Product Description

The M97xE is a superbly tracking, neutral, smooth-sounding magnetic cartridge, designed to provide long hours of undistorted, easy listening, without fatiguing the ear or tiring the mind. This cartridge is able to accurately reproduce very difficult musical passages, particularly in the high-frequency range, where audio modulations are the smallest and most concentrated, and stylus tip movement is consequently the most rapid. Its highly precise tracking ability and flat frequency response are made possible by Shure's unique Type II low-mass thin-wall aluminum alloy stylus cantilever, combined with a precision-crafted, finely polished, elliptical diamond tip. PRODUCT FEATURES: Tone Arm Mount - Standard 1/2 inch; Cartridge Type - Moving magnet; Dynamic Stabilizer damper / de-statcizer; Die cast aluminum mounting block; Side Guard stylus protection system; Shure Type II - Very low mass; Heat-treated aluminum alloy / tubular; 1.0 mil wall thickness / 20 mil diameter; Polished natural gemstone; Elliptical.The M97xE includes the following accessories: Headshell Screwdriver; Stylus cleaning brush; User Guide; Mounting hardware; Stylus guard.

Product Details

• Color: black
• Brand: Shure
• Model: M97XE
• Dimensions: 1.25" h x 7.00" w x 3.00" l, .25 pounds

Features

• High-performance phono cartridge with finely polished elliptical diamond tip
• Accurately reproduces difficult musical passages, particularly in high-frequency range
• Viscous-damped dynamic stabilizer maintains uniform distance between cartridge and record
• Side-Guard system prevents stylus damage if cartridge accidentally slides across LP
• Die-cast-aluminum mounting block; includes mounting hardware and leaning brush

From the Manufacturer
The superb-tracking, neutral, smooth-sounding M97xE magnetic phono cartridge is designed to provide hours of undistorted, enjoyable listening without fatiguing the ear or tiring the mind. The cartridge accurately reproduces the most difficult musical packages, particularly in the high-frequency range where audio modulations are the smallest and stylus tip movement is the most rapid. This precise tracking ability is made possible by Shure's unique Type II low-mass, thin-wall, aluminum-alloy stylus cantilever, in addition to its precision-crafted, finely polished elliptical diamond tip.

Among the M97xE's most notable features is a viscous-damped dynamic stabilizer, which maintains a uniform distance between the cartridge and the record under difficult playing conditions, such as those caused by warped records or a mismatched tonearm mass. Should the stabilizer prove unnecessary, listeners can lock it in the detent position, which can, under ideal playing conditions, ensure even better sound quality. The cartridge also offers a die-cast-aluminum mounting block for secure, vibration-free attachment to the tonearm, along with a Side-Guard stylus protection system that helps prevent stylus damage if the cartridge accidentally slides across a record. The latter feature responds to side thrusts on the stylus by withdrawing the entire cantilever and tip safely into the stylus housing before the cantilever can be damaged.

The cartridge delivers an essentially flat 20 Hz to 22 kHz frequency response and fits on a standard 1/2-inch tonearm mount. It also comes with mounting hardware, a headshell screwdriver, and a cleaning brush, and carries a one-year warranty against defects.

What's in the Box
M97xE phono cartridge, headshell screwdriver, stylus cleaning brush, mounting hardware, stylus guard, user's manual.

Customer Reviews

Shure M97xE well worth the price
I picked up the Shure M97xE to use as a back up to an AT95E. I really like the sound of this Shure. It is broken in now and I have a hard time deciding between it and the AT95E. The brush also does a good job of cleaning the track before the stylus comes across. Well worth the purchase price.

Not what I'd hoped for
I chose this cartridge to replace my AT PC440LC on a new Technics SL1200MKII based on the many positive reviews I've read on the net. Back when I bought the AT, I really wanted to get a V15, again, based on all of the favorable reviews. But the AV shop where I worked didn't carry Sure. So, when I won a sales contest that covered the cost of the AT I hesitantly bought it without hearing it, nor reading anything about it. Well, I count that as a huge stroke of luck, as I have absolutely loved the AT compared to the other cartridges I've owned, and, if the M97 is any indication of the performance of the V15 (I've read that it has similar qualities), then I am very glad that I didn't throw down the considerable amount of cash for one back then.

The M97xE is not as warm sounding as the Grado (forgotten the model, but retailed around $100.00 in 1981) I owned, but it does have better high freq. response, and it certaily does track better. Sonically, I'm more inclined to compare this to the Ortofon M20FL that originally came with my Dual CS-622 turntable, except the Ortofon had better midrange detail. The base is decent and tight, and after much fiddling aroung with the TF/VT/AS adjustments I was able to get the mids to a point where I could stand them at lower levels. However, this cartridge completely lacked the midrange sweetness and detail that I am used to. Midrange instrumentation and vocals lacked detail and was very forward. This translated to a very irritating midrange edginess/harshness that I could not tolerate. I even switched out my new Martin-Logan Preface speakers, thinking that they were too bright and were causing the problem. But it persisted, although slightly reduced, with my Acoustic Research speakers installed. To me the cartridge displayed the sonic detail reminescent of a mid-range cd player, at least in my system. The soundstage was someshat restricted compared to the other cartridges I've owned, but it seemed more precise. Finally, I've read that some have claimed the cartridge to be somewhat dull sounding. To that I will have to agree. I would describe the as significantly less "live" than the AT. It definately lacks the guttural involvement. Obviously, there are many fans of the M97. I am not one of them.

Equipment List:
Onkyo M504/P304 Amp/Preamp
Technics SL1200MKII Turntable
Acoustic Research 328PS/Martin Logan Preface Loudspeakers
Audioquest Cables

Fine performing cartridge
My 25 year old Shure V15 type IV needed a replacement stylus and Shure no longer sells them, so I purchased the M97xE for about the same price as a generic stylus that would be of questionable quality. Very happy with the performance, quality and sound of this cartridge.