SHURE V15 TYPE IV

Second-hand. Comes with original packaging and manual.

The Shure V15 represents a milestone in the history of audio engineering, the result of years of research and development aimed at pushing the boundaries of music reproduction. Designed with the ambition to offer unmatched sonic transparency and technical consistency, this moving magnet cartridge not only redefined the standards of its category but also won over the most demanding listeners thanks to its instinctive musicality and extraordinary adaptability to any musical genre. Even in today’s landscape dominated by moving coil cartridges, the V15 continues to stand out for its ease of pairing with low-mass tonearms and a performance that still challenges many of its more expensive rivals.

The design of this cartridge reflects an almost obsessive attention to detail: the cantilever is made of beryllium, chosen for its exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, while the stylus, with its low-contact profile, ensures precise and delicate tracking—ideal for preserving the integrity of rare or valuable records. Output level is moderate but sufficient to drive even tube phono stages with ease, minimizing the need for extra cables and amplification. Among the most notable innovations is the Dynamic Stabilizer, a protective feature equipped with a carbon fiber brush that cleans the groove and reduces static charges. More importantly, it helps dampen sub-20 Hz resonances in systems with less mechanical control, resulting in more stable playback even under challenging conditions.

User experience is further enhanced by how easy it is to install and align: the stylus can be removed with a simple motion, simplifying body alignment and minimizing risks during setup. Once in operation, the cartridge reveals its character immediately: the sound is warm, with a slight emphasis in the lower mids that adds body to the music without compromising overall balance. Bass is deep, fast, and controlled—capable of literally shaking the room when paired with the right speakers. This is a cartridge that can deliver the full weight and physicality of rock or reggae, while also revealing the subtle nuances of complex jazz or vocal recordings. The dynamic impact is striking, especially in fast transients, while the soundstage opens up in a stable and three-dimensional way, coming impressively close to the refinement typically associated with MC designs.

The Shure V15 proves how excellent an MM cartridge can still be when engineered with care and passion. In an age dominated by more complex and expensive solutions, this cartridge remains a sensible choice for those seeking a balance between performance, compatibility, and cost—without sacrificing an engaging and vibrant sound. It’s a piece of audio gear that not only sounds great but encourages deeper listening, rediscovery of music, and the joy of every single vinyl record.

Technical Specifications:

• Channel balance: within 2 dB
• Channel separation (minimum): 25 dB at 1,000 Hz; 15 dB at 10,000 Hz
• Inductance: 500 millihenries
• DC resistance: 1380 ohms
• Frequency response: 10 to 25,000 Hz
• Typical trackability (in SME tonearm at 1 g tip tracking force, cm/sec peak recorded velocity): 400 Hz: 29 cm/sec; 1,000 Hz: 42 cm/sec; 5,000 Hz: 47 cm/sec; 10,000 Hz: 37 cm/sec
• Force exerted by Dynamic Stabilizer: 0.5 grams
• Output terminals: 4
• Mounting: 12.7 mm (standard 1/2 inch)
• Output voltage (at 1,000 Hz, 5 cm/sec peak recorded velocity): 4.0 mV per channel
• Net weight: 6.4 grams