Shure V-15 Type III User manual

anything II could do
III can do better!

V-15 Tgpe 111
and V-15 111-G
The Shure V-15 Type Ill clearly defines the outer limits of the state
of the art in phono cartridge design.
It
is a worthy successor to the world-acclaimed V-15 Type II Im-
proved, and is designed to function in a milieu where rapidly multi-
plying developments in recording techniques and rapid advances in
playback equipment are making ever-increasing demands on the
capabilities of the phono cartridge. The
V-15 Type Ill was developed
to satisfy the "critical ear" of the audiophile of the Seventies.
This booklet was prepared to tell you the complete story of its de-
velopment.
A few minutes spent with it will enhance your enjoyment
of this remarkable new cartridge.

the seven year search
The V-15 Type Ill is the result of seven years of extensive laboratory
development in which revolutionary, computer-produced data were
drawn upon to establish new performance parameters and chart new
directions in design.
Newcore structure. New stylus assembly.
Among the most notable design achievements of the Type
Ill are an
entirely new laminatedmagnetic core structure, and an ingenious new
stylus assembly with a 25% reduction of effective stylus mass.
The net result of our engineers' labors are these:
(1) higher track-
ability than ever at low tracking forces (3h to 1'14 grams); (2) an
astonishingly flat frequency response with no noticeable emphasis or
de-emphasis at any frequency; and
(3) a significantly extended dy-
namic range, beyond even that of our
V-15 Type II Improved. And
all this without loss inoutput level!

Since Shure engineers have long known that isolated improvements
in individual design parameters do not necessarily produce significant
changes in total cartridge performance, all improvements were
brought into perfect equilibrium with each other, so that each per-
formance factor enhanced every other performance factor.
The result of this unique balance is a total audio effect greater than
the sum of its individualperformance characteristics. To science, this
phenomenon is known as a synergistic reaction; ergo, we call the
V-15 Type 111 the Synergistic Cartridge.
Four-channel compatibility
The same performance parameters that apply to conventional stereo
-especially trackability-also apply to four-channel matrix systems.
Because mistracking is one of the most noticeable types of distortion
in four-channel playback, the
V-15 Type Ill, with its outstanding
trackability, is a superb performer in all four-channel matrix systems.
5

the sound
of the V-1 ti Tane TT!
The sound of the Type Ill, paradoxically, is due in no small part to an
absence of a sound of its own. Its sound is so neutral and coloration-
free that your finest recordings can be reproduced precisely as they
were recorded, without emphasis or de-emphasis. In no way does it
interpose itself upon the music. It transmits only the signals it finds
in the record grooves, adding nothing, subtracting nothing. The
resultant sound is neither "sweet," nor "bright," nor "brilliant"
.. .
itis the soundof the recording itself!
A Hearable Difference!
Exhaustive listening tests utilizing a truly eclectic selection of record-
ings and playback equipment have demonstrated conclusively that the
V-15 Type Ill makes a distinct, clearly audible difference in the sound
of modern recordings. In extended listening, the uncolored neutral
timbre and tonality of the Type
Ill results in a remarkable listening
experience in which complex melodic lines from every conceivable
kind of music-from baroque to rock-utilizing a wide variety of
recording techniques are delineated with a startling and hitherto
unheard clarity.
The
V-15 Type Ill re-creates your recordings with clarity and truth.
6

A graphic representation of the audible spectrum, which illustrates
the uniformly flat response you will achieve with your V-15 Type Ill
cartridge. Under the Shure Quality Control Program, every Type ill
cartridge, whether it is purchased now or next year, in Chicago,
London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, must produce a flat response curve
that fits within the extraordinarily narrow limits of the Type Ill re-
sponse "output envelope" (the unshaded area above). The curve
shown was made by a typical Type Ill, mounted in an SME tone arm,
and tracking the STRIOO test record, response corrected for
6
dB/octave recorded characteristic below 500 Hz.
7

The chart at the right shows the unmistakable superiority of the V-15
Type Ill in the single most important measure of overall cartridge
performance: trackability.
In a top quality tone arm, the Type
Ill effortlessly tracks the highest
modulated levels we have found in testing hundreds of difficult-to-
track, modern recordings.
The Type
Ill enables you to use ultra-light tracking forces that will
significantly increase the life of your recordings and stylus tip.
Further, it will enable you to use the most advanced light-tracking
tone arms and precision turntables available, and to use the newer,
even more sophisticated turntables and arms now under development.

