Hi Jim,
No worries, mate, and I can't say I'm surprised. However, Jico stylus aside, as I've no doubt that moves things forward nicely, did you perceive a lack of treble extension with the NOS Shure stylus? There certainly isn't any here, inherent limitations of MM cartridges in that area aside.
Yup, I'm not surprised about that. A good MC, partnered properly, will ultimately outperform most MM cartridges in key areas of music reproduction. That's why I use my MCs more often than my MMs - *but* it's nice to have a change sometimes, in order to appreciate what good MMs do well.The At95e sounded pleasant enough but was easily beaten by the Acutex but neither where anywhere as good as the Shure/ SAS or I would say the Shure NOS stylus. But the Ortofon Salsa MC as Alan mentioned took everything to another level beyond the Shure/SAS.
You will indeed, mate. As good as the Salsa is, a DL-301 should comfortably outperform itIf this is a glimpse of what is to come when I get the Denon 301 MC set up in the VPI, like you said in your message, I will be in vinyl heaven!
Marco.