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Tracking at higher than recommended force? Some observations...Shure M44-7 vs M44G styli

I have a vintage Shure M55E cartridge. I've purchased two new Shure styli for it. One is the N44-7 and the other is the N44G. According to specifications, the N44-7 should be tracked at 1.5 to 3 grams and the N44G 0.75 to 1.5. Actual play time tells a different story. Using a Sade record that I like to use test for inner groove problems, the N44G is messy at 1.5 grams. Confirming this on the Hifi News Test lp and the N44G buzzes like crazy on all three test bands on side 2. Cranking it up to 2.7 grams, however, and it starts to track well. The N44-7 performs best at stated 3 grams. So what is the story with the N44G? Is this another example of poor QC from Shure or are they marketing this stylus at 1.5 grams just as advertising hype when in reality it likes more force? Even more confusing is the Shure N35X, which I have in my USA SC35C body, which tracks like a beast at stated 3 grams.

The N44G stylus sounds dramatically better than the N44-7. It plays cleaner and it has a smoother, more supple sound. Otherwise I'd just use the N44-7 and be done with it.

What I plan to do:
Use the N44G and ignore the factory specs, crank it up to 2.7 grams and enjoy. Anyone see a problem with this? Worst case scenario is I wear out a $25 stylus/suspension a little sooner than I would tracking at 1.5 grams?


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Topic - Tracking at higher than recommended force? Some observations...Shure M44-7 vs M44G styli - Mr Blue Sky 00:25:22 03/14/16 (4)

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