N97HE JICO stylus replacement for Shure M97HE cartridge

Just received my JICO N97HE from LP Tunes. I plan to use it for both my Shure
M97HE and M97HE-AH cartridges. Upon first listen the JICO tracked perfectly
@ 1.25g, brush up position. Highs were crisp and clear but never shrill. Midrange is full but with a warm quality, like the original Shure. Lows are tight
and very satisfying. Separation and imaging are outstanding. This is not a JICO
SAS, but I'm pretty happy with my purchase, and it's not even broken in yet.
Thanks again LP Tunes.

Comparing the N97HE JICO to an old SHURE N97E stylus proved that the JICO stylus needs break-in time. On a glide tone from 200Hz-20Hz the output fell from a -10dB at 200Hz to -17dB at 20Hz while the SHURE output -10db at 200Hz to -14dB at 20Hz.. Both JICO and SHURE were within a few dB of each other from 15kHz to about 250Hz where the JICO was rolling off to almost -10dB at 30Hz relative to "0" dB at 1kHz. The SHURE remained relatively flat to 50Hz then ended at -2dB at 30Hz. This was just a quick test on a test record that had test tones at various levels recorded on it with a reference tone at 1 kHz.

Easy swap, exact replica, I had forgotten how good the sound was, playing a lot of records now.

I have the Me97HE Shure cartridge, which I absolutely love. This seemed like a good option for the money based on reviews. It seemed like one of the Swedish “era IV” units for a lower price point, as well as a lower priced jico SAS model. After putting about 9 hours on the stylus, I can confirm that I honestly prefer this stylus to a nos v15 Shure stylus that I have. I know how crazy that might sound & if you are like me, you’ve likely never had an aftermarket stylus sound good, let alone better than an original stylus. I’m telling you with confidence that it truly is that good. The bass response is more controlled, but it resonates just like the original does & the top end is just as rolled off as the original. Not too bright… it’s perfect. It’s truly just perfect.

Great stylus which lets the highs come through and at the same time gives you that warm sound. Perfect output which does not blur the music like a higher output stylus would. Great detail and stereo separation. Honestly, I like it better than the SAS stylus. Enjoy it, it’s that good.

It’s a Jico . You won’t be disappointed.

I was glad to find a replacement stylus for this cartridge. It arrived quickly and so far seems to track very well.

This is the second JICO replacement stylus I've purchased. Five years ago I bought one and it served me well. The new stylus was easy to replace and fit perfectly. I let the stylus break in with around 10-15 hours of use before evaluating. The stylus sounds just like it's predecessor - it sounds like a Shure stylus.

LP Tunes made it easy to order the stylus. They packed the stylus securely ensuring it arrived undamaged. A perfect transaction.