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Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,141 ratings

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Phono Cartridge
  • High-performance phono cartridge with finely polished elliptical diamond tip
  • Accurately reproduces difficult musical passages, particularly in high-frequency range
  • Viscous-damped dynamic stabilizer maintains uniform distance between cartridge and record
  • Side-Guard system prevents stylus damage if cartridge accidentally slides across LP
  • Die-cast-aluminum mounting block; includes mounting hardware and cleaning brush

Product information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]

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Shure

Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge


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Product guides and documents

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

M97xE Audiophile Phono Cartridge

Overview

The M97xE is a superb smooth-sounding phonograph cartridge designed to provide long hours of undistorted listening, without fatiguing the ear. Its highly precise tracking ability and flat frequency response are made possible by Shure's unique Type II low-mass thin-wall aluminum alloy stylus cantilever, combined with a precision-crafted, finely polished, elliptical diamond tip.

This cartridge is able to accurately reproduce very difficult musical passages, particularly in the high-frequency range, where audio modulations are the smallest and most concentrated, and stylus tip movement is consequently the most rapid.

Features

  • Stylus Mass: Very Low
  • Diamond Stylus Tip: Elliptical
  • Sound Accuracy: Very High
  • Record Wear: Very Low
  • Key Features: Dynamic Stabilizer Brush

Dynamic Stabilizer

The Shure exclusive viscous-damped Dynamic Stabilizer maintains a uniform distance between the cartridge and the record under difficult playing conditions, even those caused by warped records or mismatched tonearm mass. When such stabilization is not required, the stabilizer brush can be locked up into its detent position, which, under ideal playing conditions, can provide even better sound quality.

Side-Guard Stylus Protection System

The innovative protection system helps to limit stylus damage if the cartridge accidentally slides across a record. This unique feature responds to side thrusts on the stylus by momentarily forcing the stylus cantilever and tip upward so that the cantilever does not bend sideways.

Die Cast Aluminum Mounting Block

Ensures secure, vibration-free attachment to the tonearm.

Included Accessories

Headshell screwdriver, Stylus cleaning brush, Mounting hardware, Stylus guard.

Already own a Shure M97xE Audiophile Phono Cartridge? Need a Replacement Stylus?

Check out the N97xE Replacement Stylus for M97xE here.

Phono Cartridges

Clear, Accurate Sound Reproduction.

The way music was meant to be. A complete line of phonograph cartridges for vinyl record listening, sampling and archiving. Each lightweight, user-replaceable cartridge features high trackability, warm, natural sound reproduction and low record wear.


Currently Selected Model/Type M97xE
Audiophile
M92E
Value
M78S
78 RPM Application Accurate Sound Reproduction
Sampling and Archiving Home Audio Listening Wide Groove Record
Listening and Sampling Stylus Mass Very Low Low Low Diamond Stylus Tip Elliptical Biradial Wide Spherical Sound Accuracy Very High Very Good Good Record Wear Very Low Low Low Key Features Dynamic Stabilizer Brush

Record Needlz

Dependable Performance for Demanding DJs.

An extensive range of DJ Needlz for scratching, mixing and spinning in any performance situation. Each versatile needle features the unique sound characteristics developed by Shure for low record wear, high skip resistance, and reliable record cueing.

Model/Type WHLB
Turntablist
M44-7
Turntablist
M44G
Club/Party
M35X
House/Techno
SC35C
Standard Application Mix/Spin Scratch Scratch/Mix/Spin Mix/Spin Scratch/Mix/Spin Skip Resistance High Ultra High Very High High Very High Output High Ultra High Very High High High Record Wear Very Low Ultra Low Ultra Low Very Low Low Sound Emphasis Spherical
Solid Drop Bass with Flat Mids and Accented Highs Big Bass Detailed Highs and Lows Extreme Clarity and Deep Drop Bass Clarity throughout the Frequency Range


From the brand

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
1,141 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the sound quality, quality and value of the cartridge. For example, they mention it sounds like a musical recording, is of very high quality and is suitable for a budget-minded consumer. Customers are also impresseded with the performance, saying it works optimally and plays everything well. They mention it's easy to install.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

392 customers mention344 positive48 negative

Customers like the sound quality of the phonograph cartridge. They say it has a warm, pleasant sound, with clear highs, ample mids, and rich bass. They also say it sounds like a musical recording, and is not too bright or muddy. Customers also say the cartridge has s a relaxed quality that makes listening to LP's enjoyable, and the vocals are crisp without getting distorted. They mention that it has far less surface noise, which allows for lengthy periods of listening without driving them nuts.

