Shure V15 RS and the lesser known types

[fxsuperglide]

I'm sure many who read this are familiar with the most common Shure V15 type II, III, IV and V cartridges(and stylus upgrade options for the III thru V), and of course, the VxMR (which some say was similar to the RS version). The ones that I wanted to mention were the "lesser known" variations or versions that had the V15 name. Anybody here have any experience with any of those listed below?
. Examples include the following:
- THE original V15 (produced for 2 years only, now sought after for it's rarity)
- V15-LT (Linear Track P mount version of the IV - HE stylus, no brush),
- V15 V-P (P mount version of the V - HE stylus, no brush),
- V15-RS, V15-ProS, Ultra Group VST-III (lower cost version of the type V - similar to the M97 but with the stylus/cantilever design of the original type V).
- VST-III-P (P mount version of the VST-III - no brush)
---and who could forget the Ultra series?
- VST-V (essentially a type V body but with an even higher compliance MR stylus)
- and finally, the Ultra 500 (arguably the best V15 of all, highest spec of all).
- The Ultra 300 and 400 were a totally different design, similar to the short-lived ML120HE and ML140HE, and though they never actually had the V15 name, I will include them since they were part of the Ultra Group.
- ALSO, I found a listing for a V15 HR-P (it's a P-mount, but I never was able to find any specs on it - it appears similar to the later generation M series P-mounts without the brush).
Again, please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions (if you have any)....

[dasacco]

I have a VST-V that I bought in the late 80's ($180.00 - still have the box with price tag) and I'm still very happily using it.

The original stylus model VNSE5MR sounds better than the current VN5MR that I had to switch to because of the VNSE5MR being discontinued.

I was able to take advantage of Shure's great trade-in policy several times over the years so my last VNSE5MR is still in very nice shape. I have 2 VN5MR's that I swap out for more casual listening.

All in all very pleased, after using Micro-Acoustics, Denon's (moving coil) and Audio-Technica's over the years, this one was "just right"!

[Stax Fan]

Interesting. I had no idea there were that many variants.

Hopefully, Shure will see fit to develop something of like quality to replace the VxMR...

[fxsuperglide]

Though I started this thread, I never did post which aforementioned cartridges I had tried out myself. I myself did have the V15 RS and identical V15 ProS (as I mentioned, these have a warmer sound more similar to the M97, i.e. less bright top end, but have the same type stylus/cantilever as the first version of the V15 V). In fact, I gave my last V15-RS with spare VNSE3HE stylus to a friend, and installed it on a Linn Basik turntable w/ Thorens TP21 arm setup that I put together for him. I also have a VST-V and did have an Ultra 500, but unfortunately, I only had the VN5MR stylus (type V-MR stylus) to try out, so the cartridge's full potential wasn't revealed. From what the specifications say, the VNSE5MR stylus (VST-V) was better, and the Ultra500S stylus (Ultra 500) trackability/response was even better yet. It's a shame that Shure quit making the VST-V and Ultra 500 (not to mention making their replacement styli in such limited quantities that they became unavailable soon afterwards).

[Gary]

Here is a chart from Shure re: discontinued stylus'....

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Products/us_pro_discontinued_stylus

[thinker10]

Also the V15 III and IV were available with a 0.6 mil spherical stylus (V15-III-G and V15-IV-G).

Stylus : VN3-G and VN4-G

Same VTF

Thanks