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I damanged my Shelter cartridge, next steps?....

Hi Folks:
Well, I managed to damage my Shelter 501 mkII by, well, bumping into it. So, to cut a long story short, the stylus is leaning to one side horizontally, and is pointing more steeply vertically (wider angle between end of stylus and body of cartridge). Finally, the stylus appeas to be more 'springy' and is not as rigid.

So, question is, can I salvage it? Should I try to orient it correctly, or can it be 'reseated'. The stylus does not appear to be bent or broken - just out of correct orientation, and a little loose. Anyway, I'd value advice on whether this can be fixed, and who I might bring it to for such a fix. The cartridge is about 2.2 years old and has about 250 hours on it.

Looking forward to hearing any recommendations on next steps. IF I have to replace the cartridge, I'd also welcome input on replacements. I've a teres 255 with OL Silver Arm. Preamp is Supratek Syrah.

Thanks!!!
John.
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rauliruegas
13,048 posts
 
Dear John: You can't salvage it.
From a positive point of view this give to you the great opportunity to improve the quality sound reproduction from your very nice audio system: if you like the Shelther sound you can go for the best, the 90X model it will shine in your system.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
Been there and done that. I spent a lot of time being angry at myself and my advice is just fugitaboutit and move on. Cartridge selection is very personal and audiophiles are oh so opinionated. If you like detail, and especially considering how the Syrah performs with such a cartridge, I support Raul's suggestion. For my money though I would buy a Sumiko Celebration. It's doubtful that many of the folks here have heard this wonderful performer at it's price point because it's just not auditioned enough with it's lack of snob appeal. What I love about it is while it still has the details I enjoy it has a wonderful seamlessly smooth presentation and works well with every genre of music. It would work wonderfully with your arm and phono stage.
jphii
485 posts
 
Patrick's got a point. I finally had a chance to hear the Sumiko, and was frankly quite surprised. While I didn't get to listen to it on my system, which is pretty similar to yours John, I think it would be a very good match. But, that's my opinion, and you have to remember that I'm the guy who prefers the 103r over the 501, FOR THE MONEY.

Another cartridge that I've heard good things about, but not heard is the Yamamoto



I'm think about buying one, if I can get it in time too take to a shootout against some very high-dollar cartridges.

I like bang for the buck. So when I did pretty much the same thing you did, I tried to fix mine and failed miserably. I like to do some DIY, but I found a cartridge is not DIYable. While I'd love to be able to spend a shitload on a cartridge, it ain't gonna happen. So I put on another 103r, and started looking around for the best sub $1000 cartridge out there. If I can find it, I'll let you know.

Joe
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