2. analog
  3. 161423-107

Cartridge reliability

Not having purchased a cartridge in at least 15 years, and probably more, I’m curious what has been your recent experience with cartridge reliability. Any cartridge failures? Significant channel imbalance? Loss of a channel? Suspension collapse? Etc. My focus is on moving coil cartridges.

I’m trying to get an idea of which manufacturers are tops in terms of reliability/QC and which have a thing or two to yet learn. I’m asking as my cartridge, though still sounding quite nice, surely can’t last forever. 
For instance, I’ve read about some albeit quite rare problems with Lyra, but I can’t recall ever hearing about any Dynavector issues. I have heard of some issues with Goldring 

your own user experience is appreciated!

thanks! 
zavato

Showing 1 response by sokogear

sokogear
1,111 posts
 
I had a van den Hul MC One Special (2nd from the bottom of the line) for about 2500 hours and the stylus lasted until is completely wore out and sounded consistent the entire time I had it.

VPI just took over distribution of them and were a pleasure to deal with and were very accommodative because of the overseas shipping issues were able to do a replacement instead of a factory remanufacture.  I live nearby their factory and they actually set it up.

I've also heard good things about the Frog, although you're getting into pretty expensive territory. Make sure you have a well matched phono stage.
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