"...neutral-warm sounding sonics contribute to a very high degree of pleasurable music listening enjoyment over harsher and sharp or brightly sounding..." Read more

"...beat up record with unbelievable clarity, precision, timing, a deep soundstage that makes the listener feel as though he/she is "really there," and..." Read more

"...so there's no need for me to try to convince you that this cartridge sounds good. My opinion: it sounds great!..." Read more

"...In this table, the distortion issues were much reduced as the cartridge installed nicely (though I still had unacceptable levels of sibilance)...." Read more

284 customers mention234 positive50 negative

Customers like the quality of the phonograph cartridge. They say it's a very high quality product with special features. Customers also say it sounds great and has lots of drive. They mention that it comes in a nicely finished aluminum case and is highly recommended. Overall, customers are satisfied with the performance and recommend it to others.

"...However, the Shure is a much more excellent and accurate tracker and will allow you to listen to music for a much more longer period without getting..." Read more

"...be expected to play that beat up record with unbelievable clarity, precision, timing, a deep soundstage that makes the listener feel as though he/..." Read more

"...The cartridge itself is extremely nice. Shure has a great reputation for awesome "audiophile quality" cartridges...." Read more

"...that has a built in pre-amp, and have been enjoying some amazing studio quality vinyl every day since...." Read more

192 customers mention172 positive20 negative

Customers like the value of the cartridge. They say it's a solid 5 for the money, suitable for a budget-minded consumer, and does an adequate job for very little money. Some say it’s one of the greatest bargains in audiophile history, providing great sound for the best price possible.

"...is so surprisingly great in the audiophile sense and for it's "good deal" price range !..." Read more

"This is a reasonably inexpensive cartridge of very high quality with special features, including its built-in record cleaning brush which improves..." Read more

"...and can echo all the glowing reviews here - this cartridge is a fantastic value, the least expensive option its class, and it's sonically superior..." Read more

"I recently put together a new sound system. My goal: great sound for the best price possible...." Read more

113 customers mention102 positive11 negative

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the cartridge. They mention that it works well, it plays everything well, and it excels. Some say that the brush thing seems to work well, while others say that it just sounds dull. Overall, most are happy with the quality and performance of this product.

"...that unlike other namebrand cartridges , the Shure plays beautifully straight out of the box and does not require drastic long hours of a "breaking..." Read more

"...even ran it on my Shure Audio Obstacle Course Era III lp and it scored extremely well--tracked all but the very harshest level 5 tracks...." Read more

"...It also does remarkably well with sibilants and inner groove tracking...." Read more

"...This cartridge works best on a turntable that allows adjustment of Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA), also known as Stylus Rake Angle (SRA)...." Read more

75 customers mention61 positive14 negative

Customers find the installation of the cartridge to be easy. They mention that the directions are easy to follow, and the replacement procedure is as easy as assembling Lego pieces. They also appreciate the installation kit and the alignment protractor. Overall, customers are satisfied with the ease of installation and the sound quality of the product.

"...the Shure plays beautifully straight out of the box and does not require drastic long hours of a "breaking in" sound period..." Read more

"...This is my first real cartridge installation, and it was honestly extremely simple!..." Read more

"...this table, the distortion issues were much reduced as the cartridge installed nicely (though I still had unacceptable levels of sibilance)...." Read more

"...With the Thorens very accurate and easy to use overhang gauge, I installed the cartridge and adjusted the stylus and anti-skating settings...." Read more

70 customers mention70 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the clarity of the product. They mention that it has crisp highs, clear mids, and rich bass. They also appreciate the subtle mandolin accents that shone through with crystal clarity. The EQ levels out beautifully, while still leaving all the wide, detailed sound. Customers also say that the high-output design produces unbelievable clarity.

"...the following statements, "Wow, that's how music should sound like;crisp, clean, smooth and natural...." Read more

"...cartridge will be expected to play that beat up record with unbelievable clarity, precision, timing, a deep soundstage that makes the listener feel..." Read more

"...Clear highs, ample mids and rich bass is what I now hear in my vinyl collection...." Read more

"...Highs are extended and smooth without being harsh. The bass & mids are superbly presented, too...." Read more

60 customers mention56 positive4 negative

Customers are satisfied with the tracking of the product. For example, they mention it's an excellent, decent, and accurate tracker. They appreciate the hydraulic brush, which improves the tracking. They also say it does a good job at tracking high frequencies and warped records. They like that it glides through some pop and rock.

