Comparing Shure's First Stereo Phono Cartridge vs Shure's Last

1958/1997. A comparison between Shure’s first Stereo cartridge, the M3D and the last V15 model, the V15 Type VxMR, 39 years apart. Claimed to be the world’s first stereo moving magnet cartridge, the M3D was in production for 16 years with 2 upgrades to the stylus assembly (N21D and N22D) resulting in higher compliance and lower tracking forces. The V15 Type V-xMR was Shure’s last V15 model. Released as an alternative to the CD’s flat, neutral sound, Shure advertised the xMR as having a warm, more musical tone. The xMR was in production for 7 years, being retired in 2004 due to the ban on beryllium.

[@Grimwriggler]

both sound great

[@thomasbecker5313]

The music selection is as enjoyable as the comparisons you do in your videos. My compliments.

[@1mctous]

The Type V-MR has a lot more resolution, but I would have been thrilled to hear the M3D in 1958 given how much it advanced the current state of the cartridge art.

[@gsherlock]

The M3D sounds pretty good despite its utilitarian looks.

[@ScottGrammer]

Huge difference! They learned a lot over that span of decades.

[@AudiophileTommy]

And yet they just stopped making them 😡

[@ScottGrammer]

@@AudiophileTommy Except for DJ cartridges. They still make those, I think.

[@markfischer3626]

I use the V15 Type V MR in my best turntable and tonearm, Empire 698. Knowing the unique features of the 698 and of this cartridge I see no advantage to these multi thousand dollar cartridges and multi tenthousand dollar turntables. As an engineer I'm not afraid to use a graphic equalizer to compensate for variations in the tonal balance from one recording to another. I think the industry has sold audiophiles a lot of snow jobs.

[@jamesshackelford3702]

Im a fan of the M3D with the N21D dynamic and sweet..

[@bkatbamna]

The V-xMR sounds great but the M3D sounds good too.

[@analoglooney]

Both sound excellent. I thought the m3d had more grunt on the timpani. They got it right from start to finish. Shame they can't be bothered today, especially as vinyl has made such a strong comeback.

[@francescodali224]

I bought the latest Shure M97x, but the sound is disappointing on the high frequencies, it has a too dark sound

[@PeteBilderback]

I much prefer the more livelier sound of the M3D. After three decades of obsessively pursuing flat frequency response, Shure decided their top-of-the-line V15 VxMR needed to sound different from CDs, which, of course, are known for their flat frequency response. The result was the V15 VxMR, which, while sophisticated in many ways and one of the best tracking cartridges ever made, had a greatly shelved-down treble response. Shure called this "musical." To my ears, it sounds dull and muted, and it has no bite. Some might call this musical, but it's not accurate. Their previous V15 cart, the V15 VMR, IMO, was far superior, combining excellent frequency response and stereo separation, low distortion, and fantastic tracking ability.

[@francisstepanek4129]

I think its the way around. Yes the V15-5 mR (V15-500 super)is a musical gem with reduced top ends,very flat no hump. The V15-V-xmr has high extended/hump. What is absolutely stunning to compare of the 1st stereo 1958 M3D design.(7 mil conical or N23D-5mil conical). But imagine listening as often here the original Shure dynatic M2 cart with N22D stylus modified with best FG-S diamond MR tip in 1960 Shure dynatic M-216 phono arm,(VTA 0.75 g). !!! Forget the mega $ MC jobs adding some illusional artifacts to scanned vinyl sound.

[@absoluteaudio0028]

to my ears the M3D is superior more depth balance and tonal embodiment with less groove noise