Shure N44-7 Vs Shure M97xE

[Saurabh]

Hi...folks...
could someone suggest here, which cartridge out of two is better for simple home application...
well M44-7 is for typical DJ purpose...but its having quite high output--9V
also its main emphasis is on Bass...
where as M97xE is having quite low output--4V but rich in Mids.....
although both have almost same cost

any one who who can explain in detail....??

 

[reignofchaos]

M97XE is better suited for audiophile purposes. Its much more neutral than M44 which is a cart meant for scratching.

 

[marsilians]

M97xE is one of the most common cartridges for home use and very high VFM. HOWEVER it depends on which TT and tonearm you have. If its indeed a decent match then go for it.

 

[Saurabh]

Thanks marsilians, reignofchaos for your suggestion...
but could anyone little bit elaborate on sound-quality-aspect which both cartridge provide....?
About my setup--->
Technics Receiver SA-R177 (50W RMS per channel).
Pioneer PL-930 Direct-Drive Turntable.

 

[malvai]

Saurabh, both cartridges are of brilliant quality.

BUT, both have different functions.

The M44 -7 is built for rugged DJ use. This obviously means that due to its construction, and materials used, will bring it a shade or two down in SQ when compared to the M97xE. But, since DJ music is played out on thundering Db's, this will never show up on those set ups.

Having said that, i'll tell you from personal experience (my brother is a very well known DJ in Delhi), that the M44-7 is a great cart, but is 'colured' to provide loads of 'thump'... It is a DJ cartridge after all!

The M97xE, is a pure budget audiophile cartridge - as neutral as it gets, and very natural sounding... I say this from personal use. My all time favourite MM cartridge is still the Shure V15-III, as it competes very well with many an expensive MC cartridge... But it is no longer made. So I keep my V15-III very very close to me! I use it on special ocassions only!

In my search for a cart like the V15-III I found the Shure M97xE. Made from the same manufacturer, and very similar sonically. Though, in comparison, the M97xE has more thump. Just a little more...

All in all it is a GREAT cartridge IMHO. It is very versatile as well... It competes with carts upto USD 500 and trounces most of them.

In three words: Go for it!

 

[Saurabh]

Saurabh, both cartridges are of brilliant quality.

BUT, both have different functions.

The M44 -7 is built for rugged DJ use. This obviously means that due to its construction, and materials used, will bring it a shade or two down in SQ when compared to the M97xE. But, since DJ music is played out on thundering Db's, this will never show up on those set ups.

Having said that, i'll tell you from personal experience (my brother is a very well known DJ in Delhi), that the M44-7 is a great cart, but is 'colured' to provide loads of 'thump'... It is a DJ cartridge after all!

The M97xE, is a pure budget audiophile cartridge - as neutral as it gets, and very natural sounding... I say this from personal use. My all time favourite MM cartridge is still the Shure V15-III, as it competes very well with many an expensive MC cartridge... But it is no longer made. So I keep my V15-III very very close to me! I use it on special ocassions only!

In my search for a cart like the V15-III I found the Shure M97xE. Made from the same manufacturer, and very similar sonically. Though, in comparison, the M97xE has more thump. Just a little more...

All in all it is a GREAT cartridge IMHO. It is very versatile as well... It competes with carts upto USD 500 and trounces most of them.

In three words: Go for it!

thanks malvai....for that valuable suggestion

 

[reubensm]

the N44-7 tracks wonderfully...it will play almost any kind of record...it never seems to skip

 

[madman29]

I am using a M44-7H which comes fitted on a technics headshell. The sound is very nice. As most of the lps of yesteryears lack a little bit of low end it is never to bad to have a little bass on reserve. As I would always prefer to lower the bass from the amp than to jack it up. hyeah:
Though I am planning to buy a M97Xe just to compare the two.

 

[hemantwaghe]

My Pioneer TT which is for sale has M44-7 ,Real good Bass response.
Not being critical lister cannot comment on performance vis a vis other .

 

[Asit]

Hi,

I have recently renovated my 21 year old Dual CS 5000 TT. For some time, I was thinking of buying a new mid-level TT, but then I have such a meager collection of LPs (much less than 100), for the moment I have shelved that urge and got my old TT repaired instead. The CS 5000 originally came fitted with an Ortofon OMB20 cartridge, but the needle got broken some time ago. So I needed a new cartridge and ultimately settled for a Shure M97XE for Rs. 4750. The CS 5000 is not a great table, but it just may serve my purpose for the moment. With a rough set-up, forum member mksharan (Manoj) heard it once recently and liked it very much (Manoj has a Rega P5 currently). However, in my opinion my TT sounded below par, needs a proper set-up and the cartridge to break in.

I have not yet set up my TT properly, but with encouragement from Manoj, will do it soon. Now, how long do you guys (especially Manav because you have used it) think the cartridge will take for a proper break-in?

Regards.

