SHure M55e vs M44-7

[Jimbo]

Any thoughts on the difference in sound and presentation between these two classic Shure cartridges.

Shure M55e and M44-7.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Rabbit Warren time with the m44-7 JICO have gone into this one big style. More options that a custom rolls Royce :eek:

[Jimbo]

M44-7 has a BIG sound and a high output so a bit overload into the Croft. The M55e is just about compatible and also has a BIG sound, glorious old school analogue. Not hyper detailed or forensic, more a broad sweep but bouncy and full. Gives you a true analogue vinyl experience and nice to hear something similar to 1970s vinyl playback!

[Wakefield Turntables]

Have you already bought one? Might give one a go.

[Jimbo]

I have an M44-7 which is now on its way to another AOS member for evaluation. It was too much in my set up but OK via the Lenco and Pioneer receiver system. Classic analogue.

[Barry]

I have heard both cartridges, but not in the same system.

If there are differences it will be largely due to the stylus profile: one has a large conical stylus, the other an elliptical stylus.

My first Shure cartridge was the M55E; bought because SME advertised their arm fitted with one. As I had just bought an SME arm, it seemed appropriate to partner it with the M55E.

[Jimbo]

I have heard both cartridges, but not in the same system.

If there are differences it will be largely due to the stylus profile: one has a large conical stylus, the other an elliptical stylus.

My first Shure cartridge was the M55E; bought because SME advertised their arm fitted with one. As I had just bought an SME arm, it seemed appropriate to partner it with the M55E.

I wonder what SME fit as standard now!?

[Wakefield Turntables]

For me, it has to be cartridge output, this is the most important variable, stylus profile is also very important but I feel these old Shure carts are better defined by listening to how they sound via their mV output. Things start getting silly >6mV.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I wonder what SME fit as standard now!?

Something to match their equally expensive component parts, Koetsu are several grand?

[Jimbo]

M44-7 has 9.5mV output!:eek:

[Wakefield Turntables]

This may explain why it was too much. Capacitance loading can also be a good friend here.

[Jimbo]

My OE M55e stylus made its way up to a friends recently who tried it in his M55e and I think it is fair to say he was more than impressed.

[Wakefield Turntables]

That's good news. It's a special cart, I just wish JICO would start producing SAS stylii again.

[Jimbo]

That's good news. It's a special cart, I just wish JICO would start producing SAS stylii again.

Yes indeed. They are doing this now though...

https://www.jico-stylus.com/cartridge-number/m55e/

could be very tasty. I have the clothed version.:)

[spendorman]

About a year ago I bought a Fons International Mk 1 turntable with an Acos Lustre arm fitted with an ADC magnesium headshell/ Shure M44-7. Also included was another headshell with a Stanton 500 (78 RPM stylus). I think it was a bargain at £100.

I have tested it and all is good, but I need to make a plinth for it.

[struth]

good tt