New or used cartridge

Handyman, you mention an Urushi.

If you are considering rising in the Koetsu line, note that Koetsu likes to service their own cartridges by completely rebuilding them. It is said that they will not touch a cartridge which has been serviced by another.

Therefore, your options are limited. You could get someone (like Soundsmith) to inspect the cartridge, but not service it. Then, if necessary, send it to Koetsu for rebuilding at great cost. The result of this would be essentially a new Koetsu with Koetsu sound. Unless Koetsu refused to rebuild it because of tampering by the former owner.

Alternatively, you could get someone like Soundsmith to service it at lower cost. But you might not get Koetsu sound or Koetsu longevity.

I have the KRSP with diamond cantilever and like it a lot. Rebuild price will be very high - hope I can afford it come the day. But after 700 hours the stylus still looks good.

About SUT’s - why not DIY? You can get raw transformers from Lundahl from K&K Audio that are out of the park. I use a pair of silver 1931Ag; less than $2k. Cartridges wear out - SUT's, not so much.

@mulveling 
Is EIFL an authorized service facility? Their website does not specify.

My KRSP with diamond cantilever has a subtle but unique smoothness in the mid to high frequencies. I attribute this to the fact that the stylus and the cantilever are one piece of diamond - but that's what I was expecting, so maybe I'm fooling myself. Worth $4000? Don't know. But I'd like to compare it to a stone body on my air-bearings.

I suggest that you talk to Kevin at K&K. He is highly expert and knows the Lundahl line inside out. After discussion, I changed my mind to order the 1931Ag's, and am very happy with the result. They are the best I've heard (not side-by-side, but still...) and that includes units many times their cost.

@mulveling 

My 1931's are up Seattle way. Ever get there?