2. analog
  3. 1100729942

Cartridge rebuilds, whats your opinion?

I've recently won an Origin Live Resolution with Illustrious tonearm on e-bay. Needless to say I am thrilled with it. The seller had a Koetsu Red(Rosewood) fitted which clearly outclassed my Ortofon Kontrapunkt B, good as it is. So it should, it is twice as expensive. I'm tempted by the Koetsu, but the cost is difficult to justify on such a vulnerable item with a limited life span. I could consider it if a rebuild is a viable option. I know Koetsu will do it, but at a considerable cost. Here in the UK, a number of small outfits such as the cartridgeman offer competitive rebuild and retipping and I am sure a similar service is available in the US. Obviously the result will depend on whose doing it, but in general do you guys have any experience of non manufacturer rebuilds? If so, how close to the origonal can the rebuild get? It would be too much to ask to expect a 100%, but near would do. If it was a realistic prospect, I could justify it to myself(probably not the wife, but you can'nt have everything). Thanks, and greetings from across the pond
david12

Showing 3 responses by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
If it is not rebuilt by Koetsu, it's no longer a Koetsu.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Raul, you are quite liberal in your accusations of who has "live experience" with things.

Personally, I've had enough of your inexpert opinions.
I've also had quite enough of your haughty, arrogant attitudes.

You've already proven yourself to be severely lacking, and you continue to do so, as well as continuing to be an arrogant, ill-mannered poster.

Come back when you learn your manners.
twl
3,251 posts
 
FYI, I've worked as the analog set-up guy at audio salons, and have sent many cartridges in for rebuilding, including Koetsu.

The rebuilds from other companies, while they may work well, do not use the same items or exact methods that Koetsu does, and Koetsu will not take a cartridge in for rebuild that has been already rebuilt by somebody else. The Koetsu cartridges that are rebuilt by Koetsu are still Koetsu cartridges. Any other rebuilder yields a "hybrid" which is a Koetsu body, with the other rebuilder's "guts". They do not have the resale value of Koetsu-rebuilt cartridges, do not sound the same, and are not the same.

Anybody who does have "live experience" with this matter, already knows this.
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