gelfand@valid.UUCP (Brooks Galfand) (03/07/86)
Approximately two years ago, I purchased a Shure V15 Type V cartridge.
After a month of looking and listening, I was convinced that it was the
best cartridge I had heard. I installed the cartridge, a simple task
with the gauge and tools provided by Shure, sat back and enjoyed the
music. I did notice, however, that on some records I got a "preview"
play - although the stylus was in the leadin groove, I could hear faintly
the first few seconds of the program. I attributed this to those
particular records. This was an error on my part.
A few months ago, while experimenting with the stabilizer on the
cartridge, I noticed that the "preview" went away when the stabilizer
(a small brush attached to the stylus assembly) was locked in the up
position. It was apparent that the "preview" was caused by the brush bristles
of the stabilizer being modulated by the record grooves. I locked the
stabilizer in the up position and continued to use my cartridge.
Two weeks ago, I came across the customer service number for Shure Brothers
in an advertisement (800) 257-4873. When I called the number, an
answering machine asked me to leave my name and number; I did.
An hour and a half later I received a call form Ed Luckner of Shure's
Customer Service Department. I explained the problem to Mr. Luckner;
he offered to test my cartridge if I would return it to Shure, a
process that would take approximately one month. I was reluctant
to be without my cartridge for that period of time. Ed agreed;
said he would see if if he could send me a new stabilizer and would
call me back on Monday. When he called back, Ed told me that the
stabilizer was an integral part of the stylus assembly and not user
changable. He said he was going to send me a complete new stylus
assembly and asked me to return the old one to Shure for examination.
The new stylus arrived last night - a VN 5 MR the latest version
of the stylus assembly. I installed it and the problem is cured.
I mailed the old stylus back this morning; down time for my system - ZERO.
The point of this story. Shure did not have to replace the stylus
assembly. By the time I correctly diagnosed the problem, the guarantee
had long expired. They did not have to send me a replacement.
It is a pleasure to deal with a firm that takes pride in their products
and stands behind them. I knew that I had purchased an outstanding
product; the customer service that goes with it is equally outstanding.
I can recommend the product and the company - absolutely and without
reservation.
DISCLAIMER: I have no connection with Shure Brothers Incorporated
other than being a very satisified end user of one of
their products.
Brooks Gelfand