A pragmatic view of cartridge expenses / many questions

I don't know that cartridges are a whole lot more expendable than anything else. Sure if you play a lot of records its possible I guess to wear one out. But then you sell it used just as you would any other component. I always have. Then buy a better one, same as anything else.

Then when you get to the level you're talking about it really makes sense to get the Soundsmith Strain Gauge. Costs a little more than $7k but actually costs a whole lot less because with it you eliminate the need for a phono stage that could easily run you $5k to $15k or more at that level. Plus you get a cartridge with user replaceable stylus that is dirt cheap, relatively speaking.

It even has an upgrade path, the power supply being capable of elevating performance well into the stratosphere of the very best cost no object carts.

Dear @audioquest4life : " Enjoy for special occasions, and use a less costly for normal day to day listens. "

Depend of which is your main target/priority listening your room/system.

If that main priority/target is to stay as nearer to the recording and MUSIC as you can then you have to invest in the best cartridge you can 7k or 10K whatever and when is near the end of its stylus tip life then send it to the manufacturer directly not a re-tipper no matters what.

Chapagne is a bad example against cartridge. It’s like red wine Petrus or Chateu Laffite or Margaux that you drink it to celebrate only in very special ocasion but if you are whealty enough then you will drinked always, day by day !

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTION,
R.

In for a dime; in for ten thousand bucks.  Be nice to your cartridge but enjoy the heck out of it.  By the time it wears down to the point where you have to replace it (barring catastrophe, of course), chances are there'll be something better...and perhaps even cheaper.

@edcyn, 

“By the time it wears down to the point where you have to replace it (barring catastrophe, of course), chances are there'll be something better...and perhaps even cheaper.“

Amen. Seems similar to computers nowadays. I guess enjoy it as much as you can and decide on a factory refurbish or replacement later as needed. 

@miilercarbon, 

“Then when you get to the level you're talking about it really makes sense to get the Soundsmith Strain Gauge. Costs a little more than $7k but actually costs a whole lot less because with it you eliminate the need for a phono stage that could easily run you $5k to $15k or more at that level. Plus you get a cartridge with user replaceable stylus that is dirt cheap, relatively speaking.”

This is suggestive of someone looking to jump into those components and price range who either have not splurged on a total high end normal cartridge solution, or have researched and decided that the Strain Gauge is for them. I have considerable investments in my phono pre and have researched the Strain Gauge....have not heard one except at a couple of audio shows, and from what others are writing about on forums and reviews. It’s not for everyone as their is a perceived sound signature associated with it. At that price range, it’s competitive with other cartridges and the fact you don’t have to worry about exuberant maintenance costs, but, with the other cartridges, it’s an evil necessity. Not making a case against or for the Strain Gauge either way, it’s just that you mentioned it as an example for long term cost savings, which, would be for someone willing to step into that direction. Do you use a Strain Gauge? 
I would only buy original replacement Michelin Sport Cup 2s for my Porsche or Corvette as that’s what is standard from the factory as a compete rebuild for the high priced cartridge. The exceptions are Soundsmith and Van den Hul, as their factory retip prices are reasonable. 

 

When someone buying a $5-10k cartridge I hope this person already tried at least over 50 different cartridges prior to buying the most expensive one. I hope a decision to buy even $5k cartridge is rational (in fact it is irrational for sure, imo). If you are not happy with so many great cartridges that cost under $2k then maybe it's a rational decision to look for something else. But you can find a cheaper cartridge that will perform better than more expensive cartridge. All you need is to buy many and try them, compare them yourself on your system.  

A phono cartridge should not cost that much! There is nothing inside a cartridge that can cost that much, this is all about margin (and marketing).

It can be damaged as easy as any cheap cartridge, but the factory exchange will cost the owner at least 60% of the retail price, so when you damage $7k cartridge you can get another one for about $4200 if you're lucky (your sample must be from the official distributor, who can send it back to the manufacturer to get new one instead). The cost of using such cartridges is insane! And you can't use it longer than about 2500hrs anyway even if you have the best tip on it.  

The price often has nothing to do with the quality. After using some overpriced modern cartridges at $3-5k range I am happy to get back to the basics and keep using some NOS samples of the best high-end from the 80s (MM,MI and MC) that cost me much less in price and sound better. 

New cartridges and its design is not any better that top models from the golden age (70s/80s). Most of the greatest (legendary) cartridge designed are passed away or retired.