Share V-15 Type 111
di))~e)rsio?zal
TOP VIEW
25.4 mrn
p m; IN.)
4 mm (%l IN.)
(.I15 IN.^
t
15.9 rnm
(78 IN.)
i
TlNC CENTERS
10

FRONT VIEW SIDE VIEW
OPTIMUM PLAYING POSITION

MOUNTING
The V-15 Type Ill Dyneti@ Cartridge has 12.7 mm (standard % in.)
mounting centers. Hardware is supplied with each cartridge for
mounting purposes.
1. Remove stylus guard and stylus (see Stylus Replacement).
2. Connect leads to cartridge (see Connections).
3. Lay cartridge inshell and align mounting holes on sides of cartridge
with holes or threads in shell. Follow turntable manufacturer's in-
structions to mount cartridge in tone arm or plug-in shell.
4. Reinsertstylus (see Stylus Replacement).
Insome tone arms and plug-in shells, the cartridge sits so deeply that
the stylus cannot be conveniently replaced. For these applications,
spacers are provided to insure adequate clearance for stylus removal.
Foroptimum vertical tracking angle, the cartridge should be mounted
so the top of the mounting block is parallel to the record playing
surface. (See page
11)
To mount the V-15 Type Ill (mounting hardware supplied) in the
Shure-SME Precision Pickup Arm or other pickup arms, refer to the
paragraphs on Cartridge Installation and Balancing in the Instruction
Manual supplied with the pickup arm.

OPERATION
The recommended stylus forces for optimum results are listed under
"Specifications." Forces greater than the indicated"Maximum"should
not be used.
The
V-15 Type Ill Cartridge should be installed only inarms especially
designed for low tracking forces and having low friction at all bearing
surfaces, such as the Shure SME arm. Although the V-15 Type
Ill car-
tridge will track records at
% gram, itmay be necessary, when used in
certain phono arms, to increase the trackingforce for optimum results.
The
V-15 Type I11 Cartridges play monophonic LP as well as stereo
records.
The
V-15 Type Ill Stylus incorporates a new retractile design that pre-
vents audible record-scratch or stylus damage when excessive force is
applied to the stylus.
NOTE: For playing 78 rpm records the Model VN78E [13 x 63 microns
(.COO5 x .0025 in.) I Biradial (Elliptical) Diamond Stylus is available. The
78 rpm biradial stylus is an industry "first." Itwas developed to
sig-
nificantly reduce pinch effect and tracing distortion.

CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Do not solder terminal leads or terminal jacks to cartridge
terminals. If cartridge shell leads do not have terminal jacks, solder
jacks provided to existing colored wire leads, and slip the jacks over
the cartridge terminals. Soldering should not be done while jacks are
on cartridge terminals.
The Shure
V-15 Type Ill Cartridge utilizes a 4-terminal arrangement
for connections having a separate ground terminal for each channel.
(See illustration).
For Stereo reproduction terminal
"R" and its ground terminal "RC"
represent the right channel (outside groove wall). Terminal "L" and
its ground terminal "LC" represent the left channel (inside groove
wall).
4-Lead Stereo Connection: To use a 4-lead arrangement, connect the
"hot" lead of the right channel to terminal
"R" and the shield or
ground lead of the right channel to terminal
"RG." Connect the
"hot" lead of the left channel to terminal
"L" and the shield or
ground lead of the left channel to "LC." To prevent "ground loops"
and hum, no common ground connection should be used at the
cartridge terminals. In many tone arms, the wiring is color coded to
match the color coded rings on the cartridge terminal pins.

LEFT CHANP
TERMINAL
(WHITE RING)
LEFT
-
CHANNEL
GROUND
TERMINAL
(BLUERING)
.
RIGHT CFIANNEL
GROUND TERMINAL
(GREEN RING)
3-Lead Stereo Connection: When a 3-lead stereo input system is used,
the common lead should he connected to both of the ground ter-
minals at the cartridge. This connection should be made before con-
necting the regular terminal jacks to the cartridge. No other common
ground connection should exist.
NOTE: Some installations may require the cartridge shield to be elec-
trically isolated from the"RG" terminal. This can be achieved by
removal of the ground tab. The tab may be straightened and rein-
serted to provide an independent cartridge shield ground, if required.

