Accuphase AC-3 Re-tip new cantilever vs new purchase?

The AC 3 has a Armature that is quite unique being a Hollow Rod produced from both Boron/Beryllium. 

My comparisons of Carts of the same design, but with some having undergone modification where one model has Beryllium as the armature, has shown that Beryllium is able to produce a very attractive sonic and in the comparisons, Beryllium is the one I have preferred over Boron, as a general description, the Upper Mid's are able to be perceived with a much improved clarity, at the expense of a tightening of the Bass.

As the Armature on the AC 3 is a unique selling point for the design when originally marketed, I would suggest inquiring if the Armature on the AC 3 can be maintained during the refurbishment process. 

There might be much more cost effective routes if Solid Boron become the only option to compete with the original armature on the AC 3.

You may also have experience with the AC-2...these are more widely available. How does one compare to the other?

I have become familiar with materials used to produce the AC 2, but not a Sapphire Tube armature.

I have found Ruby to be the least attractive as an armature when compared to a Cart' of same design with Beryllium as the armature.

Ruby and Sapphire are both Single Crystalline in their structure.

During a Demo's of very similar in design Cart's where different Styli were on the Cart's. The Group of attendees receiving the Demo's, found it hard to make the claim the Styli alone was the cause of the differences detected in the sonic.

It was more easily accepted that the Cart's Parts were most responsible for changes detected in the sonic, and the Armature and Damping Materials were material sensed to be items that has substantial contributing factors.      

Ruby = Sapphire.

Dear @kjim  : I was owner of the AC3 and inside your budget I will go for it. Very good quality performer.

Send it to Joseph Long to change only the stylus, this is the way to go with.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.