempt for 'DJ turntables' shows a lack of understanding of how they work. We used them in radio for years and properly setup they can outperform most of what is on the market today. I have softened my stand against modern belt drive tables in light of the fact that I have found some reasonably priced models that are accurate and durable but in general I think most of what is printed in audiophile magazines is bunk. :)

This is an old video. I was not happy with this cart in the end and it's long since gone.I now use an Ortofon 2M Red and I also have an Audio-Technica AT120. Both carts run circles around the M97xE.

If you're looking for a cart to playback your records and that's it, I highly recommend the Audio-Technica AT120E. The Shure carts that I have had have been disappointing in the long run. I now recommend AT or Ortofon. :) JC

I’m satisfied with my 97xE. It is for the most part indistinguishable from V15V-MR, which I also own. I have ZERO compulsion to upgrade, since it sounds similiar to my SACD system, that’s to say, as detailed as SACD.

@MrYoda1972 It might be a good fit but I'm steering folks toward the Audio-Technica AT120E these days. It's a lot of cart for the money. :) JC

You missed the sure V-15 that was the holy grail of sures line!! ;)

I listened to Pickering Empire and a few more for years, but when I bought My first Shure ( an M91ED) I was blown out of the water. I could Not believe How much better they sounded than all others.

My experience with the ATP-2 cart was dismal. One came on my first AT-LP120 turntable. I always had skating issues and no mater how the anti-skate or weight was set, at the end of the record, the tone arm would sometimes continue into the record label. After it did this sporatically a couple of time, the stylus was damaged and I didn't notice it until it plowed through a rare and very valuable record and I saw the rows of plastic dust it made. I threw the ATP-2 away, and went back to Shure.

0.2 is a fine point indeed. My new cart is 0.3 x 0.7 even being less fine I still wouldn't back cue especially styrenes.

The M97xE has a .2 by 27 mil stylus and as long as it is aliened properly, it will show very little distortion on the high end. It's a bit on the dim side, compared with the bright sound of any Audio-Technica cart. You may find yourself boosting the treble a bit but it's a good tracker. :)

Oh, do the Red! It will be a perfect match. I love mine. I think it's the best cart for the money on the market. It has the solid sound of an old Stanton 680 without the sibilance.

To expound on one of your comments, about finding "the right transducer", I've found that some records sound better with one cartridge than they might with another. It's like speakers in that regard. I also use the M97Xe on my Technics SL1200mk2, and it's terrific. But some records sound better with my Denon DL-160 cartridge; still others with an Audio-Technica AT-15SS. It's trial and error, but worth the effort.

I'm not surprised... This is an old video and the cart turned out to be a disappointment for me also. I am now using an Ortofon 2M Red and it's the best overall cart I've owned. :)

Ah, the felt mat tonearm height adjustment, brilliant.

The V-15 Type V-VMR is a hell of a great cart. The M97xE is actually a reissue of the V-15 Type V-RS (the Radio Shack edition that was made in Mexico).

Yes, new carts come with a new stylus. What kind of cart depends on how much you want to spend and what kind of sound. :) JC

@ampheat My M92e said it was assembled in Mexico so I assume these are, as well. :) JC

Never mind I happened to have an Audio-Technica ATN-15E lying around, it was DEFINITELY the shure. Enslaved's Frost now sound better than the lossless version from the 1st pres CD.

What I've noticed about certain Shure cartridges is a tendency to collapse the soundstage as if everything is moving to mono. Also dynamics are curtailed compared to certain moving coils and the Ortofon 2M line which offer more jump and articulation with better dynamic contrasts. The smooth and lush sound of some Shures does offer low listening fatigue. I've noticed that early sixties recordings work well with Shure cartridges so if vintage vinyl is your thing the Shures are the ticket.

Best cart for the buck is the Ortofon 2M Red. It will be a perfect match for that table, too.

Thanks man. Great info. I had the same Shure for a couple of years, time to replace it now, and even though I was 99% convinced to buy the same one, you just gave me the 1% I needed to decide.

@orfenandanarchy I'd go for an Audio-Technica AT120E, for sure. It's the absolute best sounding cartridge in the around $100 range. The SHure has proven to be problematic on all four turntables I've tried it on. :) JC

@PuffSmelly No. The LP60 uses an integrated AT-3600 cart that cannot be replaced. You can only change the stylus. :) JC

I've been using the M97xE cart for many years and have bought about 6 of them. I've never paid anywhere close to the prices shown in the video, always much lower. Once, I got a pair of NIB carts for around $90. A couple of months ago I bought another pair for $60. each. A couple of the Shure stylii were about $45. each. There are deals out there.

