Technics 1210MK2/Shure M97XE issues

Hi guys,

I am running a custom Technics 1210 MK2 turntable with a stock Shure M97XE cart. I bought the table a couple of years ago from someone on audiokarma who had done some audiophile mods to it. Up until recently I have had zero problems with it. However, I am starting to see an increase with issues in surface noise. I sold someone my Holland pressing of AIC's Facelift which had some surface noise in spots on my system. Without cleaning the record the buyer played it and said there was hardly any surface noise and he has the same cart (different table). Also, I am noticing surface noise now on my copy of Extreme's Pornograffitti on More Than Words. I don't remember having this issue when I bought it. On the flip side I was testing my first press of Hootie's CRV and it still plays fine. I've re aligned the cart (as best I can), re leveled the table, re balanced the arm, etc but to no avail. Could my needle be damaged? How would I tell? Could it be something else? Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm lost at the moment.

Thanks

 

My first guess is that it could be static related, though I suppose the air in Florida doesn't get too dry even in the winter.

 

My first guess is that your needle is worn

 

Yes, time for a new stylus.

 

One song on one record?...sounds like groove damage/contamination to me.

 

More than 1 track, on one record. His Facelift album also, and it sounds like those are the only ones he has tested, other than Hootie.

 

Perfect time to try out the SAS

 

Is the SAS really worth it? I have the same cart and have pondered the SAS for some time now.
Where is the cheapest place to find it?

 

It's supposed to be really good. I think they've come out with a new one. The old one is on TurntablesandNeedles for like $325. WOW.

 

Absolutely, couldn't recommend it enough. It takes this cart to a completely different level. Worth every cent. It's unfortunate that they've basically doubled in price, but I still wouldnt hesitate, it's still such a great value. That said - I would not elect to get one of the marked-up old ones from a reseller when there are the two new ones available directly from JICO, the SAS/s (sapphire) and the SAS/r (ruby)


I haven't been able to try out either of the new ones yet but I don't see why they shouldn't be just as excellent, potentially even better for the ruby version. The ruby cantilever one is tapered and has a lower moving mass so that's the better one of the two, it's a bit more pricey but I at least expect that one to be more competitive with the boron original.


After the old ones were discontinued, and before the new ones were introduced, I was worried about not being able to source replacement styli anymore and I was looking into cartridges well above the $1k range. I don't think there's anything on the market for less than that which would be able to improve on it.

 

What about on a 1200/1210? Does it go well with these tables?

 

Absolutely, these Shures are pretty much the best match for the technics tonearm and the SAS is only an improvement upon what is already an excellent matchup. The Ortofon 2m black, while it is a great cart that's otherwise very comparable to an m97xe/SAS, I've read accounts that it does not behave well with the technics arms at all.

 

Thanks for the info. Just looked at the price of the new SAS versions. Wow. Scratch that idea.

 

Yeah, it's definitely disappointing to see even the new ones cost so much more than the old… I'm just saving up and getting as much as I can out of my current stylus in the meantime. By the time I need it I hope the price tag won't sting so much!

 

There's also LP Gear's vividline 97xe stylus

 

I had to take a look at this stylus too. Yes, it sure is pricey but it looks like they scrapped the brush assembly? I don't much care for the brush on mine. I don't use this cart anymore either. Maybe I'll give it a spin on my PL-120, now that we're talking about it. It has an AT 120 on it now.

I guess the Shure might better the AT?

I can't justify spending 325 dollars on a new stylus. There must be some magic in there though?

 

Any good reviews?

 

I had an SAS that I spent $170 for and the cantilever mysteriously got broken in half - I'm suspicious that someone was shown my tables and they hadn't seen one in a long time and got too intimate with the one with the SAS - so it was barely used. I did some research and came up with the LP Gear Vividline at about $70. One review I read essentially said it was a JICO without the brand name - I don't know if that's true. I know that it's getting me through some of my more stubborn lp's and also with reduced surface noise. I can't make a comparison between the 2 - the SAS and the VL. I know if I use the stock xe stylus I can get through the stubborn lp's with the brush down which means resetting the force, etc. I know I've read good things about the VL somewhere on this site.

 

Is this the same one?


LP Gear N97xVL ViVid Line replacement for Shure N97xE stylus »

Wish it was still $70.

 

YIKES!!! Yes it is! I just pulled out my receipt from July 29, 2016 - it was $79.95 - I stand corrected! - excluding shipping - $88.83 with S&H. What an increase!

 

Would you still say it's worth it?

 

Have you tried cleaning the stylus?

 

Yes. Dishwasher Stylus Cleaning System. Didn't do anything.

 

VA, I'm not copping out by saying I don't know, but I don't > no way for me to compare with the JICO I had - can only compare with the xe stylus which sells for $62 - so for another $75 or so I believe you get a better stylus that delivers the goods more than a stock xe needle. I'm not at all sorry I bought it, but had the price been $140 in July and before I could appreciate the VL I most likely would have just bought another Nagaoka MP110 despite what I learned about the VL. Have you done a search on this site re the VL and what SHF members have had for an experience?

 

Yes, I did a search on here but I couldn't find much at all though.