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Re-tip or Replace?

I have a 40 year old Dynavector Ruby that still sounds great, but I think it will soon require a re-tip.  The question is, should I pay the $350 or so to retip it, or replace the cartridge with a comparably priced Ortofon, Audio-Technica or Nagaoka?  The system consists of a Luxman PD-277 turntable (another 40 year old piece), Schiit Mani phono preamp, Schiit Saga preamp, Rotel RB-980BX amp, and Martin Logan ESL speakers.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
jnorris2005

Showing 2 responses by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Excuse me. The way I read it was that you would spend 350 just on the retip and I did not think that applied to a new cartridge. The Dynavector went for $900. So I mentioned $900 cartridges. In $350 price range you should consider a Grado or hang on and save. 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
jnorris, replace it. The little wires inside that connect the coils to the pins are subject to fatigue and work hardening from years of vibration. They will eventually fail and then the cartridge is done. I would not spend money on a 40 year old cartridge for this reason. Have fun getting a new one! the Audio Technica AT ART9 and the Ortofon Quintet Black S are both great cartridges and great values. Both will work very well in your arm. 
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