[D_S_J_R]

I need verification here, but as I understand it the V15's from III to original V and VMR (styli with larger section rear shanks) had laminated pole pieces in the body and a naturally flat response (to 10k in the IV and V and 20k on the III) when optimally loaded (a can of worms this need for extra capacitance). It appears the V15 VXMR, VST-V and M97X models (smaller cross section shanks) may have returned to the solid pole-piece in the coils and this makes for an hf suck-out which older models balanced with a corresponding peak. The 97XE has a gentle drop-off from 1kHz to -5db at 20khz which you hear as extra body and weight, rather than dullness as you do in a corresponding modern Grado Prestige Gold for example in my experience. Adding capacitance lifts the 10k level to flat, after which it rolls off to -5db again at 20k judging by reviews. Thing is, all the bodies look the same in basic visuals.