Only one addition to Chakster's completely correct remarks: for example, Ortofon asks $236.00 for a new 2M Blue cart, and $204.00 for a replacement stylus. That's over 80% of the cost for a complete cart, similar to the "re-tipping" fee for an MC. So I wouldn't say the advantage of replaceable styli is economic, but rather the ease with which an unskilled consumer can effect the replacement...no need to re-align, fuss with nuts and bolts, potentially break delicate wire clips, etc.
Replaced my Ortofon Blue stylus today via plug and play swap in seconds
So their styli housing just pulls off the cartridge. New one slides on. Truly that easy. Takes seconds.
My question here is simple: do any other brands allow this? If not, why not? The design is so brilliant, so logical, I'll use this for life (plus it sounds good).
My question here is simple: do any other brands allow this? If not, why not? The design is so brilliant, so logical, I'll use this for life (plus it sounds good).