Cartridge retipping - Opinions needed

[NickG]

I made a depressing discovery yesterday, CD sounds better than vinyl here. The last time this happened here was when my cartridge was at the end of its life, and looking back I see my current cartridge (Kontapunct A) is now 15 months old, which given the amount of use its had, points to it being worn out.

So that gives me two options (well three, but I am not going to stop using records, so thats one out). Either get a new cartridge, or get this one retipped.

What experences have people had with re-tipping services, and who have you used, and generally what do you think?

[Ianm2]

never done it but consensus favours expert stylus co.

alt. search google in german for new ortofons at stunning prices, if you can't find em, give me a few days and I will point you.

[Uncle Ants]

Originally Posted by NickG

I made a depressing discovery yesterday, CD sounds better than vinyl here. The last time this happened here was when my cartridge was at the end of its life, and looking back I see my current cartridge (Kontapunct A) is now 15 months old, which given the amount of use its had, points to it being worn out.

Blimey. You've worn out a stylus in 15 months? How much do you play it?

[Paul Barker]

The diamond they put on my dvxx1L fell off within a year. I won't use them again.

[NealG]

Nick, prices are very good from phonophono.de if you want to buy new.

Just taken delivery of a Rondo Bronze for £415.

Not sure how much a re-tip would be, probably less than that and Expert Stylus are meant to be very good.

[NickG]

Blimey. You've worn out a stylus in 15 months? How much do you play it?

Maybe 3-4 hours a day, just about every day, so the hours clock up :-(

[Ianm2]

Neal, How does the rondo compare with, was it the kontra B you had?

Paul, I have had one accident with a DV cartridge, and another one I sold the diamond fell off 2 weeks later, there wasn't much use on it, and the buyer understandably wasnt pleased, I have also heard on other fora about DV fragility, so sadly nice cartridges but I won't touch them at all now.

Nick, the denon 304 is very underrated indeed and a mega bargain at around £200, I don't think you can beat ortofons tho' something about them.

[NealG]

Hi Ian,

Still early days (more running in needed) and the Rondo is on the Lenco/RB250OL and not the Gyro Orbe/SME309, however, I'm almost tempted to say it's as good as the KB but will hold back judgment for a little longer and will perhaps try it on the Gyro when I staart building Lenco plinths!

I think DP has reviewed one in this months mag, not sure, haven't seen it yet. To my ears the Rondo is very neutral, smooth and detailed. Not Lean and clinical sounding as the old Supremes, very much like a KB infact!

[Uncle Ants]

Originally Posted by Ianm2

Nick, the denon 304 is very underrated indeed and a mega bargain at around £200, I don't think you can beat ortofons tho' something about them.

I have to say if I was racking up 1000 hours a year I'd be tempted to "slum" it with something like a Denon. Expensive game otherwise.

[NickG]

Yes, but what are you saving it for? Life wears out eventually as well, want to get to the end and have some stylus life left?