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Re-tipped stylus vs original manufacturer

How does a re-tipped stylus from, say Soundsmith or others compare to original manufacturer equipment. Assuming the stylus tip is identical and so is the material of the cantilever. I am looking at a Koetsu Black in the market with a stylus re-tipped by Soundsmith. I would think that if the re-tipped is identical, then the sound should be similar to OEM if the body and coil stays original but I could be wrong. Opinions please.

sidvicious88

Showing 2 responses by chayro

chayro
3,021 posts
 

I agree with @mijostyn that it is hard to know the difference, also because by the time you’re sending your cart for a retip it is starting to sound ratty. I will tell you that I am listening to a Soundmith retip Transfiguration right now and it sounds wonderful. I don’t buy used carts, but if you do, I wouldn’t worry about anything done by Soundsmith.  But I think the price should be adjusted accordingly for non-factory work

chayro
3,021 posts
 

Everyone agrees that a factory exchange is best. Absolutely. But when you are faced with a $500 retip by an excellent person versus a multi-thousand dollar trade in, many people choose the former. I have never read a post anywhere saying that the work from Soundsmith or VAS did not sound like the original cartridge. I personally can’t say whether mine did or didn’t, but I would assume someone would have been able to make the statement if it were true. 

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