2. analog
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Need advice for a replacement phono cartridge

So, the cleaners destroyed my phono cartridge yesterday while dusting even though I'd cautioned them against dusting my stereo. Absolutely sick about it. Anyway, I need to get a replacement cartridge so I need advice on one that is of equal quality or better. The destroyed cartridge is a Transformation Axia which is no longer made. Thanks in advance!

My system:

VPI Prime turntable, Sutherland Little Loco phono amp, Luxman L509X amp, Revel F208 speakers, two Sumiko S10 subs

michobr59
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
664 posts
 

Can't comment on Koetsu. I'm a fan of Dynavector cartridges myself and they mate well with VPI. The XX-2 MkII is a great cart and probably the sweet spot in their line up. 

arize84
57 posts
 

I specifically use Soundsmith catridges for this reason. They will rebuild their $4K cartridge for $650. I currently have a Sussuro and Paua and they are both absolutely fantastic.

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,043 posts
 

Don't pay the maid for three months.

rsf507
2,343 posts
 

+1 arize84

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

Fragile Items, such as a Cart’, not understood by a Cleaner, or any other individual who expresses an interest in it are now quite precarious, and exposed to detriment.

Fortunately there are options available to consider when the worse case happens.

VAS NY Inc has successfully rebuilt non-working Transfiguration Cartridges.

One UK Based Cart’ Owner, who sent a donor 'no longer made',  Trans’n Proteus Cartridge to VAS was extremely impressed with the ’now working’ returned Cart’, they were very satisfied with the Overall Costs as well.

I have told a full story of this Cart’ Owners experience in another thread.

Investigating your options on a Third Party Service Rebuild, can’t do any harm, and the rebuild might just extend your experience with this Cart’ for a very fair outlay.

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