Shure M3D - yet another truly great classic cartridge

[Marco]

Well, I've found one!!! But............... It's in shit condition:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shure-Brother-M2...3A1%7C294%3A50

I daren't risk it as it's probably broken. I've even found a headshell to go with it (scroll down and see "Shure Tone Arm Head":

http://www.surplussales.com/Equipment/Audio.html

Pity that wouldn't fit on the Jelco...

Marco.

[Marco]

If anyone fancies bidding on an M3D, here's one on the Bay now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHURE-M3D-STEREO...3A6%7C294%3A50



Marco.

[Beechwoods]

Marco - that one ships to the US only - ya gotta watch out!

[Marco]

Where does it say that, Beechy? All I can see is that shipping to the UK is "not specified" - does that mean categorically that the seller will not ship to the UK?

Oh, and have a look at this:

http://blog.paran.com/blog/detail/po...null&style=Bbs

I've managed to source one identical to the above, but I'm not saying from where

Marco.

[Beechwoods]

Where does it say that, Beechy? All I can see is that shipping to the UK is "not specified" - does that mean categorically that the seller will not ship to the UK?

Marco - just below that line, it says:

Ships to: United States

Normally, you'd see 'Worldwide' instead of 'United States' if it shipped over here.

TBH it'd be worth asking the seller anyway if you were interested... just don't be surprised if they said no...

[Marco]

Ah, missed that bit matey. I'm ok, I've got one - I was just thinking in case anyone else was interested

Incidentally, I've been having a play with my Shure SC35C - here's a pic:

http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=SC35C

Completely ignore the fact that it says it's for DJ and Club use for "scratching and mixing". It may be used in those applications, but trust me, in a high quality T/T and arm, and though a high quality phono stage, this little baby sings like a canary!

It tracks quite happily at 3g (same as the M3D), and like Dave said earlier, is what the BBC used at one point for broadcasting in their radio stations. This is an absolute bargain (they can be picked up new for about £25-30 in the UK!) and gives about 80% of the M3D's performance in a much less expensive, brand new and more user-friendly package.

The SC35C has got a nice 'chunky' bass, but doesn't have the sheer 'balls' and extension in the lower registers of the M3D, nor its cavernous soundstaging and clarity through the midrange, but it's not far off. Musically it is quite similar, being very 'assured' with any recordings you throw at it, detailed and dynamic sounding, and completely un-fatiguing.

It still likes a little more headhshell mass than normal (I found 16g optimal) and a medium to high-mass arm, too, but it's much smaller and lighter than the M3D so isn't as fussy to partner successfully. I'd rate it as every bit as good as a stock DL-103 (and better in some areas), with a similar type of sound, and so therefore an absolute bargain!

If you've got the likes of a Techy with a heavy headshell and a decent MM phono stage, give it a whirl. Honestly, you'll be shocked and stunned at just how good it is for the money

Marco.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Marco,
Please understand this is not meant to be a veiled insult or anything of the sort. However, I'm interested to hear of the things you've bought in the past that you've instantly regretted.

The reason that I ask is that you are always so effusive about your successful purchases. You do have a way of describing your findings very well, & in a way that enables one to understand what improvements you are finding.

However...........your system is in a constant state of flux...............

I, on the other hand, have settled on a combination which a lot of folk wouldn't be greatly interested in, but would be astounded at what it can do if they took the time to listen to it.

There are things I know that I could do to improve things, and admittedly, I have other priorities for cash right now, but .........I'm happy with it. BUT. If, for some reason, I couldn't ever change it, then it wouldn't be a big problem to me.

You've invested a lot of time (not to say cash) in your hi-fi over the years & I'm as interested in the dogs as I am in the gems!!!!!

[Marco]

LOL. No insult taken, Chris

Good question, btw... I'm just about to spin a few more tunes on the Techy then off to bed, so I'll come back to you tomorrow on this

Marco.

[The Grand Wazoo]

No problems, I await with baited breat for your reply.......... Or replies?
Maybe this would be better in a standalone or different thread?

[NRG]

Ah! Good to see you found the document Marco....also did you note the tracking force with the new stylus?