Replicant 100 stylus

Replicant 100 is the description used by Ortofon for their highest level stylus. In the techno babble accompanying the models equipped with Replicant 100 is says this was designed in collaboration with Gyger, suggesting Ortofon had a hand in the final shape. The same is said about the very similar Ortoline stylus used in MC 7500. This a probably why the name Replicant 100 is used exclusively by Ortofon, although it was made by Gyger. Usually such an arrangement excludes the maker to supply this stylus to other brands. Yet I have a first edition Benz LP that has the exact same stylus/cantilever as Ortofon A90, A95 and Anna. It seems likely that Gyger supplied it to Benz, but it was not called Replicant 100. The later LP (with the bronze body parts) used a micro ridge. The stylus change was of course described as an improvement, but perhaps this also had contractual reasons. 

This provides no answer to who’s making this stylus now, since Gyger is said to be out of business, but I have low knowledge levels 😁

I’ve never done a comparison specifically aimed at the Replicant 100, but I do have 4 different cartridges equipped with that stylus. These are Benz LP, Ortofon SPU Gold Reference, A90 and A95. Is there a sonic imprint that they share and that could be attributed to the Replicant 100?

I might need to refresh my memory, but I’m inclined to say no. The Benz LP and the SPU both sound warm and lush, while Ortofon A90 and A95 are very neutral, open and transparent. Totally different characteristics and yet they all use the same stylus/cantilever assembly. Just goes to show that you probably shouldn’t make to much of these parts of the equation. The choice of body, coil and magnet materials, damping, compliance, output level, etc. all play their ‘part’.

Ortofon is still able to deliver cartridges with Replicant 100 stylus, both with boron and diamond cantilevers. Perhaps this comes from their own supply of Gyger parts,  which will eventually dry up. Or there’s another jewel company who has bought Gyger’s copyrights and is now supplying these styli themselves, either from Ireland as has been suggested or someplace else. 

There’s an eBay seller in the US that provides retipping service for any cartridge you can imagine. Beside Namiki micro ridge and Ogura Vital this seller also offers Gyger FG tips, with either boron or ruby cantilevers. While not using the word Replicant 100, it does suggest other sources. Does this sufficiently refute your ‘general statement’?

No mercy no wine? Oh well, life is hard and than you die!
But life’s too short for the sort of stylus naval gazing as witnessed by pindac’s link. Jeez.