Benz Micro Wood SL - Repair or Replacement?


My system is as follows:

VPI Classic 1
Sony SCD-777ES SACD Player
Whest PS.30R Phono Stage
Musical Fidelity A5CR Pre Amp
2xMusical Fidelity A3CR Power Amps bi-wired (All amps upgraded by John Sampson)
ProAc D15 Speakers

Unfortunately my 2 year old Benz Micro Wood SL cartridge has been damaged (chosen with lots of great help from this forum), the tip has been broken and the cantilever isn't completely straight.
See pic.

So, do I buy a new cartridge or have this one replaced?
I know that Soundsmith have a good reputation and there are maybe other options closer to home (Switzerland) but is it worth spending USD 400 or so rather than double that sum (for the same cart new) or a bit more as an opportunity to upgrade.

If I were to buy a new, different cart the following seem worthy of consideration :
Soundsmith Zephyr
Dynavector XX2
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Benz Micro Gullwing
Lyra Dorian
Lyra Delos

Thanks in advance for your help.
ecosse_011172

Showing 2 responses by ecosse_011172

Nandric, I sent it to Benz Micro here in Switzerland and the price isn't just for a retip, it's a rebuild with new generator, coils etc.

They also can do an exchange for a Ruby 3 for $2000
I sent it to Benz Micro, the stylus, cantilever and coil are all damaged.
They will keep the body and back plate and ftr a new generator, cantilever and micro-ridge diamond ( I had the older Fritz Geiger one) for $750 and will "only" take 3 weeks or so so that seems like the best option.