Just an FYI for those of you still spinning your vinyl, that
Amazon has the Shure M97xE catridges for very cheap right now: $65.68 with free shipping. Comes in a great metal case with protractor, screwdriver, screws, etc. Nice package. I personally prefer the flat response. Though it may not track as well on the inner grooves as the V15 series (or maybe I need to reset it), I think it still sounds better than 90% of the others out there. And for the price, you won't be paranoid to use it. Huge improvement over any sub $100 cart. I like Grados, but knowingly picking out a presorted 'dud' - due to their sorting and grading practice - kind of bugs me.
BTW, when I saw the price I contacted Shure to see if they were discontinuing the product. Here's their reply:
Shure wrote:Hey Shannon-
I'm sorry it took so long for us to get back to you. Your original email was sent to our Press Department.
We are not discontinuing the M97xE. We have not discounted the dealer cost so if you've found it for less then it's the retailers choice to discount them. Rest assure we will be making the M97xE for many years to come.
Take care, Brian Jarvis