I am currently using the stock cart on my LP120 Audio Technica. It is an AT95E cartridge 9came with the turntable) and, after aligning it, AND trying various tracking force and Anti Skate settings, I CONTINUE to get sibilance WAY more than (i think) I should. Will the M97xE reduce sibilance? Great video by the way :)

@jameshodgetts1997 I don't use this cartridge anymore. It never stayed on any one turntable for more than a couple of weeks. I have since found the Audio-Technica AT120E and I'm sticking with that. However, I would assume that you could expect at least 500 hours out of the Shure before you'd have to change styli. A good rule of thumb is to change styli once yearly, assuming you play one or two LP's a day. :) JC

Sincere thanks for posting this video! I have just received my cartridge, now trying to figure out how to properly set it up lol

Great reviews on your channel! I run the M97xE on my Dual CS 5000, but I'm not happy with it. Would you recommend to go for the Ortofon 2M Red or the AT120 (120E/mkII) on this turntable? Thanks

I bought my M97xE for $99 when it was first released. After the V15VxMR was discontinued the price of the M97xE went up a bit. Now that they're all discontinued the price shot up to $599 on Amazon. I only paid $500 for my V15VxMR new. Crazy how an inferior cartridge is now more expensive than the real audiophile Shure was new. What a ripoff!

@jameshodgetts1997 This cart really does better with low mas tone arms... The T.62 is designed for heavier tracking carts like the 500. However, you could certainly give it a try. Just make sure you can return the M97xE if it does not work out to your liking. :) JC

I recently changed to a new cartridge for my SL1200mk2. I bought the Shure M97xe, along with a new Ortofon headshell. I've read plenty about this cartridge, it's pros and cons, so I've made sure to give it plenty of hours to bed in. I also uprgraded to new lower cap cables and a new phono pre-amp, the MoFi StudioPhono. I like the sound this cartridge gives, but my new combo seems to have more background hiss than I've experienced before. So, last night, I decided to toss my old cart/headshell on to remind myself of why I replaced it. It's an old Stanton 680EL from the 90s, with a $40 replacement stylus I bought from LPgear about 3 years ago. Yes, it's sound is pretty harsh, especially in the mid-treble region, but what I noticed most, was the increased volume. Not a subtle amount, but dramatic. At the same setting (twelve o'clock knob) on my receiver, I was getting 98db peak music, measured with my iPhone app at about 3 feet from the speakers, versus just 83db from the Shure. That's a difference of 15db! Is there something wrong with my Shure cart, Ortofon headshell combo, or could there really be that much of a difference in output between these two cartridges?

@imfree707 The Shure is retired now in favor of an Ortofon. However, I found that the performance was better with the brush up out of the way... :) JC

The Shure M97xe is more of a budget value cartridge than an "audiophile" one. Yes, it's very good for the money. But there are much better, more lively, detailed, dynamic and just more life like cartridges if you've got the scratch. Get the a cantilevered line contact S.A.S. stylus fitted to any number of Shure bodies and you'll improve them orders of magnitude. Of course listeners who have no experience with the better models will find the M97xe sounds great. It all depends on what you are used to listening to.

Happy to know only 8 years later that the cost is now $99. So $10 in 8 years ain't bad at all!

I don't have this cart anymore. I would highly recommend the AT120E from Audio-Technica or an AT95E. They are head and shoulders about the SHure. :) JC

I have the same set up as you. Love the Shure 97Xe, Sounds fantastic for my genre of music (Classic Rock) using two mats as well (Cork on top of rubber mat)

@HotelBloedel There is a video with audio from this cart posted as a response. :) JC

The tracking angle is either way off or your tracking the cart way to heavy. Make sure you're tracking at the recommended 1.25 grams. Also, check to see that the tone arm is level with the record's surface. If it is running 'head up' than that will cause this problem. :) JC

Yes, they do supply a gauge but use the alignment tool used for Technics translatable now. Also, I don't recommend this cart anymore. Your money is better spent for an Audio-Technica AT120E or Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. :)

I think it might work... It all depends on whether the plastic stylus grip on the N78 will fit the M97xE body. :) JC

I remember the V-15 quite well... We used them to dub records to tape for broadcast. Awesome.

Yes, I have heard it and I was not impressed... This video has been up for a while. I recommend AT and Ortofon carts these days. :)

I got one of these cartridges recently. I found a SL-1700 Technics last month on eBay. I'm switching between an old Stanton RS500DJ, the Shure, and a Ortofon that came with the turntable. The price of replacements stylus for the Shure will probably keep me from using the cartridge all the time.

Yes... They are pretty well standardized. :) JC

Bought my last MX97E over 15 years ago for $69. I know I should have ordered more.

