Audio Technica MC: Rebuild, Exchange, Upgrade: I used the exchange, anybody else???


Audio Technica MC: Rebuild, Exchange, Upgrade: I used it, anybody else???

I bought my AT33PTG/II (new discounted price on eBay, seller from Japan). 

Shipped it to Audio Technica USA when I estimated I had played over 500/under 1,000 hrs (still sounded great). They charge a small amount to check it for you.

They said it has some wear, could continue to use it, probably a few hundred more hours, OR, do a trade-in, buy a new one for less than half price, cost to inspect it applied to the price, free shipping.

btw, They didn't ask, it didn't matter where/when I bought it.

Done, thanks, anybody else used their program????? 

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Rebuild, Exchange, Upgrade

How Does the Program Work?

 

Step 1

Contact your retailer from whom you originally purchased your cartridge. or Contact your A-T Excellence Retailer from whom you originally purchased your cartridge (for AT-ART series cartridges). List of A-T Excellence Retailers or Contact the Audio-Technica service department service@atus.com 330-686-2600 x2750 If utilizing your retailer, the retailer will facilitate the entire exchange. If contacting Audio-Technica directly, you will receive instructions on how to ship your cartridge and the Audio-Technica Service Department will validate the claim.  

Step 2

Depending on the situation, the cartridge will either be: a. Rebuilt (for AT-ART1000 only) b. Exchanged for a brand-new cartridge (same model) at the reduced Exchange program price. c. Exchanged for a brand-new cartridge (upgraded model) at the reduced Upgrade program price.

elliottbnewcombjr

exchange, the +/- $50. cost to inspect was applied, free shipping, my memory is that total cost for the new one was slightly less than half the normal new cost. 

 

When it comes time to retip my ART20, I'm going to one of the aftermarket retippers. I bought my cartridge new. It is less than 3 years old. It does not need exchanging at a cost of $1500US(if it is even that generous) when all that is in need of replacing is the diamond.

In the case of your 33. The AT exchange price is less than retipping  at aftermarket rates. That is the sensible thing to do.