If you get your cartridge rebuilt by Koetsu it will retain value and you will be assured it will sound the same.
If you use a third party, have them replace with the same cantilever and stylus configuration it will sound about the same, maybe exactly, maybe a little different. If you decide to sell it you will take a hit on the resale price. The price for the third party work will be significantly less.
I don’t think there is a $1,700 cartridge on the market that you will be able to buy as a replacement, and think you have an equivalent or upgrade.
If I were planning to keep the Koetsu long term I would probably use a qualified third party for the rebuild.
If you use a third party, have them replace with the same cantilever and stylus configuration it will sound about the same, maybe exactly, maybe a little different. If you decide to sell it you will take a hit on the resale price. The price for the third party work will be significantly less.
I don’t think there is a $1,700 cartridge on the market that you will be able to buy as a replacement, and think you have an equivalent or upgrade.
If I were planning to keep the Koetsu long term I would probably use a qualified third party for the rebuild.