Great little cartridge however the original made in America M97HE (hyper-eliptical) and it's brother the M95HE were even better. Alas they are no longer available. The HE stylus coaxed more detail from the groove with an even flatter response yet retained the smooth warm sound. However you can upgrade the M97XE (or any number of Shure bodies) with a JICO S.A.S. super stylus for about $189. Not chicken feed but it will transform your cartridge into something more akin to a $3000 moving coil cartridge.

I had one of these for 2 months, I just swapped out one of these last week for a Denon DL-110. I can't say that I was all too happy with it - I loved the brush, light tracking weight, and the warm sound, but the highs were a little too rolled off for my liking. I'm loving the DL-110 though. Some of the vinylheads are comparing it to the 2M Blue and it's 60$ less. Recommend it if you're looking to try another decent budget cart.

I bought one a few days ago.. Such a pain in the ass to align on a Technics 1210, still haven't properly aligned it yet :(

@Jesus10741 I suggested the 2M because it's more suited to your tone arm. The Shure is a very light tracking cart and doesn't like high mass tone arms. The 2M tracks at 1.8 grams and will hug the grooves a bit better. My M97xE didn't do well on my AT LP120 but performs great on my Denon. I'd just hate to have you get the Shure only to be disappointed with the sound. You could always try and if it doesn't please, you could send it back. Both carts are very warm and natural sounding. :) JC

I've read the news that Shure would no longer make cartridges. Toney Tillery Isaiah.

Hello to Mr. Joe Collins this vid is great I stumbled upon this vid normally I would ignore this vid never had a shure cart did not think of them but remembered seeing a lot a advertisements for them when I subscribed to Stereo Review I have a shure 91ED cartridge it is not the one you have but I bought a used Dual 1225 TT it had the cartridge bit stylus was broken I got a replacement stylus after6 repairing Dual the tracking force is rated to .075 to 1.50 I have used the at 95e and ortophon ome 10. Both are good but when I listened to this cartridge it blew me away the sound was perfect it even played a album I bought used that skipped on both of my other TT's This sounds great I can imagine how this one sounds Shire cart are not bad I am a believer JRo

@BadEditPro thanks for your input. will surely consider your advise.

@thedude266 What kind of turntable are you putting it on? :) JC

I think the M97xE is derived from the old classic, the V15. I've one of those on my Sony, Type III to be exact. Got the original Shure stylus as well. Perfect match for the very low mass tonearm PS-LX3 has.

Great video Joe. Already own AT-LP440MLb and Nagaoka MP110. Tempted to get this too. Or maybe M44-7? For those skippy warped records? Guess i'm becoming a cart obsessed too. Anyways i wanted to ask you. Where did you get those gold plated sockets that you installed on your AT-LP120USB turntable? Especially the one for the ground wire can't find it anywhere to buy. Btw i think this cart is not the best for 78s because it is too light, 78s prefer at least 3-4 grams tracking force so the old Stanton 500 is best for those. Happy holidays from Europe.

I bought a JVC JL-B31. I have found your channel to be very helpful. I'm quite unsure about a few things. #1 When I buy a new cartridge, does it come with a new stylus as well? #2 how do i know which type of cartridge do i need to buy?

Does the Numark TTUSB have a low-mass tonearm? I've been planning to upgrade to the Shure M97xE when the Audio-Technica CN5625AL finishes its duty as my main phono cartridge, and I see that the Shure tracks best on low-mass tonearms.

@MonajemShayan It would but I think the AT120E from Audio-Technica would give you more bang for the buck. :) JC

I was told that the N78 would not work in the M97. If you find that is does I would buy one because I have some 78s and I wont try to play them with the expensive stock stylus that came with my m97. BTW I love the M97 and am enjoying records that have been in my family for over 50 years because the sounds that I missed on older phonographs.

Looks like we might be losing this one this year. Shure just announced today that they're killing of at least their DJ phono carts, but it'll probably include this one too...

Hi joe, I'm kinda new to the vinyl scene. I have my fathers 1970's Technics sl-1900, I have a basic cart from Sam ash but i ordered a Shure! Do you have or can you make a video showing how to adjust the tracking to set this sure up,?

@Annonymus121 I also used it one my technics SL-B-202 if you wanted to know.

I made my own custom mat online which came with two covers that I sandwich together. I wonder if it brings the height up enough? I seems to be either the same thickness, or just a hair thicker than the mat that came with my LP120.

Hi JC, I have been folwing your channel for asisnce you uploaded your cartridge videos , I remember you put a sample of this cartridge with a melody calles morse mode by George Searing , you states in that videon that , that lp was never released on cd , do you know what is the name of the lp in whic it came or could you send me the file ?, thank you and best regards

who the best? this or 2M Red Ortofon?

