Pickering xsv/4000 replacement stylus insights

Dear Raul,

I had no idea it was of value. Since the stylus is replaceable I would think that only the cantilever would get old and the rest of the cartridge would be reasonably ageless. Would you agree? If this is an accurate assumption I will purchase the replacement.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
P.S. I have been enjoying the music.

Sincerely,

Drew

Drew, I'm not Raul, but I think you should purchase a replacement pronto! That's a very good cartridge!

Dear Drew: I agree with Gregm: Buy it fast.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen....

Now my concern is that the choice of original replacement stylus which is Stereohedron or a non original which is Shibata. The original replacement is $190 and the Shibata is $90. How good can the non-original replacements be? Any insights into original vs. non original and Stereohedron vs. Shibata will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Sincerely,

Drew

Dear Drew: Both are of the Fine Line stylus shape but are not the same and certainly that the original is the way to go: the best match, at least for your model, the other one could degrade the cartridge quality performance.

Drew, even 190.00 for the stylus replacement is really a " bargain " against the high quality performance of your cartridge, you are not only buying the stylus but the whole " piece/part " that between other things include the cantilever that was designed in specific for that cartridge/suspension/stylus.

Things are more complicate that that 100.00 of difference. IMHO please don't try to save because that " save " makes nothing goes better.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.