"...However, the Shure is a much more excellent and accurate tracker and will allow you to listen to music for a much more longer period without getting..." Read more

"...Very nice overall sound quality, and it's a superb tracker...." Read more

"...including its built-in record cleaning brush which improves tracking of the stylus in the groove...." Read more

"...For what it's worth, it also glides through some (but not all) pop and scratches that are in some of my older pressings without picking them up...." Read more

44 customers mention42 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the dust collection of the product. They mention that the dampened cleaning brush is a plus, it allows them to sweep away any dust that their cleaning equipment may pick up. They also like the carbon fiber brush that sweeps the LP clean and does a good job of cleaning the track before the stylus comes. The integrated dust brush on the cart works well, catching a bit of dust and grit. Overall, customers are satisfied with the performance and quality of the brush.

"...following statements, "Wow, that's how music should sound like;crisp, clean, smooth and natural. Not like the harsh and flat digital sound of cd's...." Read more

"...It comes with a dust brush which will clean your vinyl while it plays!..." Read more

"...I have noticed that this record brush does appear to be catching a bit of dust and grit, even on records I had cleaned to the best of my..." Read more

"...the overall sound of the cart is punchy and alive. Highs are nice, clean and well defined...." Read more

A Shure bet, for an old turntable...
5 Stars
A Shure bet, for an old turntable...
I recently had my 43 year old Dual 1219 turntable completely reurbished by Bill Neumann, at FixMyDual.com in Iowa.He works on Dual TTs only - no others. After speaking with him on the phone, I knew I had found the right guy!I have an excellent collection of vinyl, from the mid-80s, and before, and have been wanting to listen to them again, with all new audio gear. I'm happy to report that this great, idler wheel drive, turntable is performing wonderfully, and better than new, in every way possible.I had a Grado Prestige, Green already, and tried it for a few playings. I was looking for another cartridge to compare it with -- and saw the Shure here on Amazon. I remember a Shure from years ago, but forget the model. I installed it in the extra headshell I had also purchased from Mr. Neumann, and began comparing it to the Grado. Other reviewers here have done an excellent job in their reviews, so I will simply state my agreement with them as to the lovely, un-colored and neutral quality of the M97xE, and the pure musicality with which it faithfully reproduces the vinyls I have played. I should mention that the majority of my collection, is a large number from the mid 1980s, being mostly Imported, Direct to Disk, half-speed masters, Nautilus and others. In those days , I would play a vinyl one time, making a high quality cassette recording, then return the record to it's cover and never play it again --- until now! I can tell you most of these albums are in pristine condition - a sheer joy to listen to!I like the Shure over the Grado in the bass response, especially after a selection from a Japanese Import, of the Chariots of Fire, soundtrack, by Vangellis. No question, the Shure is better in that regard, and portrays mid-range and highs equally smoothly and cleanly.I find my self keeping the M97xE on the tone arm now, and not doing much more in the way of comparisons -- it's that good. Both are very nice cartridges, to be sure -- I just, for now, am leaning more in favor of the Shure, for pure musical enjoyment from these great vinyl recordings.My listening ranges from Willie Nelson, the Beach Boys, Heart, The Who, Crosby Stills and Nash (Young,too), Elton John - ""The Yellow Brick Road" (I think one of the greatest Rock albums ever), to The Berlin Philharmonic, Brahms, Beethoven, Rachmaniov, George Gershwin - George Benson, Mannheim Steamroller, The Police, . . . ande so on !!For the money, I agree with the other reviewers here -- the Shure M97xE is hard to beat! A "Shure bet" as we like to say, here in Nevada.(I have included a photo of the 1219 under "Customer Images)RL Hood
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2005
style: Phono CartridgeVerified Purchase
172 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2012
style: Phono CartridgeVerified Purchase
8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Luca Borsari
5.0 out of 5 stars Notevole
Reviewed in Italy on July 8, 2020
style: Phono CartridgeVerified Purchase
Francisco J.
5.0 out of 5 stars Lastima que hayan dejado de fabricarse
Reviewed in Spain on September 19, 2019
style: Replacement NeedleVerified Purchase
Jamshid Dalal
5.0 out of 5 stars Great product
Reviewed in India on November 18, 2019
style: Replacement NeedleVerified Purchase
luca m.
5.0 out of 5 stars perfetta !!
Reviewed in Italy on April 8, 2017
style: Replacement NeedleVerified Purchase
One person found this helpful
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桃太郎
5.0 out of 5 stars 安心して注文を致しました
Reviewed in Japan on August 5, 2018
style: Replacement NeedleVerified Purchase