Should I retip a Shinon red, or replace it? $350


Basically I am getting a shinon red with a turntable that I purchased.

I need a new cartridge.

Simple question, in your opinion should I try a soundsmith retip for $350 or the same amount of cash on a new MC cartridge?

This also brings about the question old MC's vs. new. Is it true that the newer ones perform better at lower price points then the older units?

I know its an odd question, but I have no real area to audition carts. so I am just trying to figure out what to do.

Thanks - Evan
240z4u
Evan, remember a few months ago you were scratching your head about what to do with the rebuilt cartridge because the sound was bad. No more. Glad I fixed that :-)
Brian

Thank, Evan,
I sent two Shinon Red Boron carts to Soundsmith. One is the one I manage to kill and another one with a broken cantilever I found on ebay.
I tried one so far and it sounds beautiful.
The repair was done with a Ruby cantilever (instead of the original Boron).
No regrets. This cartridge has one of the best tone colors I have ever encountered.
Doron, glad to hear you had such a good experience and are pleased with it.

Essential; Thanks for the detailed setup job :)
Hi Harold,

You must be optimistic, inquiring about a post nearly six years old! ;^)

In fact, I still have my beloved Shinon. However it has not been in my system in over two years. Some time ago I became distracted by Raul's post on MM cartridges and began buying some of the recommended models. I've seen your name there so know you are somewhat familiar. Then a friend gave up his analog system due to health reasons and made me a good deal on his collection of cartridges, both MC and Mi. The result of all this is a stockpile of at least a dozen cartridges I've not auditioned. On top of that I'm selling my Kuzma and building a couple of tables with multiple cartridge accommodations, but that keeps being delayed by non-audio reasons.

So, bottom line is I've not heard my Shinon for some time, and I now have many alternatives to compare with, so I can't answer your question. Sorry.