"Serge Auckland" wrote


The OP doesn't appear to be too anal about his records - 'lots of albums
that have all been through many parties, lots of hands and much mauling
in the dark'?? - so I would be inclined to say grab a cheap replacement,
if that's all that's available and just get 'em spinning!



I bought a generic replacement for my V15III from Mantra about 18 months
ago, and it was pretty awful. They took it back against a Shure original
and gave me a full refund which I thought was very decent of them.


Yes, my dealings with Mantra (Avril) have always been most pleasant.


I then bought another Shure original just to keep as a spare as they're
not making any more and I still have it, unused.


I also have a bunch of unused NOS Shure needles but not for the V15,
unfortunately!



The generic replacement wouldn't track more than the +12 band on the HFN
test record, and the treble was harsh to say the least. The Shure original
MR stylus was so obviously better.


Naturally.


If you're going to replace a stylus on an old classic cartridge like the
Ortofon, it makes sense to me to pay the extra and get an original
replacement if possible. If all that's available is generic, then it's a
moot point as to whether it's better to have a generic replacement or a
complete new cartridge like the AT95E for about the same price, or go for
an upgrade to something like a Goldring 1000 series.


Test discs notwithstanding, I still feel the generics can be useful but I
take your point - a good new, cheap one will probably outperform a less than
perfect old one!
I have a firm belief that what you get *used to* perhaps in your early days
is what is probably going to sound *right* - me, despite a number of MC
carts here and the much-lauded V15/5, I still find the modest M75ED2 always
enjoyable on most types of music..!!