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Can Yamaha MC-5 and MC-9 cartridges be re-tipped?

Hi All,

A few questions about the Yamaha MC-5 and MC-9 cartridges:

- Can theses cartridges be repaired if the cantilever has been broken off?
- if yes, approximately what is the cost?
- would it be worth it for either of these cartridges?

I know some of the Yamaha's had Beryllium cantilevers, are they 
superior in performance?  Can they still be replaced?
Not sure if either the MC-5 or MC-9 had these?

Any info would be appreciated.

Cheers,
AK
arcadekidd
johnto
1,027 posts
 
I would check with Soundsmith or one of the other cartridge retip, repair services.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Beryllium cantilevers are no longer available.
Yes, they are superior, but you can try Boron.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,722 posts
 
The MC-9 was a hundred dollar cartridge when new. It had an elliptical shaped stylus. It was most likely made by Audio- Technica. I think you would be better off getting a new cartridge than paying the expense of retipping!!
dover
2,250 posts
 
@yogiboy 
The MC-9 was a hundred dollar cartridge when new. It had an elliptical shaped stylus. It was most likely made by Audio- Technica. I think you would be better off getting a new cartridge than paying the expense of retipping!!

SSSHHHHH - some folk here still believe in floobydust - 30 year old cartridges sound as good as they were new with a retip. They think the elastomer/rubber dampers last forever, metal doen't corrode and other wonderful myths. NOS MM's that have been carefully aged for 30 years are actually better than every $10000 cartrdge made today.
In fact some of the more generous folk on the forum buy carefully aged MM's off Japanese auction sites and sell them for under $10k ! With a bit of luck you can get one that has been cleaned by the Tsunami ( adds that aroma of natural seawater ) and glows day and night.
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