MM, MC, or MI cartridge

If long term cost is an issue at all, van den Hul styli (medium output MC Cartridges) are shaped different and last considerably longer than others AND are replaceable. They also sound great. My last stylus lasted 2500-3000 hours and sounded the same until it totally disintegrated. 

I have mine (MC One Special) paired with a Sutherland Insight LPS on a Rega P8 and it is a great combination. 

@mglik 

On EBay, there is a GE VR 1000 for about $700. It is interesting since there are several stylus about $30. I am not a fan of setting up a cartridge. And I can’t imagine a 1000 will stand up to my Lyra Atlas SL. Love my Lyra.

Is it worth an experiment?

Yeah, the $30 stylus…..

I learned to rebuild the stylus.I don’t use the iron cantilever. With my stylus, the VR1000 is a totally different cartridge. “Flux Mirror” of my own design. Very light and short cantilever. Still an MI cartridge though.

@sokogear 

I had a van Den Hull cartridge for nearly 20 years… over 2,000 hours and was still going strong when I traded it in with the TT. Great investment.

The stylus of any MC cartridge is replaceable, by a skilled professional. I just had it done by Expert Stylus for my Koetsu Urushi.  What others refer to as regards the differences in repair-ability of MM vs MC is that for MM cartridges, you can buy a completely new stylus assembly, including cantilever and magnet.  Then the owner can replace the unit on his own for no added cost.  I am sure everyone knows this, so what is unique about vdH MC cartridges when it comes to stylus replacement?

Wolfie, Are you a professional re-tipper?

Hey @lewm - van den Hul cartridges use a unique designed.shaped stylus, and of course like all MC carts, they need to be professionally serviced, unlike the pop on MM type stylus combo pieces.

The way VDH styli fit in the record's groove (as per VDH's web site) gives them their long life as I mentioned and @ghdprentice experienced. I don't see why anyone who uses a turntable a lot would buy anything else if they are considering a MC cartridge, unless cost is not a major concern. I know some like to use multiple carts, arms, etc. I mainly am interested in the music and not swapping gear out very often. I prefer to spend $$ on records and have about equal invested in hardware vs. software.