Snapped off my cantilever

Stringreen wrote: "Soundsmith will do a great job, but the cartridge you get back is not going to be the same. If you like your cartridge as well as you say you do, have Clearaudio repair it."

I have wondered for some time why so many cartridges for sale on Audiogon are listed as "just retipped by Soundsmith."

Genuinely, the last thing I want to do is talk down someone who provides audiophiles with a valuable service, which Soundsmith definitely does. Having said that, can any of you comment on the sound characteristics of a re-tip, how it sounds different from the original, other than the obvious observation that the materials are not as originally designed, engineered and produced? Is one retip best suited to a particular cartridge, or type of cartridge?

I ask because I have a Dynavector 20XL on which I bent and twisted the cantilever. If I want to use this cartridge, am I better off sending it to Dynavector or Soundsmith?

If I'm putting anyone in an awkward position with this question, I apologize in advance. My question stems from the inevitable ignorance of being new to the pursuit of high end vinyl.

Thanks very much,

Cdk84, I validate your question as being legitimate and important. It is well thought out, well written. I am also interested in any responses.

given the choice of a 3rd party re-tip or an OEM factory re-tip, I would take the OEM...

After snapping my 6th AT-OC9 II needle, I am looking for other options myself. Luckily, the US AT distributor has let me trade in the broken one for a new one. Still it is a significant fee each time.

Worse, I am thinking about getting a Dennon DL-S1 which would be even more significant!

Bob

I truly hate when that happens! A true bummer!

Phono cantilevers are quite delicate and accidents happen. One of the true downsides.

Best to keep a spare of everything around so that when something nasty like that happens, the music can keep playing until replaced, repaired, whatever.

I think my kids and even my dog all know to stay clear of daddy's stereo gear...or else.

I think my wife even knows not to even think about cleaning my phono stuff, which goes against all her basic instincts.

Cats can be tougher as many well know (please, this is NOT an invite for more always poorly accepted cat jokes by the way).