Shure M97xE

Name: Shure M97xE
Brand: Shure
SKU: 639657829f72479b37739e09
Rating: 3.1 (46 reviews)

Based on 46 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

#110 most mentioned

Reddit · r/turntables

Great value for its price range

Warm sound

Built-in record cleaning brush

Suitable upgrade for those looking to take their vinyl listening to the next level

Not designed for strong high frequency presence

Some users have reported issues with low volume levels or electrical grounding

Not in the same class as some of Shure's vintage cartridges, like the V15 III or IV.

Verdict

The Shure M97xE cartridge has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its warm sound and others finding it overpriced or lacking in high frequency presence. Some users have also reported issues with low volume levels or electrical grounding. However, many users have found it to be a good value for its price range and a suitable upgrade for those looking to take their vinyl listening to the next level. The built-in record cleaning brush is also a unique feature that some users have found helpful. Overall, the Shure M97xE is a cartridge that may appeal to those on a budget who are looking for a high-quality option with some unique features.

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Shure M97XE Review

So again, why do I think this cartridge is overpriced? Well, I purchased mine in late 2016, early 2017, I believe. I paid $87 for it.

Shure M97xE Phono Cartridge

Look, I can understand why some people say this is a very good cartridge.

If it matters, my system is a Hegel H190, Totem Hawks, Parasound zphono phono stage and currently a vintage Lenco TT with Shure M97xe cart

Positive

masamunexc

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

An o.k. cartridge for the price, but there are better choices...

I bought this cartridge (Shure M97xE) several years ago after reading all the raves here on Amazon. (Before that I had a Stanton.) For the price, I suppose it's "o.k." This Shure does produce a nice, full sound that is neither too "boxy" nor too bright. It sounds great for the first half of a 12-inc...

3/5

"Gimpy" Peach Johnson

8 years ago

amazon.com

Fellas who have a detachable stylus turntable ie. Fluances and ATs, how often do you mix and match styli?

Personally, I like the warm sound from the Shure carts, but I also have a Pioneer PL-530 with a Micro-Acoustics MA-2002e and an Acoustic Research XB with a Micro Acoustics MA-282e. The latter two have what they call electret transducer cartridges which work on the same principle as a ceramic cartridge, but is designed to track with as little as 0.75g and a maximum of 1.5g and its probably one of my best sounding cartridges (both also require being connected to an MM preamp).

Neutral

shadowkoishi93

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

EDIT - New cartridge addresses all my complaints, raises QC concerns!

EDIT - 10/19/10 Just received a fresh M97xe from Amazon. Despite my negative experience from earlier, enough people on AudioKarma, VinylEngine, and all the other big sites swore this was the cart to beat under $100, so I gave it another shot. In short - they were all right! My initial cartridge/styl...

r/audiophile Shopping and Setup Help Desk (2020-12-28)

I used a Shure m97xe for a few years and it was nice, but after looking at the prices of compatible stylus replacements, I figure I might as well upgrade the cartridge as well. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!.

Positive

tribecallednick1994

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/audiophile

The Emotion Inspiring M97xE

Shure's M97xE is a love it or don't cartridge. Reasons for loving it or not have already been written aplenty, so I won't dwell on those aspects. The truth seems to be that this cartridge was not designed for strong high frequency presence, and that quality. or the lack of it, seems to be the point ...

Purists will snicker at a changer, but this is a Dual 1219, arguably the best changer ever made, and in single-play mode holds its own with any modern turntable under $1,000. Just got it back from the restorer, who did a fantastic job. It looks, works and sounds great!

I would agree with you on the performance. The Dual idle-wheel drives with their heavy platters, can match or beat the wow & flutter specs of most sub-$1000 turntables. I would bet the tonearm bearings, even a bit worn, probably have better tolerances than many new decks. Great cart choice too - the Shure M97xE is one of my favorites, and I'm still disappointed that Shure exited the cart business.

Positive

zero_volts

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Good, budget cartridge, but "high-performance audiophile" is stretching it a bit.

The only reason I didn't give it 4 stars is that Shure pushes it as a "High-Performance Audiophile" cartridge and in my experience that's a bit of an exaggeration. Yes, it's darned good for the price and the closest thing Shure makes these days to an audiophile cartridge, but to my ears (and on a fr...

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