Original US model Shure SC35C

[DSJR]

Note to Mr Malenfant - I haven't a clue about the "shape" of the magnetic circuit involved, but there have been comments that the Jico general Shure stylus replacements (not including the more bespoke SAS models) sound livelier than the originals. This could be due to all sorts I suppose, but I suspect the magnets may be more efficient and tubular in section, whereas the Shure originals were "diamond-shaped" in cross-section. This may not make any difference for all I know.

I know there have been negative comments regarding the Mexican made Shures, although the M44-7 (their highest output one I think) must still be selling, as it costs double that of the Stanton and Pickering models (who also do a juicy version of the 500/Red Hot Needle at least).

[WOStantonCS100]

...I can definitely confirm that the vintage US model SC35C is significantly 'louder' than the modern version, as I've just installed the latter (the one Barry gave me, fitted with a modern Shure stylus) in another headshell, and have done the comparison. And not only is it 'louder', it makes the modern version sound like a cheap toy...

...I need to try it with different types of music, to see if it's capable of subtlety and finesse with more challenging genres, but so far with rock, pop and dance music, it is utterly beguiling, and combines sledgehammer bass, which is sphincter-tight, weighty and massively extended, with a mellifluous, highly communicative midrange, and a detailed, 'airy' sounding top-end, that has a wide-open clarity, yet is never fatiguing. Heady and highly entertaining stuff indeed....

.

Hey Marco,

You know, the differences you're describing also sound as if they've modified the number of windings for the coil(s). If the original model has more windings than the new model that would support your findings of hotter output, fuller mids, more bass slam and perhaps slightly rolled off highs. In comparison, I would expect a cart with fewer windings to sound leaner overall in comparison. At least, that's the way it works with guitar pickups where the terms "overwound" or "underwound" are used quite frequently to give a hint as to their sonic signature. Maybe Shure's cost cutting measures include a reduction in the amount of magnet wire used per cartridge ; but, that is pure speculation on my part.

I wonder if Dominic Harper could take a new SC35C and rewind it to original spec???

A few more threads like these, Marco, and you'll be tossed out of the audiophile circle for good.

[Marco]

Lol!

Windings aside, I suspect that the quality of magnets used in the vintage model (perhaps Alnico?) is superior to what's fitted now in the current model.

That, and the quality of the stylus on the vintage model is in an altogether different league, the cumulative result of which is to consign the status of the modern item to that of no more than a mediocre budget cartridge, whereas the original US SC35C is a veritable vintage gem, and could compete with, and in many areas outperform, cartridges made today at many times the price of the £62 that I paid for it!

It's no one-trick pony either. I was up until 3am this morning playing a variety of genres of music, from prog rock to jazz and classical, through to ambient and electronic, and whilst its talents are biased towards beat-driven music and jazz, it is no slouch with classical or choral, due in no small part to the quality of its stylus. It may be an 'old fashioned' conical tip, but it's a refined and high-quality one, which means that this cartridge is capable of subtlety, as well as balls-out 'sonic fireworks', when the music demands.

All in all, the original US model SC35C is a very welcome addition to my cartridge collection, and joins the ranks as another true 'giant-killer', high in SPPV, along with the G800, M3D, etc. Find one if you can, as quite simply, they don't make cartridges like this anymore, this side of £500!

Marco.

[kininigin]

Lol!

Windings aside, I suspect that the quality of magnets used in the vintage model (perhaps Alnico?) is superior to what's fitted now in the current model.

That, and the quality of the stylus on the vintage model is in an altogether different league, the cumulative result of which is to consign the status of the modern item to that of no more than a mediocre budget cartridge, whereas the original US SC35C is a veritable vintage gem, and could compete with, and in many areas outperform, cartridges made today at many times the price of the £62 that I paid for it!

It's no one-trick pony either. I was up until 3am this morning playing a variety of genres of music, from prog rock to jazz and classical, through to ambient and electronic, and whilst its talents are biased towards beat-driven music and jazz, it is no slouch with classical or choral, due in no small part to the quality of its stylus. It may be an 'old fashioned' conical tip, but it's a refined and high-quality one, which means that this cartridge is capable of subtlety, as well as balls-out 'sonic fireworks', when the music demands.

All in all, the original US model SC35C is a very welcome addition to my cartridge collection, and joins the ranks as another true 'giant-killer', high in SPPV, along with the G800, M3D, etc. Find one if you can, as quite simply, they don't make cartridges like this anymore, this side of £500!

Marco.

Yep have to agree with marco hear,it certainly does like beat-driven music,as i mainly listen to funk/afrobeat,electronic,dub,industrial and a touch of jazz,it's perfect for me.

When listening to my nagaoka MP110,i found myself losing interest in the music and not feeling engaged enough to keep my attention.Everything was there with the nag,but the presentation is on a different level with the US SC35C.I now feel like i can hear what the croft phono is capable of,and it is even more special than i previously thought.

I still have the G800 to play around with,just need to get a headshell,weight and a re-tipped stylus but am now thinking,that money could go towards a jico SAS for the SC35C,which may take it up another level.

How does the G800 compare to the SC35C marco?

Im getting the feeling,there's more to come from this cart in my system and now it's time to start thinking about speakers as my 'budget actives' whilst good for the money,maybe holding things back.Which way i want to go,active or croft power,with some 'vintage' speakers,i don't know yet.

[Marco]

How does the G800 compare to the SC35C marco?

Stand by for that comparison early next week! I just want to get to know the vintage SC35C better first

Marco.

[kininigin]

Stand by for that comparison early next week! I just want to get to know the vintage SC35C better first

Marco.

Ok,will do.I hold tight regarding the G800 for the time being,i don't want to spend money where it is potentially not really needed in my case.

[Marco]

Indeed, especially as you've still to buy that arm collar from me

Only kidding! But the poor wee thing is getting very lonely and needs a new home

Marco.

[kininigin]

Indeed, especially as you've still to buy that arm collar from me

Only kidding! But the poor wee thing is getting very lonely and needs a new home

Marco.

Oh yeah,forgot about that.I did say it'll have to wait till the end of the month

How much do you want for it? I might be able to get it sooner.

[Marco]

I'll PM ya, dude!

Marco.

[DSJR]

If you haven't paid Marco for it by month-end, I'll probably have it for the Jelco I hope to get - one day......