2. analog
  3. 150048-106117

Re-tip or Replace?

I have a 40 year old Dynavector Ruby that still sounds great, but I think it will soon require a re-tip.  The question is, should I pay the $350 or so to retip it, or replace the cartridge with a comparably priced Ortofon, Audio-Technica or Nagaoka?  The system consists of a Luxman PD-277 turntable (another 40 year old piece), Schiit Mani phono preamp, Schiit Saga preamp, Rotel RB-980BX amp, and Martin Logan ESL speakers.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
jnorris2005
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
I agree with chakster. Retip with ruby/stylus combo will cost +/-
$500 . For this price you can buy an NOS sample. Then this
cart has very short cantilever so the question is if retippers
can get those from their supplier. 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Excuse me. The way I read it was that you would spend 350 just on the retip and I did not think that applied to a new cartridge. The Dynavector went for $900. So I mentioned $900 cartridges. In $350 price range you should consider a Grado or hang on and save. 
jnorris2005 OP
185 posts
 
The Grado is the polar opposite of the Dynavector.  Where the Ruby is open and airy with a wide, deep soundstage, the Grado's darkness and lack of high end extension presents a whole different perspective.  I'd be considering AT VM740 or Nagaoka MP-200, amongst others.
Post removed 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
It may be just me, but I don’t trust ebay. Too many counterfeits/scams/ripoffs.

Well, it’s absolutely impossible to rip you off on ebay when you pay with paypal, buyer always protected and full refund always guaranteed by paypal buyer’s protection.

There are no conterfit of old Dynavector cartridges, but i suppose you know what is Dynavector and you can recognize it, i had 4 different models, two NOS from ebay. I have returned one cartridge for full refund when i realized the cantilever is a bit off-centered, return shipping has been covered by paypal, so no loss at all.

If you prefer to buy cartridges from audiophiles on audiogon it is not a problem, but not as secure as on ebay with paypal.

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