Cartridge Damaged, need advise on getting new

Edit, did some searching...
1999 first publish date for the mentioned flux damper patent (XX-1). Which means it expires any day now. Or has. It being 2020 and all that.

If it is good, then the copies will come piling in. Or more correctly, out, into the market.

The backside to that argument is...not everyone will recognize the potential value of the flux damper system, and it may not be copied, even if it is finally 'legal' to do so.

There are plenty  threads on the Audio Technica ART9  for a reason.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html

If you have a 65db+ phono stage, the ART7 is possibly a bit more refined.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ARART7.html

Both are quite good at their price point, and subjectively compete with carts higher up in the food chain.

I  used one for several years.  Also used a $2.5K cart, which was nicer, but not for twice the retail cost. After that bit the dust, I've circled back to an ART9 which I found NEW for $750.

Another brand to consider is Soundsmith  moving iron carts. The rebuild program is very reasonable, making the initial purchase wound less painful.

https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/fixed-coil/zephyr-mimc-%E2%98%86

I have the SS Otello as an emergency  backup, and it's quite good for a $400 entry cart.

I would seriously have a look at a Lyra Delos.

Email Andy Kim at Needle Clinic.  He did a fabulous job on my Clearaudio (bent canteliver).  It sounds amazing and his turnaround is only about 3 days.

Email Andy Kim at Needle Clinic. He did a fabulous job on my Clearaudio (bent canteliver). It sounds amazing and his turnaround is only about 3 days.

I did email Andy and he was quick to respond, believes its a simple job.