2023 Golden Ear: Shure V15 Type VxMR Phono Cartridge with JICO SAS/B Replacement Stylus Assembly

Price varies; Stylus assembly: $282

It will no doubt seem curious to award a Golden Ear to a product discontinued a quarter century ago. But used samples of this classic moving magnet are easily acquired at reasonable prices on the second-hand market; now, thanks to the Japanese firm Jico, you can have in effect a brand-new pickup, owing to Jico’s SAS/B replacement stylus. All things considered, I know of no other phono pickup, mc or mm, that offers quite the combination of features and beautiful sound in the way that tonal neutrality typically guarantees, yet that is also transparent, engaging, and involving and that still tracks better than any other in my experience. There’s also the cachet of having an important piece of audio history that is far from irrelevant or left at the post in today’s world. I’m glad I have one, and I wouldn’t trade or get rid of it for the world. (334)