Benz Micro Ace SH - retip worth it?

That would certainly prevent me from buying a top of the line Benz not that I am a big Benz fan. I actually have never listened to one that I know of. But imaging spending 16K on a Clearaudio or a Koetsu and not being able to get the cartridge rehabbed. That would certainly kill it for me and the value of the cartridge on the used market. 

So it turns out that Benz doesn't retip anymore because of a 2 1/2 year turnaround time. So I'll probably send it off to soundsmith. It's a really good cartridge and I like it sound.

I got an ace when I purchased a used turntable. I had it retipped  and couldn’t be happier. The cost differential for me made sense 

I recently purchased two new Benz cartridges on Audiogon, more are available.

I agree re: skis. I still ski my Rossignols even though I have Salomons and Arcs. 

Hadn't. Thought of sending it back to Benz, but that would be a good idea. Thank you!

Yes. If you want to have it refurbished send it back to Benz. They will replace the entire motor and get it back to new. Musical Surroundings is the US distributor. Call them if you want to know what is involved. Otherwise just toss it. Having it "retipped" is a waste of money. I usually tell people when it is time for a new cartridge spend the money on the best cartridge you can afford and do not wast the money on refurbishing the old one. Of course if you are a cartridge collector and it is a Goldfinger or Koetsu and has special qualities you can not get else where then send it back. Cartridges tend to be like skis, you might have a bunch of them but you always wind up using the ones you like best.