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SoundSmith repair time

Have any of you received a rebuilt cartridge from the SoundSmith recently? How long was the turnaround time? I sent one to them in December, and got the receipt confirmation email, with an estimated 8-10 week time frame for repair. They mentioned that my cart may have suspension damage, could that be why its taking so long? I know they can get backed up, but I guess I'm getting impatient. The cart was damaged (yes, I'm an idiot) a few months before I got around to sending it off, so It's been almost a year now since I've been able to listen to my turntable.
hifi_rookie
13 responses Add your response
lindisfarne
511 posts
 
Needless to say (I hope) when someone promises 2-2.5 months to do something and it's going on 7 months , that is entirely unacceptable. I would never do biz with a shop like this.
manitunc
795 posts
 
Have you called to find out? Peter usually takes abut 8-12 weeks for a repair, but sometimes, if there is unusual damage and he just doesnt want to give up on a cartridge, he may keep working on it in his spare time, which isnt much. Call and find out.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Peter is over extended in these cartridge repairs/updates. Look to Europe.
hifi_rookie OP
5 posts
 
Manitunc, I haven't called, but I did send an email a couple of weeks ago to check on it. I haven't received a response yet.

Soundsmith repaired this cart for me in 2011 and the results where phenomenal, so for that reason I hate to look elsewhere. That time it only took about 2 months.
cardiackid
63 posts
 
I had my cartridge repaired by soundsmith, I should say upgraded from a Shelter 901 to a Shelter 901ssm3! It took about two months or so.
macster
64 posts
 
Call them, they don't do email very well. Let us know how this turns out.

M~
hifi_rookie OP
5 posts
 
Called the SoundSmith yesterday, and got a response today. They've spent quite a bit of time working on my cart, tried a couple fixes, and concluded that it is damaged beyond repair. No charge, and returning it to me.

I recently bought another cart with a broken cantilever that should be a simple repair job, so I'll send it to SoundSmith. Since they spent so much time on my other one for no payday, I don't mind giving them my business.
awise1961
24 posts
 
I sent two cartridges to Soundsmith in mid March (Clearaudio Maestro and Adcom HPE/II) for level two rebuilds and received them both back two weeks ago.
My Koetsu Black is headed out tomorrow for the top level re-tipping service. I want to retain the original Boron cantilever.
plosive
16 posts
 
I sent two carts in on May 5th. I just got them back today. 1 Dynavector DV-10X5 to level 2 and a Dynavector DV-20X2H to level 3.

I am listening to the 20 right now and I am shocked at the difference! It is not even in the same league as the original tip.

(But then again, I have been listening to all digital for 16 weeks )
beaux's avatar
beaux
13 posts
 
You all have great patience. The audio market is sick. 
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Not as patient as you apparently. Four year old thread. :)

Dave
iopscrl
192 posts
 
Another data point.....sent in last fall, telephone consult with Mr. Lederman, repair and return.....3mos start to finish.


jbny
38 posts
 
Soundsmith sent in for retipping on April 10th, received back on July 1st.
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