MONOPHONIC CONNECTION
Set function switch on amplifier to "Mono" or "A" f "B."
FREE STYLUS BOOKLET
For more information about Shure styli, send for the authoritative
booklet "Small World of the Stylus." Ask for booklet AL
402. See
Back Cover for address.
SPECIAL NOTE
To maintain the original performance standards of your cartridge, be
certain that any replacement stylus you buy bears the following cer-
tification on the package: "This Stereo Dynetic@stylus is precision
manufactured by Shure Brothers Inc." AVOID INFERIOR IMITA-
TIONS. THEY WILL SERIOUSLY DEGRADE THE PERFORMANCE OF
YOUR CARTRIDGE. ALL GENUINE "DYNETIC@" STYLI ARE MANU-
FACTURED BY SHURE BROTHERS INC. LOOK FOR THE NAME SHURE
ON THE STYLUS GRIP.
The stylus assembly, when installed in the cartridge, is practically
immune to damage during careful, normal usage. Extra care should
be taken to avoid bending or distorting the stylus assembly when it
is installed, removed, and/or cleaned.
16

STYLUS
REPLACEMENT
Stylus replacement is very sim-
ple and fast. To replace-grasp
stylus grip between thumb
and forefinger. Gently with-
draw stylus by pulling forkard
out of cartridge. Grasp grip
of replacement stylus between
thumb and forefinger and in-
sert into stylus socket. Press
stylus into socket until the
molded housing of the stylus
touches the cartridge case. To
prevent damage to the stylus
tip or shank, care must be
taken not to allow the finger
to slip off the stylus grip.
NOTE:
Stylus guard is shown in "up"
position for clarity; guard
should be in "down" position
when replacing stylus.
17

RECOMMENDED STYLUS CLEANING: Use the supplied brush, dipped
inalcohol or an alcohol-distilled water solution. Commercial clean-
ing solutions may cause stylus damage or corrosion. The alcohol will
remove any sludge deposit coating the stylus tip. Always brush stylus
from back to front; never brush or wipe stylus from front to back or
side to side.
TO PRESERVE STYLUS LIFE:
1. Follow turntable or tonearm instructions when adjusting antiskating
force in the suspension system of the tonearm.
2. Do not handle the tonearm while it is inoperation since this may
cause the arm to sweep across the record.
3. If it is necessary to manually place the tonearm in the record
groove while turntable is rotating, release it as the stylus engages
the record groove.
4. Correct improper set-down adjustment or malfunction of the turn-
table changing mechanism to prevent the stylus from striking the
edge of the turntable or record. Do not stack more records than
turntable manufacturer recommends.
5. Take care to properly insert the stylus into the cartridge assembly
and the cartridge and shell assembly into the tone arm receptacle.
6. Use proper vertical tracking force setting for each cartridge.
7. Do not use badly warped, cracked or imperfect records.
8. When dusting the turntable protect the stylus with the stylus guard.

V-15 Type 111 and V15 111-G
Typical Trackability (cmlsec peak recorded velocity at 1 gram in
Shure-SME Tone Arm). Reference: Shure TTR
103 Laboratory Test
Record.
400 Hz-26 cmlsec 5000 Hz-35 cmlsec
1000 Hz-38 cmlsec
10,000 Hz-26 cmlsec
Frequency Response (usingOptimum Load): 10 to 25,000 Hz
Output Voltage: 3.5 mV per channel at 1000 Hz, 5 cm/sec peak re-
corded velocity. Output from each channel within
2 dB
Channel Separation: Minimum
25 dB at 1000 Hz
Minimum 15 dB at 10,000 Hz
Tracking Force Range: '14 to 1'14 grams
Optimum Load:
47,000 ohms resistance in parallel with
400 to 500
picofarads total capacitance per channel. Load resist-
ance can be up to
70,OM) ohms with almost noaudible
change in frequency response. Total capacitance in-
cludes both the tone arm wiring and amplifier input
circuit. (Most amplifiers and tone arms meet this
requirement.)
Inductance:
500 millihenries

Specifications
D.C. Resistance: 1350ohms
OutputTerminals:
4 terminals
V-15 Type
Ill Styli
Available: VN35E Biradial (Elliptical) Stylus, (as supplied
in V-15 Tvoe
Ill Cartridge). DiamondTio
18 micro;; (.KO7 inch)'irdnta~radius
'
5 microns (.KO2 inch) side contact radii
25 microns (.001 inch) between record
contact points
VN3-G SphericalStylus (as supplied inV-15
Ill-G Cartridge), Diamond Tip
15 microns
(.0006 inch) radius
VN78E Biradial (Elliptical) Stylus, Diamond Tip
for monophonic 78 rpm records
Tracking Force Range: 1% to 3 grams
63 microns (.0025 inch) frontal radius
13 microns (.0005 inch) side contact radii
89 microns (.0035 inch) between record
contact points
Mounting: 12.7 mm (standard
'11 in.) mounting centers
Net Weight:
6 grams