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RE: Save your money or use it to...

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In Reply to: RE: Save your money or use it to... posted by bjh on June 26, 2012 at 19:18:01

Hi, bjh,
I differ on the cost of MM stylus replacements; you can find replacements for around 60% to 75%. That includes the entire assembly, with a new suspension. And you can get replacement stylus assemblies for most any MM cartridge.

As for MC cartridges, you're right that I didn't give them some credit; if you consider exchanges. But the exchanges are all over the map. Some MC exchanges run about 20% to 30% discount for a new (retip) stylus on a used cartridge. No new suspension. Some exchanges are for upgrades only. Many do not have an exchange program at all. Some do provide a new cartridge and probably the best deal on MC exchanges is with Clearaudio. You get a new cartridge by trading in a used one and they'll give a good price on the trade-in. That's if you want a Clearaudio cartridge. Benz-Micro's pricing policy on the other hand is just irritating.

The high priced MC trade-in game is something I don't play. Or should I say can't afford.

Thanks for pointing out that there are options for MC cartridges. More limiting than for MM cartridges, but options just the same.

Regards,
Tom

Follow Ups:

RE: Save your money or use it to... - cwsiggy 20:50:36 06/28/12 (6)
Can't one just retip any MC cartride with say Peter Lederman? so even a $4000 - $8000 cartridge can simply get the $350 retip every so many years or am I missing something??
- Yes, that is an option... - tketcham 04:29:14 06/29/12 (5)
  Hi, cwsiggy,
  Retipping a MC cartridge is certainly an option, and depending on the condition of the suspension, would provide a like-new cartridge. But I have a hunch that if all the people that could have retipped a MC cartridge did so, Peter's business would be quickly swamped. It shows that retipping MC cartridges is on the fringes and not a common alternative to trade-ins or exchanges. It may be that if retipping cartridges becomes a more common practise that Peter would expand his business or other retipping services would start up. But at this time, the choices are still potentially limiting (how 'bout them weasle words :-) in comparison with MM cartridges. But your point is a good one and certainly an affordable option.
  I've been thinking about what I'll do when my favorite MC reaches the point where it needs a new stylus; retip or trade the cartridge in for a replacement?
  Regards,
  Tom
  
  Edits: 06/29/12 06/29/12
  - RE: Yes, that is an option... - cwsiggy 15:27:24 06/29/12 (4)
    Thanks- seems to me retipping (if done right) allows one to afford that dream cartridge in the long run. I'm wondering if the tip offered by Lederman is not as good as what normally comes with a megabuck MC cartridge... ?
    - RE: Yes, that is an option... - tketcham 06:53:18 06/30/12 (3)
      I don't have any experience with Soundsmith's retipping service but from what I've been reading here on the Vinyl Asylum, he does top notch work. If the cantilever and stylus type allow for a retipping, I wouldn't have any qualms in having a stylus replaced on a cartridge. That's assuming that the suspension and damper are still in good condition. As for the megabuck cartridges, I suppose that if someone requested a special order stylus for a high end cartridge that Peter would be able to accomodate the request. After all, he's now selling megabuck cartridges under the Soundsmith name.
      
      The topic of cantilever suspension longevity has come up now and again but I still don't have a good sense of just how long a suspension can be considered "within spec". For now my (highly subjective) rule of thumb is that a MC cartridge is probably good for one to two retips depending on how often you listen to records (go through a stylus in two to three years) and if the suspension has suffered repeated shocks (nasty warps, dropping the tonearm, etc.). But it'd be interesting to see what someone like Peter Lederman thinks about cartridge suspension longevity.
      
      Regards,
      Tom
      - RE: Yes, that is an option... - Retipper 10:35:58 07/02/12 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yes, that is an option... posted by 32746 on June 30, 2012 at 06:53:18
        
        Various factors apply - I have rebuilt 30year old carts where everything is perfect, and others that have failed in 5....some materials are designed for initial performance, with little respect to long term. others....seemingly forever.....
        
        Peter Ledermann/Soundsmith
        
        RE: Yes, that is an option... - tketcham 15:20:47 07/02/12 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yes, that is an option... posted by Retipper on July 02, 2012 at 10:35:58
        
        Hi, Peter,
        Are there any generalities that can be made? Manufacturer, design, materials? For example, is there a particular design using certain materials that tends to have good longevity and retip success? Any words of wisdom?
        
        Regards,
        Tom
        
        RE: Yes, that is an option... - Jack D II 13:12:01 07/02/12 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yes, that is an option... posted by Retipper on July 02, 2012 at 10:35:58
        
        "using the Project Speed Box II with it. I like it. I find it quick, involving with decent detail. It may not have the best timing,"
        
        I dont understand why, with a speed box, the timing would not be the most improved and be spot on.

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