Not really a great series of options, is it? I'm of the view that it is not worth sinking more money into this cartridge, but call Steve at VAS, explain the problem (you are free to use my name- he knows me as Bill Hart fwiw) and see what he says. Maybe he can fix it without replacing the cantilever. My suspicion is that even if it costs say, only $200 to fix, it might be good money after bad from your point of view.
Given that few cartridges are sold for full retail in my experience, you should shop for what you want and what will work best with your system in terms of voicing, mass of arm, etc. I know a lot of people like Soundsmith, not just because of the lower cost of refurbishing but the sound. I know Peter, but don't know his cartridge line well enough to advise you and never owned one of his cartridges.
I do keep a number of good cartridges here, so if one had to go back to the manufacturer for a rebuild, I have others to take its place. That's a thought too, longer range. I know we want to budget so we spend on something that delivers the most sonic goods, rather than having two examples that are mediocre, but over time, you could build up your cartridge collection.
Given that few cartridges are sold for full retail in my experience, you should shop for what you want and what will work best with your system in terms of voicing, mass of arm, etc. I know a lot of people like Soundsmith, not just because of the lower cost of refurbishing but the sound. I know Peter, but don't know his cartridge line well enough to advise you and never owned one of his cartridges.
I do keep a number of good cartridges here, so if one had to go back to the manufacturer for a rebuild, I have others to take its place. That's a thought too, longer range. I know we want to budget so we spend on something that delivers the most sonic goods, rather than having two examples that are mediocre, but over time, you could build up your cartridge collection.
