JICO JV15 TYPE III – The Legend Returns

Some turntables are just equipment. Others are myths. The **SHURE V15 TYPE III** clearly belongs to the latter. For many audiophiles, it’s a legend: precise, detail-focused, musical, and robust enough to satisfy even the most demanding vinyl enthusiasts. Now it’s back – with **JICO’s meticulous reproduction**, faithfully reconstructed based on the original design.

How It All Started

The idea to revive the V15 TYPE III didn’t happen overnight. When JICO worked on the M44 and M50 reissues, the goal was to build the technical knowledge necessary for an authentic reproduction. The M44 was primarily a rugged DJ and all-purpose system, whereas the V15 TYPE III plays in a completely different league: lightweight stylus, high compliance, precise generator – an absolute high-end class for home and studio use.

JICO began by measuring original SHURE V15-III units, analyzing the generator structure, inspecting coil and magnet positioning, and reconstructing the cantilever and suspension. The aim was to match mechanical and electrical parameters as precisely as possible to bring the legendary sound back to life.

The development process was long and meticulous: years of measurements, prototypes, listening tests, and fine adjustments. Every parameter was examined – from cantilever suspension to magnet strength and diamond geometry. The philosophy was clear: “no compromise on precision or sonic accuracy”.

Technical Details

The JICO JV15 TYPE III is a classic **Moving-Magnet (MM) system**, but far from ordinary:

• Generator & Coils:
  • Inductance: 500 mH
  • Internal resistance: 1,350 Ω
  • Output voltage: 3.5 mV at 1 kHz / 5 cm/s
• Electrical Matching:
  • Recommended load: 47 kΩ / 400–500 pF
  • Reason: The system’s high-frequency resonance sits exactly where it supports the cantilever’s mechanical response. Too little capacitance → sharp highs; too much → dull sound.
• Mechanics & Compliance:
  • Dynamic compliance: 22 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
  • Recommended tracking force: 1.0 g
  • Ideal for light to medium tonearms, maximum tracking ability, minimal groove stress
• Stylus:
  • Finely polished elliptical diamond, 0.2 × 0.7 mil
  • Extra-deep groove contact, minimal distortion, especially in inner grooves
  • Mechanically balanced for low friction and precise channel separation
• Channel Performance:
  • Channel separation: 25 dB at 1 kHz, 15 dB at 10 kHz
  • Channel balance: ≤ 1 dB at 1 kHz
  • Frequency response: 10 Hz – 25 kHz ±1 dB (reference 20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Sound Characteristics (SHURE V15 TYPE III)

Anyone who has heard an original SHURE V15 TYPE III knows what to expect:

• Clean, precise transients without distortion
• Clear separation of voices and instruments, without harshness
• Linear and open highs, never harsh
• Stable and natural depth and soundstage

The combination of high compliance, lightweight stylus, and matched electrical load allows the system to read even the finest grooves accurately – without annoying peaks or exaggerated treble.

For the listener, this means: a system you really need to “tune properly to unleash its full potential”. Ignore the load capacitance, and the difference is immediately audible. Get it right, and you hear a tonal clarity that even modern high-end MM cartridges rarely achieve in this price range.

Test Series – Your Direct Link to the Legend

And here’s the highlight: for the European launch, we’re offering an test series.

Anyone who wants to try the JICO JV15 TYPE III for themselves can have a unit sent directly to their home. Listen, compare, evaluate – exactly how a true vinyl nerd would do it. Interested? Just send me an email: ch@mrstylus.com

This way, you get the chance to experience a genuine new “classic” on your own setup.