View Full Version : Jico SAS discontinued
http://www.jico-stylus.com/announcement_sas.php
Bad news, hopefully they'll come up with something of similar price, quality & availability in the near future... I have a couple cartridge bodies that just lost all their value to me :) I didn't pay anything for them, but I kept them around to eventually try the SAS with one of them, but I guess I missed that train for the time being at least...
The Black Adder
17-02-2016, 15:00
That's a real shame... wonder why? They were always good IMO.
Let's hope they come up with something even better.
Glad I managed to get one of the last ones. Looking on the net across all audio forums there are a great number of people now using the SAS stylus. Maybe their manufacturing method could not keep up with demand?
The Black Adder
17-02-2016, 15:09
Indeed... an SAS stylus transformed my V15 III... great stuff.
They said it has something to do with obtaining the materials?... no idea what materials but I'm sure a major factor would be down to cost.
Wow, this is bad. There's so many old carts out there where the SAS was the only alternative left.
Just ordered one from the States.
Just ordered one from the States.
Well done Kevin - you won't be disappointed. In fact I think even you did not like it, which I doubt, it will have quite a good resale value!:)
!
My only concern is that I have not been able to test my M55EM body yet, but as they are soon to be "rare" I thought I had better get one while they were still available.
It's likely to be joined by a Grado "gold" stylus and an AT95SA stylus in the next few months for my other bodies.
My only concern is that I have not been able to test my M55EM body yet, but as they are soon to be "rare" I thought I had better get one while they were still available.
It's likely to be joined by a Grado "gold" stylus and an AT95SA stylus in the next few months for my other bodies.
If your M55e does not work you could always try an M44 -I think they are fairly similar. I have an M44-7 spare if you want to try.
Thanks James.
I have the OEM stylus coming for it courtesy of Marco, so should find out soon.
If your M55e does not work you could always try an M44 -I think they are fairly similar. I have an M44-7 spare if you want to try.
It's the M44E and M44G bodies that have the same output. They're still fairly easy to get on Ebay.
http://cdn.shure.com/user_guide/upload/971/us_pro_m55e_ug.pdf
I was about to buy one as well... lol,,ah well it will save me money and tbh the original one is rather good. might be better looking for a heavy shell
It's the M44E and M44G bodies that have the same output. They're still fairly easy to get on Ebay.
http://cdn.shure.com/user_guide/upload/971/us_pro_m55e_ug.pdf
Thanks Dave, yes the 44-7 is high output.
It has shipped. :)
Good Job!
Very sad day; I suppose the next generation will be more expensive. I wonder what parts are so difficult to get.
Vinyl's still getting more popular again and interest in vintage has never gone away. I'm sure Jico will come back with something else.
There was one of the Shure designers (70's and 80's models) who was talking on one of the US forums of starting small scale production of some of the 'classic' Shure styli, as he knew the body characteristics and also the correct internal suspension damping for each classic model range - so the stylus resonances complemented the body characteristic - this area is what was dramatically improved in the later models I believe compared to the old M44/55 series (same body, different needles - I don't think older ones were good enough to call them styli, but you lot may think differently :))
Was half-thinking of a sas for the M55E, but LP Gear have just boosted the price from $139 to $199 on their website. Not sure if they're cashing in on their existing stock, or posting the price for the next generation one. Either way, not going to bother now.
It's $225.99 now.
I am glad I bought one when I did!
They have all gone up in price, so I think they are cashing in on the stock they have.
Nothing like a bit of profiteering eh
Im alas a bit suspicious of these things suddenly becoming unobtainium... Just when they are becoming popular. Lol...im an old cynic though
Im alas a bit suspicious of these things suddenly becoming unobtainium... Just when they are becoming popular. Lol...im an old cynic though
Yeah and 2 weeks after I buy my 97Xe with the intention of fitting a Jico to it [emoji15]
It seemed most sudden and I don't think it was any kind of marketing move from Jico since they stopped taking new orders for SAS styli as soon as they made the announcement, only fullfilling existing orders. It's the few internet retailers with some stock that are cashing in. I just hope whatever the problem Jico is having they'll be able to sort it out and provide a worthy replacement without a price hike. SAS was the only availble high quality stylus option for many vintage cartridges.
Jico still makes spherically and elliptically styli. They are really good too.
I must have ordered one of the last Me55's off their website. My smugness has been dampened somewhat by an import charge of £34.12 :doh:.
Nevermind - I'm really loving this cartridge as it is and can't wait to hear what the SAS stylus brings to the party. I'm in no hurry to try out any other cartridges - maybe in the future but for now my money is going into the music fund ;)
I just saw this thread, whilst listening to my Shure M75 with a Jico SAS needle, which is lovely. I have some loyalty credit at turntableneedles.com so immediately went there to buy a new one...
