Btw, my expectation was the $8K was for both the rebuild ($3K) plus the purchase of a used ARC PH8 ($5K) phono stage. I am not sure that would change @Holmz comments… but that was what I intended to say.
I got it, but it’ll be north of 10k with the cartridge…
I cannot comment on whether the rebuild is needed or is a good idea.
(I ordered it, but it is not in yet.)
However my TT sounds pretty good still, with just a cart and new head shell. And I am not not sure one needs a high $ phono stage unless a LOMC is in the picture.
so as he already has a cart to listen to, then we should await the conclusions.