A Story about a Defective Signature Platinum

WOW! This thread does seem to be keeping the Moderators Busy, I hope all pulled post's are for the use of expletives or profane terminology only.

@rsf507 as I have previously stated

" I look forward to your corrections where applicable."

I have no issues with what is you're interpretation, my statement above, formed from my side of this open discussion, has made the views of others very welcomed.

@rsf507 As for you're statement,   

" As far as buying a MSL at less $$ yes just about any hi end piece of gear not made in the USA can be found on sites overseas for MUCH less and many USA prodcuts sold overseas can be found by non-us buyers for less $$$ as well. So what's your point? Are you trying to tell us things you think we don't know? "

The following is a copy / paste of you're earlier post in the thread, where a inquiry is made to discover where my alternative purchase option can be discovered.

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rsf507

2,092 posts

08-07-2023 at 06:44am 

@pindac ​I do not need to Spend $11K on a MSL Signature, hence it is one that is on a shortlist to experience in use. I expect to be able to have one at the door, for approx' £4K+

Can you share where such deals are?​​​​​​

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@rsf507 Have I not been quite helpful in my follow up supply of info that directly related to your request for info. Especially where the requested info, is in relation to a subject that it is seemingly obvious if reading your earlier inquiry correctly,  that strongly suggests you did not know where to source such a item to purchase. 

All my posts are offered up within a thread, are presented in a way to be helpful. This thread has a lot of ambiguity, that has left me with with suspicions, a probe here and there has lead to further info offered for evaluation that increases the suspicions. I do feel there is info now within this thread, that presents what is available to be considered if an alternative real experience is to be put in place, that can be used to experience the same Cartridge Model.

Another curiosity is that it is also not made known what VAS NY Inc's thoughts were on what was potentially a additionally required corrective works for the Cart'. After having received it, following a 70 Year Old Buffoon probing around the Cart's very very fragile internals with a Set of Tweezers and Magnifying Glass. It's not my Cart' or $11K so each to their own, was the Supplier given such info at the time the inquiries were being made as to where their support could be attained. It is plausible that @jonderda respectfully held back disclosing such info, that they may have been in possession off.  

The real intent underlying in my posts, is to be helpful to an individual who may stumble on a thread such as this as at a later date. I do feel the info that is discovered should be helpful for them to round off their intentions for a  decision that may be under contemplation. They might as well review the info that is a reality and the fantastical, it should all be laid bare and transparent, especially where Super Monetary Sums are being considered to be spent.

If Sotheby were to auction off Mijo’s cartridge, it would fairly be termed "pre-owned, original", in my opinion. In the fine print, they would mention the bit about the defect and that it was repaired. But as long as it still has its OEM cantilever, stylus, coils, etc, etc, it’s not a Frankenstein.

As to cost, it is difficult to generalize about comparative prices (US vs Japan or elsewhere in Asia) of audio gear, as some equipment is not much different in cost, here vs there, and some other equipment is a little different, and yet some other equipment is very different in cost, usually cheaper in Japan vs the US. Much depends upon the US distributor and US dealer mark-up. The big Japanese store where I usually shop only because they have such a vast variety of audio gear on display, on demo, and ready to buy off the shelf, I think had MSL cartridges before the pandemic but not during our recent trip to Tokyo in May. Moreover, in general, there was a dearth of what we would call "high end" stuff on sale off the shelf of even fancy emporiums in Tokyo, compared to pre-pandemic, i.e., 4 years ago. I fear that the Japanese market is now entering a phase that we entered 5-10 years ago, where young buyers are simply not interested in the good stuff. Rather, they are interested in the cheap and portable, and internet connectable. So, high end stores were fewer and farther between. For one example, the store that sold me my Koetsu Urushi in 2009 and which was still in business in 2019, is now kaput. I've mentioned this before, but I have never seen a Lyra cartridge on open display for sale in Tokyo or anywhere else in the orient.  Possibly you have to ask, just as I had to ask about the Koetsu when I bought it. Also, if you buy in person, in Japan, the seller will honor the manufacturer's warranty just as surely as if you bought it in the USA. Promptly and courteously and even apologetically.

I buy Camera Equipment direct from Japan through a well known Export Service.

Prior to my adopting this service to purchase, I done my due diligence and found not concerning information to suggest I should be cautious.

I took the due diligence one stage further and contacted Camera / Lens Services who do works on behalf of the main Brands. I was informed the Service I was considering to purchase from, has 'never' not honoured a warranty works claim for a payment.

I queue jumped what was a common waiting list from certain UK suppliers, and bypassed what was looking like a year wait on certain Items being supplied through these UK retail outlets and also saved approx' 15% on the UK retail prices.

Additionally, over the past decade, I have £00000's spent on Vintage Japanese Imports, and have not really got any stories, apart from the extremely expensive recent air shipping prices to suggest a careful approach is required.  

@lewm 

That is my experience with the Japanese. They are honored that you have purchased their product and will bend over backwards making sure you are happy with it. My own perspective of them comes from purchasing woodworking tools. When it comes to edge cutting tools (planes, chisels and knives) and hand saws they handily make the best. This talent extends back to the manufacture of swords. Each tool (sword) is endowed with a spirit and given a name!  It is difficult to get the best tools and sharpening stones in the States. You have to develop a relationship with a store located in Japan. Fortunately, there is no protectionism when it comes to woodworking tools. 

@pindac 

It really distresses me that you do not know how to work with forceps under a dissection microscope. Tell me, Can you use a screwdriver? What about an adjustable spanner? They are safe to work with. You do not have to worry about any sharp edges. 

All the information, questions and responses in this thread have been appropriate, straight forward, well intentioned and very helpful with only one exception. Thank You all. 

The cartridge is supposed to arrive the day after tomorrow. I will let you all know the end of the story.

The 69 year old Buffoon.  

@mijostyn 

Awesome! Fingers crossed for you - hoping this effects the full fix you're expecting. No doubt in my mind, a simple repair to lead wire as you've described here keeps it as a 100% factory original MSL Platinum. 

I'd almost question the need /justification for quoted repair cost given such a fix (most of the way to a re-tip for a single wire splice), but if in your shoes I would be grateful for service rendered nonetheless.