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Benz Ebony L retip

I am looking to get my Benz retipped.  I also wish to keep the original boron cantilever, condition permitting.

I does not appear that Benz offers these services so I am down to van den Hul, Soundsmith, Expert Stylus (UK) and Northwest Analogue (also UK).  Any one have experience with these names and if so:
1) make and model of cart?
2) work done?
3) approximate time taken?
4) level of satisfaction and how close to the original cart sound was the retip.

Thanks
barolobrain
salectric
751 posts
 
Sound smith did a "retip only" on my Benz LP several years ago.  It took about 8 weeks and cost $475.  I was surprised to find that it needed some break in after I got it back, but afterwards it sounded the same as when brand new as far as I could tell.  I was very pleased with the quality of the work by Soundsmith.  It's like getting a brand new Benz for $475.  In fact, I recently sent my Benz back for a second Retip and I am counting the days until I get it back.
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drrsutliff
858 posts
 
SoundSmith re tipped my Benz Ebony H retaining the original cantilever.  5 week turn around and an excellent outcome. 
esoteric-audio
20 posts
 
Why not take advantage of the retip exchange or upgrade programs offered by Musical Surroundings (Benz distributor for North America)? You can either swap out your Ebony for a new one or receive sizeable credit toward a Ruby or LPS.

There were some availability issues with Benz cartridges in the past, but those have been resolved and there's healthy stock in the US.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

''esoteric'' and other retip kinds. My Koetsu rosewood signature

was ''refurbished'' by Koetsu for 2000 euro. My Koetsu Blue Sky

which needed only a new stylus got an boron/Shibata combo

by Axel for 500 euro. My Allaerts MC 2 got a new ''Paratrace''

stylus (only) for 180 GBP by Expert stylus. uk . I felt stupid by

the first two and smart by the last one. A kind of Raul's ''learning

curve''.

barolobrain OP
48 posts
 
Thanks for the all responses.  Based on the feedback I am leaning towards SoundSmith, also convenient as I live in Connecticut.  That being said, plenty of time to cogitate on this one.  Will also contact Expert.  Again, appreciate all the suggestions.
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