Buying a used cartridge...tell us your tale.

Only tried it once (other than inexpensive MM's costing $200 or less). It was my first venture into LOMC's. The entry price seemed steep so I decided to risk buying used (understanding that there was a risk).

Got a $2K cartridge for $900. On arrival, I noticed that the cantilever was angled well off center and the stylus was twisted a few degrees off vertical.

It sounded great, but it was my first LOMC, so what did I know? I was a newbie and had neither the equipment nor the ears to know better.

With the experience and gear I have now, I wouldn't try it again unless I knew and trusted the seller.

Ebm,
Buying a used AT-ML170 was the best analog move I've ever done.
Second best, buying a used DV 10xGoldL.
Two reference carts that will blow away carts costing $$$$$ more.
Risky yes....but so stupid good!!!!!!!

Probably 8 out of my last 12 cartridges have been new. But the 4 I bought "pre-owned" have all been winners. I do think it is risky, but the risk discount can make it worthwhile. The more you know about the seller, the better. I generally trust more those who post frequently and have described the items they're selling in previous system descriptions or forum posts. Still, I go into every transaction expecting that I'll get burned. It's a pleasant surprise when everything is perfect, especially with vintage cartridges!

I'm sure people buy used cartridges all the time, but I have not had good experiences. I bought a Benz middle of the line used cartridges that emitted a screeching sound when placed on the record. The seller did send it for warranty repair for me, but I was without a cartridge for months.

Some time later I tried again with a used Benz Ruby from someone who seemed considerate, however there was something wrong with the suspension because the image would shift to the the right or left a day or two after it was adjusted. Could never get the guy to take it back.

I'll never buy another used cartridge unless I know the person and cartridge personally.

I have purchased 3 used cartridges. A Dynavector 17d3, a Shelter 901. and another Shelter 901 that was sold as a rebuild (I had Soundsmith rebuild it).

In each case I had a discussion with the seller and carefully reviewed their feedback. In all cases the transaction went well.

you do have to be careful and even then there is risk in buying a used cartridge. I have been lucky and had all good transactions.