 

[malvai]

Hi,

I have recently renovated my 21 year old Dual CS 5000 TT. For some time, I was thinking of buying a new mid-level TT, but then I have such a meager collection of LPs (much less than 100), for the moment I have shelved that urge and got my old TT repaired instead. The CS 5000 originally came fitted with an Ortofon OMB20 cartridge, but the needle got broken some time ago. So I needed a new cartridge and ultimately settled for a Shure M97XE for Rs. 4750. The CS 5000 is not a great table, but it just may serve my purpose for the moment. With a rough set-up, forum member mksharan (Manoj) heard it once recently and liked it very much (Manoj has a Rega P5 currently). However, in my opinion my TT sounded below par, needs a proper set-up and the cartridge to break in.

I have not yet set up my TT properly, but with encouragement from Manoj, will do it soon. Now, how long do you guys (especially Manav because you have used it) think the cartridge will take for a proper break-in?

Regards.

Hi Asit,
just a few pointers...

1. This dual would be as good, if not better, than most entry level Tutntables in the 8000 to 20,000 range. So, if you are intenting to gof ro an entry level turntable - DONT! It won't be much f an upgrade.
2. The Shure M97XE will really start singing after about 30 hours of play... the sound itself will start soomthening out after about 8-10 hours of play...
3. The tonearm on the Dual was an extremely low mass one... So only very high complaince MM cartridges will work on it.... The Shure M97XE should work on it quite well...

 

[Asit]

Thanks Manav for the encouragement and the useful information. As I said, it's not a great TT. However, I am expecting it to sound perhaps just a bit better than an entry-level, if set up correctly (it cost me equivalent of nearly USD 600 in 1989, so not exactly a very cheap TT at that time). I am worried about the VTA.

I got myself a new antistatic brush (Audioquest), a new stylus force gauge (Shure) and half a bottle of some fancy record-cleaning fluid (L'Art du Son, the bottle to be shared with Manoj) from elusivedisc.com. I even bought a couple of Scotch-Brite non-scratch scrub sponges from Spencer's supermarket, for the alternative warm water cleaning method (BTW, should I use the hard side or the soft side?). However, I can spend some time to set things up only after Dec 20. I will let everybody know of the developments and break-in of the cartridge.

The first M97XE piece turned out to be defective in one channel. The Shure dealer acknowledged it without even any testing (seemed like they heard similar problems recently on the current batch of the M97XE) and gave my money back. However, it did not solve my problem because they did not have any other new piece. They got a trouble-free one only after about 3 months. I waited patiently because there apparently was no better option for the Dual's tonearm at this price.

Regards.

 

[malvai]

Thanks Manav for the encouragement and the useful information. As I said, it's not a great TT. However, I am expecting it to sound a bit better than an entry-level, if set up correctly (it cost me equivalent of nearly USD 600 in 1989, so not exactly a very cheap TT at that time). I am worried about the VTA.

I got myself a new antistatic brush (Audioquest), a new stylus force gauge (Shure) and half a bottle of some fancy record-cleaning fluid (Lat du Son or something like that, the bottle to be shared with Manoj) from Elusivdisc. I even bought a couple of Scotch-Brite non-scratch scrub sponges from Spencer's supermarket, for the alternative warm water cleaning method (BTW, should I use the hard side or the soft side?). However, I can spend some time to set things up only after Dec 20. I will let everybody know of the developments and break-in of the cartridge.

The first M97XE piece turned out to be defective in one channel. The Shure dealer acknowledged it without even any testing (seemed like they heard similar problems recently on the current batch of the M97XE) and gave my money back. However, it did not solve my problem because they did not have any other new piece. They got a trouble-free one only after about 3 months. I waited patiently because there apparently was no better option for the Dual's tonearm at this price.

Regards.

You've got the good accesories bro... as far as the warm water method goes, use only the soft side of the scotchbrite.... NEVER the hard/rough side...

some of the M97's seem to have a manufacturing defct (i think that ever since they moved their production to Mexico, the quality standards have be come vague...

but yeah, if you find one that wiorlks well, it REALLY works well!

lemme know about the du son liquid... i have heard a lot of praise about it...

 

[murali_n]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a used D.Drive TT Model Technics SLD 212 from forum member Metalmickey, as an upgrade to my AKAI Beltdrive TT.:yahoo:

The Technics TT was playing one channel at low volume and treble, so to improve the SQ further I have Ordered a Shure M97XE Cartridge from Amazon.com and Technics headshell with lead wires from KAB ELECTRO ACOUSTICS. The total cost i/c shipping worked out to Rs.6000/-.

Will keep the forum posted after I receive the shipment.:licklips:

N.Murali

 

[murali_n]

Thanks Manav for the encouragement and the useful information. As I said, it's not a great TT. However, I am expecting it to sound perhaps just a bit better than an entry-level, if set up correctly (it cost me equivalent of nearly USD 600 in 1989, so not exactly a very cheap TT at that time). I am worried about the VTA.