I bought this one [JICO 760-DSAS] from them last July, for $153.95
The current price is listed as being $299.95, an increase of about 95%
I didn't buy a new one.
On the plus side, when this stylus finally craps out, I will be able to do the whole "what stylus should I buy...?" thread all over again, which I know everyone here loves.
;)
New Jico SAS stylus coming out next month according to this banner which is on rotation on the Jico homepage:
http://www.jico-stylus.com/images/sas-preopen_770_230.jpg
Good timing, as I want one for my Technics EPC-205.
The banner is still there, but no detail is available.
Looks like new Jico SAS are now either Ruby or Sapphire cantilever rather than Boron.
https://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=https://shop.jico.co.jp/news/006.php&prev=search
On the Jico page - http://www.jico-stylus.com/sas.php
Sapphire cantilever confirmed.
any idea of new prices yet?
Anybody seen any feedback on these yet?
I missed out getting a Jico SAS for my EPC 205, and was wondering how the new one compared.
And technically speaking, will a sapphire cantilever be better than a boron cantilever?
Will it sound any different?
$211 purchased directly
They can shove it at that price lol.
topoxforddoc
28-07-2016, 17:59
They can shove it at that price lol.
Grant,
LOL. A new stylus for a high end MM like the Shure V15VMR or Technics EPC205 was more than that before they got discontinued. USD211 is a very reasonable price for a top class stylus.
Here's a Shibata replacement from Mantra for a V15VMR and that's £182.50 - not even original.
https://shop.mantra-audio.co.uk/acatalog/Shure-VN15VMR-Shibata-Stylus-Ref-T6420SHIBA-MA1397.html
My at95 jico shibata was about 100£ plus all the imports etc.. probably 125 in total. Thats my limit on a stylus ... now, probably too much; anyways i like the original one.
I see that Nico have just released the SAS/R styles for certain cartridges.
A snip at just over $400.
I see that Nico have just released the SAS/R styles for certain cartridges.
A snip at just over $400.
Any idea what is the difference between these and the "neo SAS" that are about $210?
Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
Sapphire Vs Ruby cantilevers..
Since sapphire and ruby are basically the same stuff, I'd say by far the biggest difference is the ruby version has a tapered cantilever instead of a straight rod. It might even be the only significant difference.
Blimey that's a big price increase.
Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
Has anybody tried a new "Neo SAS" yet?
I seem to have just ordered a neo SAS/S stylus for my EPC-205. :doh:
:lol:
:cool:
I seem to have just ordered a neo SAS/S stylus for my EPC-205. :doh:
:lol:
:cool:
Should be a very interesting experience coming your way then Kevin?
Nice one, let us know how it sounds.
narabdela
08-09-2017, 21:48
Nice one, let us know how it sounds.
Yes please! The EPC-205 is a classic imo.
That is why I have (finally) ordered a Jico SAS.
It will be interesting to compare it to the EPC-205 with it's boron pipe etc.
That is why I have (finally) ordered a Jico SAS.
It will be interesting to compare it to the EPC-205 with it's boron pipe etc.
Mines boron and I was shocked at how thin this stylus is and how small it looks in the cartridge!:eek:
Mines boron and I was shocked at how thin this stylus is and how small it looks in the cartridge!:eek:
got a jico sas for the m55 and the cantilever is almost invisible. stylus seems to run very close to record too
Mines boron and I was shocked at how thin this stylus is and how small it looks in the cartridge!:eek:
The original Technics is a special "vapour deposited boron pipe".
The Jico neo SAS/S is sapphire.
I am just wondering which will be better. The Technics is an elliptical profile, and is quite old, but still sounds great.
The original Technics is a special "vapour deposited boron pipe".
The Jico neo SAS/S is sapphire.
I am just wondering which will be better. The Technics is an elliptical profile, and is quite old, but still sounds great.
I have a feeling they will sound completely different.
got a jico sas for the m55 and the cantilever is almost invisible. stylus seems to run very close to record too
Thats the same as mine Grant. I think the micro ridge stylus is actually better than my 2M Black line contact stylus, certainly the cantilever is.
The micro ridge is also quieter than the line contact profile.
Wakefield Turntables
09-09-2017, 10:35
Has anybody tried a new "Neo SAS" yet?
Yes I have one fitted to my m55e and its amazing for the cost.
Thats the same as mine Grant. I think the micro ridge stylus is actually better than my 2M Black line contact stylus, certainly the cantilever is.
The micro ridge is also quieter than the line contact profile.
Thought I had damaged mine at first tbh as I had an accident. never noticed how close it was before and thought i'd screwed the cantilever. Not actually played anything since but did a dry run to check it was lining up etc.
Think I might go over to digi full time soon(safer:doh:)
Thought I had damaged mine at first tbh as I had an accident. never noticed how close it was before and thought i'd screwed the cantilever. Not actually played anything since but did a dry run to check it was lining up etc.
