Editorial Review: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.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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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.
Rating: 
-
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
Rating: -
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.
Rating: 
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V15 Type IV Revisited
I just replaced my 30 yr. old V15 Type IV with the Shure M97xE.I promise you that this cartridge is every bit the equal of the Type IV. My records sound alive again. One particular album always bothered me even when the Type IV was almost new. Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" song " Car on a Hill" had a peculiar distortion during a particularly loud high pitched vocal passage near the middle of the song. Shure's own test calibration record, new stylus, every type of realignment possible failed to eliminate it. Even was present on a half speed mastered super disc of the album. I had decided that it must be inherent to the original record. Well, guess what... I put in the M97xE , played Car on a Hill......Crystal clear without a speck of distortion. I realize that maybe this was a peculiarity or defect in my Type IV, but I don't think so. In short, BUY this cartridge! I don't think you can go wrong, especially at the Amazon price.Music sounds like it should once again!
Rating: -
Hi-Fi excellence with the Shure M97xE cartridge
There are surprises and there are some real eye-opening moments. With the price of the M97xE I didn't know what to expect. After all, you get what you pay for in this world. But after coupling this cartridge to my new Technics SL-1200 MK2 turntable and applying needle to vinyl there was a real treat for the ears. The hi-frequency detail was sharp and clear and devoid of sibilance. The low frequencies were rich and clean. While this unit might not be considered true "Audiophile" grade by fans of moving coil types, the M97xE certainly deserves that title by this vinyl aficionado. The proof is in the listening and you don't have to mortgage the homestead
to enjoy a substantial improvement in sound quality.
