[felixscerri]

G'day all, I've not visited this site for a long time.  Firstly, I am truly shocked to hear of John's 'TheChairGuy' passing.  A very sad loss.

Regarding the Shure M97xE I've changed my mind about 62 k loading.  Whilst loading at 62 k does improve the upper treble, it does have one unfortunate and I consider unacceptable negative in that a very audible midrange droop results.  I've since realised that perhaps the best attribute of the M97xE is its midrange response when optimally loaded. 

I've conducted many, many experiments and listening observations in recent times and I and one or two others, have gone back to 47 k loading but the optimum capacitance loading is somewhat critical with the Shure M97xE.  Shure 'officially' recommends 200 to 300 picofarads 'overall', but I think that range is too broad.  I think 250 to 300 picofarads is best.  My set up in here measures 47 k and about 270 picofarads 'overall' (from all sources... tonearm wiring, interconnects and phono stage input capacitance itself), and I couldn't be happier. 

At that loading the Shure M97xE has a very musically satisfying and endearing sound.  I love it.  47 k and 250 to 300 picofarads load capacitance 'overall'.  Regards, Felix.   

[neobop]

Hi Felix,
It's hard to believe John TCG is gone, what a great loss and tragedy.

Have you tried the SAS stylus on the M97 ? 
If so, what was your optimum load/capacitance?  Did you like it?

neo

[felixscerri]

G'day mate, yes I have tried the SAS stylus and yes whilst it is excellent I find that the standard Shure elliptical stylus sounds as good when optimally loaded.  I think the SAS works well at equivalent loading, but with a boosted high end and 'resolution' that sounds great. 

However it is worth remembering that the SAS stylus does not conform to the 'intended' Shure 'Audiophile Response' curve of the Shure 'x' cartridge series.  It is my feeling that many set ups using the M97xE are too high in shunt loading capacitance and therefore never hear the M97xE at its best.  Being a high inductance cartridge the optimum load capacitance when combined with the slightly rolled off upper treble inherent and 'intended' in the 'x' cartridge series, is critical.  Having a good capacitance meter (and knowing how to properly use it), is a very good investment.  Regards, Felix. 

[LM]

Hi Felix,

Nice to see you posting again.  I pretty much 100% agree with you about the M97xE though I am quite wrapped in my SAS stylus.  I also have a capacitance of around 270pf and have a fixed 47K with my A.N.T. Kora 3T MM phono stage but never felt any need to experiment with loading.

When I bought my cartridge, I simply ordered a SAS stylus at the same time (after using them previously on both an M91 and M95) having read so much about the rolled off top end etc. in general M97xE reviews. I had simply assumed that using the original stylus would be less than ideal.  Perhaps poor quality control has been the cart’s Achilles heel but mine (though certainly a little rolled off at the top initially) performed way better than expected.  Perhaps I was just lucky with a great OEM stylus but with a few hours up, I remember sitting back and wondering why some people on the forums thought it bland.

I do prefer the SAS as I like the more open, detailed and perhaps it could be argued, slightly boosted top end but that suits my taste.

[felixscerri]

G'day mate, all noted.  Interestingly enough a bit of 'synergy' might be at work here as on my main system I use the same phono stage as yourself and team it with the M97x/SAS which sounds wonderfully organic and thoroughly wonderful. 

However on the system here in my Ham Radio shack, I use the standard stylus M97xE teamed with my rather dynamic sounding DIY ESP P06 phono stage which suits it perfectly with a lovely 'musical' sound.  Regards, Felix.   

[trackball02]

Felix, I'm interested in getting a M97xe for my Dual 1019.
Do you have any experience or comments about the VIVID Line Stylus? Less expensive than the SAS.

http://www.lpgear.com/product/SHN097xVL.html

[felixscerri]

G'day mate, I have no personal experience with the VIVID line stylus, but the reports I have heard have been quite positive.  It may be worth the investment.  Regards, Felix.