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I damanged my Shelter cartridge, next steps?....

Hi Folks:
Well, I managed to damage my Shelter 501 mkII by, well, bumping into it. So, to cut a long story short, the stylus is leaning to one side horizontally, and is pointing more steeply vertically (wider angle between end of stylus and body of cartridge). Finally, the stylus appeas to be more 'springy' and is not as rigid.

So, question is, can I salvage it? Should I try to orient it correctly, or can it be 'reseated'. The stylus does not appear to be bent or broken - just out of correct orientation, and a little loose. Anyway, I'd value advice on whether this can be fixed, and who I might bring it to for such a fix. The cartridge is about 2.2 years old and has about 250 hours on it.

Looking forward to hearing any recommendations on next steps. IF I have to replace the cartridge, I'd also welcome input on replacements. I've a teres 255 with OL Silver Arm. Preamp is Supratek Syrah.

Thanks!!!
John.
128x128outlier
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Hi Growlar. Actually, I just sold the OL Silver this week, and am still using the MG-1. I didn't do close comparison between the two arms - it takes a little time to switch out the arms on my rig, and also, I didn't want to touch the Airy cartridge any more than I have to (last thing I need is to damage the Airy - I'd need therapy for sure ;-)

That said, my impression having used both arms is that the MG-1 sounded better. I was experiencing some skipping of the cartridge, but I ended up setting up the turntable directly on my brick floor, and now there is absolutely no skipping or vibration. The rig is rock solid now, and I'm experiencing no problems. The MG-1 seemed to sound a bit more 'airy', excuse the pun, but that's the best word I can think of. The music seemed a bit more full and effortless. I think I'll be very happy to stay with the arm until such time as I can afford a Schroeder, which may be some time away. I'd be curious to hear other impressions of the MG-1 from more seasoned Audiophiles, as I've only experience with these two arms.
cardiackid
63 posts
 
Did you consider Ezpert Stylus in England. Check out there website for more details.
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Hi Cardiackid, thanks for the suggestion. I haven't heard of that company, so I will check it out. I also got a recommendation to send to Benz Micro in Switzerland, which I may try too. Overall, I'm now up and running with a ZYX Airy 3x-sb low output, so I'm in good shape. But, it would be great to see can I get the Shelter salvaged and then have a backup, or re-sell. Thanks again for the tip. I'll surely try and get it fixed/retipped if I can.
flyingred
139 posts
 
Don't bother with Expert Stylus they are good but expensive - you will pay more in pounds than you will in Euros/dollars with Benz Micro. I sent my Koets Black to be re-tipped in Switzerland and it cost half the price that Expert quoted me.
cardiackid
63 posts
 
Outlier,

Others have had pleasant results with Expert so I would suggest you consider all options. Since you will require more than a simple retip, i suggest that you understand the track record of each company for the rebuild. Another key point is how close to original spec will the repaired product be.

With the current exchange, all Euro transactions will be hefty. The main thing, don't give up on a professional repair until you have all of the facts. Is van den Hull an option? I am not sure.

Good luck, you have many good options suggested.
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