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Why do better MC cartridges cost a fortune?

I mean $5k - $10k for a piece of what? I can understand $10k for a turntable but for a tonearm or cartridge?
They charge and we gladly pay? And you have to retip or replace it soon enough. Most of them come from Japan. They sure know how to do business, don't they?
inna
whart's avatar
whart
3,086 posts
 
Halcro- name a few if you don't mind.
 When I get my vintage tabled system up and running, with a removable headshell arm, I have no reluctance in trying a variety of vintage MMs. It will also relieve me of the need for a step up. 
The Airtight was at one point likened to a London/Decca on steroids. I never had the guts to run a London/Decca, despite the raves about it from some owners. But vintage MM or MC- I'm good with as long as there is no damage to the records. Do you get them re-done by someone- or just try to buy ones that still have life?
thanks,
bill hart
inna OP
7,666 posts
 
analogueseduction.net in the UK appears to be a good place to buy cartridges, many cost less than here. I bought my cartridge there and talked to them before that. They also have some cartridges that I didn't see here, though they still may be sold here too. The Cartridge Man MI cartridges and EMT cartridges, for example. They can't ship Lyra to the US, though.
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Halcro- name a few if you don't mind. 

If you look at my Systems Pages Bill......you'll find quite a lot.
'The Final Cut' limits it to the six or seven 'BEST OF'.......
I've bought probably 40-50 vintage cartridges (of all types) over the last 10 years and had a problem perhaps only two or three times. Of course I've not liked all of those cartridges and have subsequently re-sold probably 10-20.
You can tell a lot these days about the condition of the cartridges shown in clear close-ups on the posted photos, and the Seller's history and descriptions are often comforting.
10 years ago, it was relatively easy to find the specific cartridge you wanted and the prices were lower than they now are (understandably)....
You need patience, knowledge and luck to find some of the greatest vintage ones with their original styli on (hopefully) beryllium cantilevers all in good condition....but it is still possible 😎

For those who want a 'guaranteed' taste of almost the 'greatest sound' with a MM cartridge.....I invariably advise the following:-
  • Buy a Victor Z1 MM cartridge on eBay (even without s stylus)
  • Buy a Jico SAS replacement stylus directly from Jico
  • Buy a Shure V15/III MM cartridge on eBay (or better still HiFiDo)
  • Buy a Jico SAS replacement stylus directly from Jico
Either cartridge complete with SAS stylus should cost no more than $400-$600.

Good luck in your quest Bill.

Regards
Henry

 

whart's avatar
whart
3,086 posts
 
many thanks Henry. I will copy this list for reference when I start playing around with the new/old rig. 
best,
bill hart
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
610 posts
 
Miura or early Countach?

Actually, earlier - Islero S, one of 100 made. Same engine as the Miura but in line rather than transverse (and in the case of the Miura with an integral gearbox housing).

Synchronizing 12 Weber throats was enough to drive me to drink (a short trip, I grant you).  Fortunately once done they didn't go out of whack again.
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