If you had a Benz cartridge would you let someone

Sbrown ... that's an interesting bit of info. I've been reading a lot of good comments about Andy.

My primary cartridge is the Lyra Kleos. Not sure, but it may have a micro ridge stylus. I'll check. I seem to recall that Jonathan Carr, Lyra's designer, posted a comment some time ago that said changing cantilever's on the Delos and Kleos is NOT a good idea because the damping system is configured with a boron cantilever in mind.

Seems to me that if Andy can closely match a replacement stylus with the original, it might bring a worn Lyra back to life.

Sorry to talk about Lyra cartridges when this post is about Benz cartridges. But I think the retip quandary is very similar.

Soundsmith also has a Benz trade in program. Depending on your cartridge you might want to trade in for a Soundsmith cart. I traded in my Benz for a Paua - really liking the change. Long run, it will be less expensive to keep (full rebuilds, if needed, are relatively inexpensive) and the sound will not change with re-tips. The customer service is great.

Jrsbat2, can you provide more info on this? What Benz did you have and what SS did you get? How would you compare the sound of what you're getting now to the Benz?

I traded a Benz Wood SM for a Sussurro Paua. I might have gotten more for the Benz through an outright sale but the trade in, given how Benz has left the US market, was not too bad. The Paua is much more dynamic to my ears. It does not have as deep of midrange but that is OK. The Benz was sometimes too rich and not enough detail. I am hearing a heck of a lot more background instruments and background singers than before. Sometimes I have turned off the volume thinking my wife was calling me from upstairs - I heard a distinct female voice. Turns out it was a background singer I never knew existed. Peter gave great customer service. He followed up several times to make sure I was happy with the cartridge. I can get a full rebuild for a lot less than some other cartridges' factory retips. I am very happy with the trade.

Wow, I've heard good things about the Paua. Glad to hear you're enjoying it. I sent my old L2 off the SS because it just couldn't track anymore. Went for the Evaluation; after I hear the verdict I may consider going beyond a repair. The Paua is too rich for my blood, unfortunately, but if he's got something in a lower price bracket with mid compliance and less than 1mv output it might be worth considering.