Thank you! I see the AT95E is listed for much, MUCH less than the 120E. I think I'll go with the AT95E. I mean, I only paid $200 for my AT-LP120.

Thanks Great video. I just bought one and can't figure out how to use the protractor that came in the box.

No, everything is fine... That's how it works. :) Joe

@fechner15 The ATP-2 that comes with it is a good match. Another good choice is the Audio-Technica AT65E. Anything that will track at 2 grams or high is a good fit. That would include professional carts from Stanton and Ortofon, as well. :) JC

I just bought an AudioTechnica AT-LP 120 and was looking into purchasing this cartridge. I'm not an audophile but I want to get the best playback. Would you put a video on replacing the original brush and settings. That would be awesome.

Thank you for the prompt reply. So I can easily change to any cartridge without worrying about compatibility?

Hi,. I find your videos very informative. About the anti skating..... I used to have V-15 type IV on a Thorens 160 back in the '70s. It also had a dampened brush The instructions for it for said to set the AS to the VTF you set with the brush down ft you use the brush. . I now have a M97xE on a Pioneer 112D set up ..with the brush down with a VTF of 1.75 I also set the anti skate by ear and... using a blank record and it is spot on set at 1.75. Where did i get a blank record? I happened to have a copy of "Steve Forbert - Oil Song song" which is a 33 single only recoded on one side :) .

I had the same cart and moved to the DL-110. The Dl-110 is leaps and bounds better! Better gain from thje MC stage, more resolve and impact. Much better dynamic range and high end response. Not even close.

I have one of these and just set up new speakers. I compared the vinyl and lossless version of Billy Bragg's "Greeting To The New Brunette"; The vinyl version had sloppy S's, sounded like it was recorded from the BACK of an amphitheater and the drums were messed to hell as well as the treble being awful. Is the culprit my TC-750 preamp, the cart or my mint and babied SL-1500 table?

How about compliance ? What kinds of tonearms it fits best, lowmass - middle mass types ?

I'd be very interested in your opinion on the Shure M447. Have you tried it? Or is it not your cup of tea since it's for DJ's? Could the M97xE be used for mixing?

Do you have an opinion on the Shure Whitelabel, on an audiophile point if view? Do you think it's worth the 100d.?

a good review. Is it made in the USA?

Have you had any issues with the arm skating skating to the right? I just received both the record and stylus and I've been having issues with skating. Thanks.

@Annonymus121 It's rather high... I think the Audio-Technica AT120E is a much better cart. Too bad, Shure used to be my favorite cart maker but now they are not as good as they once were. :) JC

This is a great cartridge if you don't have an M55E 2x7 elliptical. But I do.

hi. would this be compatible with my Technics SL-B2? pardon me, i'm just a newbie on vinyl format. hope you can enlighten me on this. thanks.

Was it difficult to align this? Simone on amazon said their is a gauge under the foam. Did you use that?

You are a lifesaver. Thank you very much.

Damn. I kinda already ordered the sure. it is more in my price range. But, will it decrease sibilance though? more than the stock cart/stylus ? that is one of my main concerns right now.

Hey Joe, thanks so much for this. I use a Denon DP 200 player (please don't laugh) :-) Will this cat fit that tone arm? Question 2, will that be a good upgrade or am i putting lipstick on a pig? Many thanks- Nikita - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Hey! I have this shure pickup and I really like the sound, but I have one problem: The "belly" of it, I mean that black part right behind the needle sometimes "taps" on the record and anyway it seems to get dangerously close to the vinyl surface. Is there something that I can adjust, like an angle adjustment possibility to avoid that? I really don't want to damage my records. Or is this normal? Can somebody advise me?

Question: I used one of those magic erasers on this cartridge and heard a scratching sound (the turntable was off), did I mess it up? I tried the cartridge afterwards and it sounded great, but I lightly checked how it was seated and it was kind of lose. do I need to replace it?

Hey I have a Denon DP 23F that I got,but he doesn't have a cartridge..does the M97xE would function on it?

I cant thank you enough for you help! :)

LOL... It makes up for it with the way it sounds, though. :) JC

can any one help, what is the best antiskate seting on this cart (m97xe of course) , i have to mention i use the shure brand fg2 force guage to read a 1.75 gram of force for brush down , i do own 2 other cheapar brand digital skales witch read shures force at 1.95 , dont know if its corect using the shure brand or not but i use my digital scales for furher refencing , just thought id mention what i use to further gaing what any opinion users may have for acurate antiskate, thanks in advance for the help

Awesome post! Thanks for the info.

What would you recommend for an entry level audiophile cartridge to put on a Pro Ject Debut III?

Have you tried Nagaoka MP-110? Thank you