Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge

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?

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!!!

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.

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 !