1. Yes. I've occasionally had it matter sonically with a few cartridges, but not usually.
2. You can buy replacement clips and re-solder them in place without rewiring the arm, but ONLY if:
a) you use high quality silver solder;
b) you have good closeup vision, steady hands and experience soldering small, delicate parts; and
c) you have a low-powered soldering pencil suitable for the purpose.
Those 1200W soldering guns that look like a Colt .45 would melt these delicate wires and clips in a flash. If you don't know what you're doing, practice on some throwaway wire and parts before risking that Valhalla. (NICE wire by the way!)
2. You can buy replacement clips and re-solder them in place without rewiring the arm, but ONLY if:
a) you use high quality silver solder;
b) you have good closeup vision, steady hands and experience soldering small, delicate parts; and
c) you have a low-powered soldering pencil suitable for the purpose.
Those 1200W soldering guns that look like a Colt .45 would melt these delicate wires and clips in a flash. If you don't know what you're doing, practice on some throwaway wire and parts before risking that Valhalla. (NICE wire by the way!)