Re-tipping a press-fitted stylus
I have a ZYX UNIverse, the original one in that series of UNIverse cartridges. It has a boron rod cantilever into which the stylus was press-fitted across the hollow boron tube. There is no visible evidence of any adhesive. I want to have it re-tipped for the main reason that by microscopic examination, there is a significant zenith error. First question is are there any re-tippers who can replace a press-fitted stylus with a new press-fitted stylus. Second question is whether than even can be done while also correcting the zenith error. (By "zenith error" I mean that the stylus is installed such that its contact surfaces are not square to the groove walls; the stylus tip is slightly twisted.) Thanks for any response. I am thinking that to get the job done the way I want, the cartridge must go back to the factory.
Lew, contact Joseph Long. He can answer your questions from the perspective of someone who has studied this, and does tons of work, and yes, he does work where only the diamond is replaced, rather than just grafting on a new cantilever, but only he could answer the part about zenith error. I think Steve Leung would be another resource. IMHO, ask the pros, not folks on audio forums, YMMV. |
Folks on audio forums might know which pros to ask. That was the crux of my question. Was thinking of Joseph Long, too, after posting. i could remove one of the constraints in my question; has any one had a press-fitted stylus replaced with a press-fitted stylus? Forget zenith adjustment. I don’t think that could be done anyway. |
@lewm I have the same cart and when I sent it to Soundsmith for a retip to be pressed onto/into the original cantilever he was not able to do it, he did try though. We discussed the alternatives and I decided to go with the solid boron cantilever with the OLC diamond installed. This is my main and most loved cart and it does sound wonderful and has about 800 hours since the rebuild. Enjoy the music |
