Choosing a new phono cartridge

@slaw - I'd never heard of Axel before, but it appears they provide similar services.

Soundsmith now has their own carts, as well as the repair side of the business.

I purchased a Denon 103 from Soundsmith that they had "tweaked" - it  has a ruby cantilever and Optimized contour contact line stylis.

I previously had a standard Denon DL 103 - the sound of the SS 103 is similar in "nature", but the details and dynamics now conveyed is comparable to much higher priced cartridge.

Worth every penny

Cheers

@slaw 

Worth a try at SS, or Axel?

Axel (Germany) is retired, no more service. 

Try this: https://www.northwestanalogue.com/new-cartridges.html
This is what Raul called "Premium Retipper" :)) 

Or Expert Stylus as Nandric said, easily to email them, they are very quick in response:  info@expertstylus.co.uk

@chakster ,

Thanks for that info!

@williewonka ,

Thank you as well!

@slaw - one last comment - stylus types "finer" than elliptical (e.g. shibata and contact line) require very precise setup.

Paper type protractors will not provide the required precision - mirrored protractors like the Mint Best protractor should be used.

Also if you go with a Soundsmith re-tip be sure to follow their alignment instructions - they opt to align the cantilever. Soundsmith arevery responsive to

Once setup correctly they provide exceptional imaging and excel in the reproduction of fine details.

The precise setup of finer stylus type may seem a little off-putting at first, but I have not regretted getting my SS re-tipped 103 with the Optimized Contour Contact Line stylus - the sound is superb and the resolution has increased significantly.

Good luck - Steve :-)