The N97XE is a replacement needle for the M97xE cartridge. It is advisable to replace stylus needle every 800 to 1000 hours of play. Given that one plays three albums a day, exchange should take place every twelve months. Four albums a day means every eight months. About M97xE Cartridge: The M97xE cartridge is a superb smooth-sounding phonograph cartridge designed to provide long hours of undistorted listening, without fatiguing the ear. It's highly precise tracking ability and flat frequency response are made possible by Shure's unique Type II low-mass thin-wall aluminum alloy stylus cantilever, combined with a precision-crafted, finely polished, elliptical diamond tip. This cartridge is able to accurately reproduce very difficult musical passages, particularly in the high-frequency range, where audio modulations are the smallest and most concentrated, and stylus tip movement is consequently the most rapid. Features: ? Dynamic Stabilizer: Shure exclusive viscous-damped Dynamic Stabilizer maintains a uniform distance between the cartridge record under difficult playing conditions, even those caused by warped records or mismatched tonearm mass. When such stabilization is not required, the stabilizer brush can be locked up into its detent position, which, under ideal playing conditions, can provide even better sound quality. ? Side-Guard Stylus Protection System: The innovative protection system helps to limit stylus damage if the cartridge accidentally slides across a record. This unique feature responds to side thrusts on the stylus by momentarily forcing the stylus cantilever and tip upward so that the cantilever does not bend sideways. ? Die Cast Aluminum Mounting Block: Ensures secure, vibration-free attachment to the tonearm. Shure N97XE Stylus: ? Dimensions: 2,54cm x 2,54cm x 2,54cm (equals1 x 1 x 1 inches) ? Weight: 23g (equals 0.8 ounces).