Shure discontinuing V15xMR
I saw this on AA:
The V15VxMR may be discontinued in early 2005. If it is, the reason
is simple: the worldwide demand for phono cartridges declines every
year. The demand is now so small that specialized suppliers to
Shure no longer want to produce the parts for the V15VxMR. We are
searching for new suppliers but the processes required are very
arcane, thus making it difficult to find new suppliers. Once a final
decision has been made, we will post it on our web site. As of
today, we can only say: maybe."
"If the V15xMR is discontinued, we expect to have replacement styli
for the V15VxMR until late 2006, but that date may change if buying
patterns do not follow past trends. If you want to purchase a
replacement stylus now, seal it in an air-tight jar to keep ozone
away from the stylus bushing."
"The M97xE sells in greater number than the V15VxMR and our suppliers
currently seem happy to continue selling parts. But that too could
change in the future as the phono cartridge market continues to
shrink."
Now this seems odd to me since it at least appears that Turntables sales are up(perhaps they have nowhere to go but up) but Project and Rega seem to have several new models out these days etc. Perhaps Shure is losing business to other cartridge makers.
For instance it appears to me that a lot of STOCK turntables soled come with Goldring or Ortofon - I don;t know of any using a stock Shure cart. Perhaps Shure could lower their price get more sales and then suppliers would have reason to supply them. Hmm.