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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
audiolui
295 posts
 
I may trade in the broken one for a new one. Some manufacturers have good trade-in program that offers high trade-in value. Just weigh between trade-in value and retip cost. But if you really like to have a backup in the future. then retip is the way to go. I would upgrade if I were you.

I would retip if the cartridge is ultra expensive (like several thousand dollars) as retip is way cheaper than buying new.
swanny76109
382 posts
 
The dyna xx2 is a great match to the Classic. If your tastes run to rock, blues, jazz it is outstanding. I think your whest phono stage will have plenty gain-- I run about 76 total.
ecosse_011172 OP
18 posts
 
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.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Ecosse, This is a very interesting proposition considering the (sharply) increased retip prices. Not to mention the damaged coils which are difficult to repair. Will you be so kind to elaborate on 'I sent it' to Benz? Which one ?
david12
1,454 posts
 
If you can send to the UK, I would use Expert Stylus. Thay have retipped 3 cartridges for me, 2 Koetsus and I have been very happy with them each time. They charge £25 to look at the cartridge and see if it can be repaired and up to £250 for the repair, including cantilever replacement, if necessary. Of course, it won't be the same, but my aural memory is'nt long or strong enough, to comment on the difference.

If you wish, I will send you a link. They don't advertise and don't have a web site. They say they have more than enough work to do without advertising for more.

As a replacement, I am very happy indeed with my Benz Ebony LP.
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