Think I might go over to digi full time soon(safer:doh:)
I find my eyesight not as good as it was and in that respect a dig system would be useful. As you say messing around with tiny stylus and cartridge leads etc can be tricky.
I find my eyesight not as good as it was and in that respect a dig system would be useful. As you say messing around with tiny stylus and cartridge leads etc can be tricky.
Aye , I fell into the deck and a tray of carts etc too. Needs redoing tbh. Im getting too unstable at times to risk it and you just never know when its gonna happen now. sad as I have a lot of nice records.
I have a couple of SAS styli and while I can't fault the quality of the cantilever and tip, I do wonder if JICO consider anything of the original design, other than fit.
The last JICO I purchased was a replacement for the original stylus on my Technics P202 P-mount. This came with the SL-7 turntable and used a boron cantilever and super elliptical nude tip. The JICO SAS seemed a good choice - boron and upgraded micro line stylus.
However it differs from the original is several key areas.
The cantilever is longer, meaning the tracking point on the fixed SL-7 is now wrong.
VTA/SRA look quite different.
The compliance is much lower on the JICO - giving audible mistracking at the default 1.25g.
I strongly suspect that these styli are in fact simply standard high quality parts shoehorned into different plastic holders depending on cartridge brand/model, though some will be IM/MM in design.
The Technics can be made to work but you need to add mass, bringing the VTF up to 1.8g.
I'm not knocking JICO, but we should be aware that when we change from the original stylus on our classic cartridges, we effectively get a different cartridge in many respects.
Rob
I have a couple of SAS styli and while I can't fault the quality of the cantilever and tip, I do wonder if JICO consider anything of the original design, other than fit.
The last JICO I purchased was a replacement for the original stylus on my Technics P202 P-mount. This came with the SL-7 turntable and used a boron cantilever and super elliptical nude tip. The JICO SAS seemed a good choice - boron and upgraded micro line stylus.
However it differs from the original is several key areas.
The cantilever is longer, meaning the tracking point on the fixed SL-7 is now wrong.
VTA/SRA look quite different.
The compliance is much lower on the JICO - giving audible mistracking at the default 1.25g.
I strongly suspect that these styli are in fact simply standard high quality parts shoehorned into different plastic holders depending on cartridge brand/model, though some will be IM/MM in design.
The Technics can be made to work but you need to add mass, bringing the VTF up to 1.8g.
I'm not knocking JICO, but we should be aware that when we change from the original stylus on our classic cartridges, we effectively get a different cartridge in many respects.
Rob
You are absolutely correct Rob. The Jico SAS is totally different form the standard elliptical stylus and as you say overhang, VTF and VTA all differ. They are certainly not a plug and play replacement and change the character of the cartridge beyond recognition in my book.
I totally agree.
The question is what will sound better. I am sure the suspension in my EPC-205 is on it's last legs.
Anyway, we will find out soon, apparently there is a 1 to 2 week delay in shipping at the moment.
Apparently it will ship on Friday.
Add about another week for shipping - if it does not get intercepted by customs.
The parcel is marked as being delivered.
It looks like I have avoided customs charges, even though it was presented to them.
Happy days....
The parcel is marked as being delivered.
It looks like I have avoided customs charges, even though it was presented to them.
Happy days....Customs bill might arrive later, I've had that before [emoji6]
It should not, as the customs documentation they could have used was still intact on the Parcel.
Normally, you have to pay before you get the goods here in France. They are quite efficient, as you receive an e-mail.
My package spent less than two hours in customs.
Anyway, the neo SAS is plugged in, and currently on duty. It sounds more HiFi at the moment, but it probably needs time to break in.
I once got a fed ex parcel that the customs bill was paid by them and I was billed later. Dunno if this was usual but I thought it a nice touch.
It should not, as the customs documentation they could have used was still intact on the Parcel.
Normally, you have to pay before you get the goods here in France. They are quite efficient, as you receive an e-mail.
My package spent less than two hours in customs.
Anyway, the neo SAS is plugged in, and currently on duty. It sounds more HiFi at the moment, but it probably needs time to break in.Ah, forgot you were in France, last one I received in the UK the bill arrived a couple of days later and then a reminder when I 'forgot' to pay it lol
Anyway, I am quite liking the EPC-U205 with the neo SAS fitted, probably more than my Shure M55 and Jico SAS combo.
I am starting to wonder why I ever went down the MC route.... :lol:
Customs bill might arrive later, I've had that before [emoji6]
You are correct!
€66 - robbing bar stewards.
You are correct!Bugger that's a pity [emoji17]
66 Euros bloody hell that's a kick in the stanes for sure, I got hit for £18 on £50 purchase a little while back [emoji17]
20% vat of about €40, god knows where the other €26 comes from.
Just as well it sounds good!
Import duty, VAT on purchase, handling charge and VAT on the handling charge. It all adds up! :doh:
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