As I said earlier, my Benz received a "real" retipping from SS meaning they removed the original tip from the cantilever and attached a new one. This costs more than getting a replacement cantilever and tip since there is more work required. As to whether the stylus is identical to the original, I don't know. I suspect it isn't but it is evidently close enough judging from the sound quality. In any event, the way I looked at was the SS price was low enough compared to getting a whole new cartridge that I was willing to take the risk. I have no regrets about doing so.