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Cartridge retip stylus options/Opinions please

Hi guys,

I have two cartridges that I want to have retipped: Shelter 901 and Monster AG2000. The Shelter comes stock with an elliptical stylus and the Monster with micro ridge. Andy @ Needle Clinic will put a microridge on either for $450 ea. (line contact for $350, elliptical for $250). Soundsmith will put their best stylus (optimized nude contact line) on a sapphire cantilever for $399 ea. Both carts (esp the Monster) is very good in stock form based on my tastes; but, if I had a magic wand, I would say that I would prefer a little more openness and refinement in the highs with somewhat less emphasis on the mid bass from the Shelter; and a little more fullness from the Monster.

Any thoughts on the general quality of work to be expected from each retipper and/or the merits of each choice of stylus would be most appreciated.

Thanks!
frogman

Showing 1 response by jperry

jperry
2,468 posts
 
Both perform high quality work. Soundsmith usually does not retip. They replace the stock cantilever and stylus with a new assembly including a ruby cantilever.

Based on the price from Andy I think he is quoting you a price for a retip, that is only the stylus is being replaced, and the stock cantilever is remaining.

Retipping (stylus replacement) with the same stylus configuration will give you the stock sound when returned. The replacement of the cantilever as well with a different material will give a different sound than stock, which you may prefer, or not, to the stock sound.
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