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Vinyl/TT Gurus Chime in! Cartridge Decision: Rework My old Sumiko or get a new cartridge?

My Quandary: I have an old Gyrodec MkI(I think) with a Zeta Tonearm and a Sumiko Talisman Virtuoso B cartridge (HOMC). I've been getting bilateral distortion usually about  the 1/3 mark way through my records. The cartridge is really old and either needs re-tipped and possibly a new cantilever or do I consider a new cartridge altogether. I've heard these carts are very highly regarded.

Get the Sumiko reworked at what I imagine is a pretty penny penny?

or

Get a new cartridge which will work with a MM phono preamp (suggestions please)

Associated Gear:
Lounge Audio LCR MKIII phono stage (MM only.. Not looking to change this)
Gyrodec Mk I
Zeta tonearm w/ a mass of 16g


Budget $500-$600 tops.

Thanks in Advance!!
128x128birdfan
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birdfan's avatar
birdfan OP
163 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback @viridian!!! I think the cart was probably shot when I purchased it so I don't really know what it is capable of. 
agrippa
160 posts
 
Go with a retip.  As long as the cantilever and suspension are both in good shape and an actual retip is all that's needed, you should end up below $300 if you go with Soundsmith.  If it needs a full rebuild I would suggest going for the most expensive Boron/Contact Line option @ $450 + shipping.

I last had the same thing done less than a year ago and the result was simply superb. The re-built cartridge will likely sound a bit different, but certainly as good or better than anything you can pick up for $600 new.
johnto
981 posts
 
I would try the retip process first Soundsmith does a fantastic job, if not try one of their MI cartridges.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The re-built cartridge will likely sound a bit different, but certainly as good or better than anything you can pick up for $600 new.

A retipped HOMC is still a HOMC.
High Output Moving Coil cartridges are inferior by default compared to LOMC (Low Output), but the problem is the OP's phono stage without MC input. 

What is really better with MM ONLY phono stage is MM or MI cartridge. 

@birdfan For under $600 there are many great MM or MI, mid compliance are ok for your arm. Instead of some hybrid you can get from retipper, i would recommend to look for a completely different MM cartridge, this is all you need for your phono stage (not a HOMC). Something like this. 
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