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Shure V15 Type III Phono Cartridge

Shure V15 Type III Phono Cartridge

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Elevate your vinyl listening experience with the Shure V15 Type III Phono Cartridge, a classic choice for DJs and audiophiles alike. Known for its precise tracking ability, this phono cartridge offers superior sound quality that captures every detail of your favorite records. Whether you're spinning at a club or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the V15 Type III delivers a well-balanced audio output that is both clear and full of depth.

Designed with an elliptical stylus, this cartridge ensures accurate reproduction of high frequencies, making it a top choice for those who appreciate the nuances of analog sound. Its low tracking force reduces wear on your vinyl, preserving your records for years to come. The Shure V15 Type III is engineered for compatibility with a wide range of turntables, making it a versatile addition to any DJ setup or home audio system.

Key Features:

Precise tracking ability for superior sound quality
Elliptical stylus for accurate high-frequency reproduction
Low tracking force to minimize vinyl wear
Compatible with a wide range of turntables
Well-balanced audio output with clear and deep sound

Perfect for both professional DJs and home listeners, the Shure V15 Type III Phono Cartridge is a timeless piece of gear that continues to impress with its exceptional performance and durability.

Videos

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Larry's Vintage Audio & Vinyl

Comparison between Shure V15 II Shure V15 III

Larry's Vintage Audio & Vinyl

Shure V15 Type III with original "Super Track Plus" stylus working video

AlexOEuro

Pickering XV 15 1200E vs Shure V15 Type III

Vinyl Translators

Shure V15 III - Super-Track Plus (VN35E) - Look and Listen - Vintage Cartridge/Tonabnehmer

Look and Listen - The Vintage Cartridge Session

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure V15 Type III Phono Cartridge.

Setup and maintenance

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The factory specification for total input capacitance is 400-500pF, but modern phono inputs usually provide around 150pF, requiring additional capacitance for optimal sound.
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Continuity issues can often be traced to dirty or loose cartridge leads or RCA cables, with a multimeter used to test continuity from cartridge wires to RCA jacks.
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Cleaning contacts between the headshell and tonearm with DeoxIT D5 or a pencil eraser is recommended to address channel dropout issues.
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Replacing RCA cables is a common fix for channel loss, with internal breaks near the outlet clamp being a frequent failure point on Technics turntables.
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Tracking force issues often stem from improper tonearm balancing; a stylus force gauge is recommended for accurate settings.
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Adjusting tonearm height or changing slipmat thickness can help resolve cartridge height issues, especially on Technics SL-D2 turntables.
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An Azimuth block is recommended for precise adjustments of Azimuth and Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA), crucial for minimizing distortion.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend the Jico VN35HE stylus as a superior option, but note it requires proper capacitance to avoid harshness.
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Adding input capacitance can be done using an RCA splitter and capacitors soldered across the terminals, or with plug-in kits for easier installation.
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Features and functionality

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The Pfanstiehl VN35E stylus is praised for closely matching the original Shure V15 Type III sound profile despite its lower cost.
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User experience

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The JICO SAS stylus is considered a worthwhile upgrade for enhancing performance of the Shure V15 Type III.
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Pfanstiehl stylus quality control is noted to have improved, resulting in more consistent performance.
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Owners report that channel dropout on the Shure V15 Type III can often be resolved by swapping the left and right channel connections to diagnose if the issue is with the cartridge or cabling.
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Owners emphasize that even slight record warps can affect playback if the cartridge height is too low, potentially causing contact issues.
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Other

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The Shure V15 Type III, despite channel issues, is still valued for its historical significance and can fetch a good price even with defects.
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Comparisons

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The Nagaoka MP-110 is suggested as a modern alternative, offering a great sound though different from the original V15III experience.
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Critic Reviews

Shure V15-III phono cartridge | Stereophile.com

stereophile.com

The Shure V15 Type III Phono Cartridge impresses with its superb trackability and extended high-frequency response, outperforming its predecessors and competitors like the Decca Mark V and Ortofon M-15 Super. While it offers a realistic sound with minimal coloration, there is a slight steeliness at the high end and a vague heaviness. The stereo separation stands out, although imaging specifics and textural transparency slightly lag behind the competition. Overall, it is a top choice for audiophiles seeking a high-trackability pickup, despite some minor imperfections.

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