RARE! Tested Excellent SHURE AMPEX Cartridge w/Original Needle Stylus M3D M7D M8D

This rare item is a genuine SHURE AMPEX cartridge in excellent working condition, with an original stylus. The cartridge is in decent condition, showing various small defects and wear to the plastic. It is probably circa 1960. The diamond  has been carefully inspected under high magnification, determined to be in excellent condition with little to no wear. The expectation is that it is in perfect working order.  The cartridge has been mounted, properly aligned, and tested with computer analysis.  It tested out very well and sounds great.

Rare! One of the rarest Shure cartridges. I could not find any information online, either by researching Shure or Ampex on enthusiast sites and forums. It was apparently the product of a joint project between Shure and Ampex Corporations. It may be a custom version of the M8D. I can't say for sure.  The needle looks like an original type with the stamped cantilever and soldered stress wire.  It was tested with stereo test records at 33⅓ rpm, and it tracked very nicely at 3gm.  Curiously, it also did very well on some old scratched up 78s.  Overall, it compares favorably to my M3D in clarity and channel separation.

Check out the photos to see what is included.  Buyer will receive exactly the cartridge & needle as shown in the pics.  It is possibly that I can help out with mounting hardware, but please ask before buying if this is a deal breaker.

Although the price may seem way too high, please consider the rarity and make any offer if you are seriously interested. 

Message me with any questions or comments.  Combined shipping is OK. No returns please.

This item will be shipped well packed in recycled materials.