I got myself a new antistatic brush (Audioquest), a new stylus force gauge (Shure) and half a bottle of some fancy record-cleaning fluid (L'Art du Son, the bottle to be shared with Manoj) from elusivedisc.com. I even bought a couple of Scotch-Brite non-scratch scrub sponges from Spencer's supermarket, for the alternative warm water cleaning method (BTW, should I use the hard side or the soft side?). However, I can spend some time to set things up only after Dec 20. I will let everybody know of the developments and break-in of the cartridge.

The first M97XE piece turned out to be defective in one channel. The Shure dealer acknowledged it without even any testing (seemed like they heard similar problems recently on the current batch of the M97XE) and gave my money back. However, it did not solve my problem because they did not have any other new piece. They got a trouble-free one only after about 3 months. I waited patiently because there apparently was no better option for the Dual's tonearm at this price.

Regards.

Hi Asit,

Where did you buy the Shure Cart from, at what price?

N.Murali

 

[Asit]

Hi Murali,

Sorry for a very late reply. Somehow I missed your question. There is a Shure dealer in the Chandni area (Electronics market) of Kolkata. I got my M97xE from them. As I mentioned earlier, I paid Rs 4750.

I have now set up my TT. The cartridge is breaking in. Since yesterday I have had about 7-8 hours of listening. I have not started cleaning my LPs with the L'Art du Son, at the moment it's just simple RO water cleaning. The crackles are much reduced, but I think I can significantly improve on it. Manoj is on holiday. Once he comes back, we will split the cleaning liquid and start cleaning using that.

But let me tell you all that already the experience is really very satisfying. The vinyl medium gives a fresh perspective of the sound, very open and uncompressed, and excellent soundstaging and separation of all vocals and instrunments. This turntable is far better than the entry-level TTs of today, I have no doubt about it. The Shure cartridge is really good, and as Manav opined would probably beat a few above its price range. I am using a cheap phono-stage right now (CA 640P @7K). That too can be improved on easily by some modding. If I am seriously into it, I may consider a tube phono in the future.

I want to compare my TT with Manoj's Rega P5 with the Exact2 cartridge. Let's see after a full break-in of the cartridge, how does this compare with the P5? It seems better than a Pro-ject RPM4 (with Sumiko Blue cartridge) I have heard recently. But this is a very rough estimate, as the accompanying equipments were all different, but of a comparable quality with my accompanying equipments. Anyway, I am very glad that I did not buy a new one, instead got my old TT to work back again.

Regards.

 

[arj]

Hi Asit, whats the phonostage you are using ?

 

[murali_n]

Hi Asit,

I asked about Shure to find out if any dealer stocks them in India. Anyway I have ordered one from Amazon and most likely to receive it by this weekend, I have also ordered a Technics headshell, along with the lead wires, for the same.

N.Murali

 

[Asit]

Arj,
As I mentioned in my previous post, currently I am using a budget-range phonostage (CA 640P at Rs 7K). I think this one has a very high performance to price ratio. Here is a discussion on this phonostage: Turntable Forum :: View topic - Cambridge Audio Azur 640 . Many just love to mod these. There are many threads on the net just discussing this. CA is basically a budget brand, but some of their products are VFM with good designs. Obviously, they cut corners by using some cheap components. Some of these can be replaced to audiophile quality. The same applies to my CDP 740c where some of the obvious mods are replacing some of the caps to audiophile grade (it uses a good power supply and the transport is very reasonable for its price around 50K) which improves the performance by a notch.

Later, if I grow in this area, I may consider a tube phono.

Murali,
The whole range of Shure products are available in India. They put regular ads in magazines like AVMAX. The main distributor I think is in Delhi. The ads have their contacts. They must also be having dealership in all major cities.

Regards

Note added later: Arj, currently I am using custom-made unshileded pure silver cable between the phono-stage and my amp. When I renovated my TT, I changed the (fixed) stock RCA IC by an old QED IC I had (shielded of course). If I knew the performance would be this good, I probably would have gone for a better IC. In the last years I have tried many many experiments with a lot of ICs: pure copper, pure silver, silver-coated copper, copper-silver alloy, copper-Aluminium alloy etc. For the moment at least the pure silver between the phonostage and the amp is good, it enhances the signal with a good dynamics. My amp and speakers are taking good care of the tonality.

 

[Brajendu]

I recently bought an used "Technics SL-Q3" Direct Drive TT from OLX ...this was referred to me by the always helpful MALVAI from this forum from my other post. I'm very thankful to Malvai for this.

The TT is is perfectly working condition, I tested it while buying. It has a Headshell but it doesn't have a Cartridge, so I'm looking out for a suitable Cart. Our FM @Shachu suggested few links:
www.kabusa.com where the Shure M97XE is costing $68 + $21 (shipping)
AND
Ortofon OM 10 Super Phono Cartridge

I also tried to look at Needle Doctor where the Shure M97XE is costing $89 + $22 (shipping).

There's a difference of approx $20 between Kabusa & NeedleDoctor, so I inquired the Indian dealer from Delhi SunGroup who says that this Shure M97XE cart will cost Rs 5500/-.

Anybody has dealt with this SunGroup dealer named as JD? And how long it takes to get the Order from NeedleDoctor and other dealers from abroad? Kindly let me know.