cartridge disaster

[KennyK]

Had an accident the other night with my Roksan Shiraz :



I'm looking to get a cheap stopgap replacement. I was considering Goldring Eroica, as it's a good match for the phonostage but I've been offered a used (c. 100hrs) Goldring Excel VX for not much more than the cost of a new Eroica. does anyone have any experience of the Excel? I could do with a spare cart anyway as I'm now without vinyl replay.

My main concern is, now that I've inspected the Shiraz (and pulled off a flying lead from one of the surface mount caps ) that it's dated 11/98 (at least I think thats what 1198 means, as there's a number 250 on the top, which, presumably is the serial no) which makes it just over 7 years old. I've had it since may 99 anyway.
Is it worth getting it rebuilt by Expert Stylus or the cartridge man? currently roksan will give me £250 as an exchange against a new one which normally costs £1250, so net cost is £1k.

I'm not sure which way to go, part of me fancies a change to something different (better? ) anyway and I'm considering saving up for a Lyra Helikon or , should my numbers come up, a Titan

I also pulled a cartridge tag off the arm wiring, so Audioorigami has offered to re-attatch for free as I think it's beyond my soldering capabilities. he offers cardas 33 ga or silver rewires, but I don't know if that would be a good thing to do or not.

[Ianm2]

I could let you have my hardly used ortofon mc15, boxed for £100 if you wish? It sounds clear and fast, I like goldring too, but I don't think they are quite as transparent, softer sounding.

[Shane]

How about this? I love mine!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DENON-DL-304-M...QQcmdZViewItem

[petercom]

I've used an Excel for many years - lovely warm sounding, musical cartridge IMO

[KennyK]

meant to follow this up. have now taken possession of the Excel VX. in the meantime I bent the cantilever back to more or less its original position and re-soldered the wire on. it works after a fashion...