Cartridge options going forward


As much as I hate to admit it, my Lyra Etna is getting a little long in the tooth. I really look forward to listening to music with this cartridge but the amount of money they get for it has reached the point where I want to consider a more fiscally responsible alternative. I have owned a Kleos and Skala before the Etna and while the Kleos is good, it is not an Etna.  Any ideas?
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xmtwilke
Many suggest restoration.

I would ask Steve’s advice before going any further, he is highly respected.

https://vasnyinc.com/repair-service/

he gave me some good specific advice when I was researching, considering buying something for him to repair, sent him model names of ones I was considering.

I don’t think I will ever buy a very expensive cartridge, especially as I came to decide I would buy new, not re-tip or re-build, I always want a new suspension, so get a better profile and thus longer lasting stylus, enjoy it, new cartridge when needed.

I liked the specs, bought this new one, it’s my first MC, I love it’s wide channel separation imaging ability and it’s tight channel balance which allows a very stable phantom center.

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-coil/at33ptg-2






I agree. Contact Soundsmith before you do anything else. You might want him to rebuild your Etna even if you decide to buy something else. Good luck!
Luxman PD171 turntable, Jelco TK850S tonearm, Cardas Clear Beyond Phono Cable, PS Audio Stellar Phono Stage
Did you try any other cartridges besides Lyra ? 

What's the budget? 
I have owned Lyra for the last 10 years or so, Skala (retipped once by soundsmith), Kleos and most recently the Etna. I did try a Soundsmith Sussuro but did not keep it.  Would like to find something under 5000. Retipping or rebuilding is a long process and I don't want to be without. I am not quite at the replacement/rebuild point yet.Just trying to get a feel for what might be an alternative. That said a legit under 5000 Etna alternative may be hard to come up with.