Ortophon spu-gt, which rebuild ?

I see what you mean Jaspert, the Technics with the supplied aux. weight can balance up to a 13gm cartridge, and the head shell is 6gm, for a max. of 19gr vs the 32 for the SPU.

I will rephrase my question :

The various Sound Smith re-tips run $150, $350 & $450, for example.

Assuming a suitable tonearm, does it make sense to spend that much on a repair, or spend the money on a new cartridge ?

Ken

Repair, certainly repair.

My hardware store has a metal ring with a set-screw that works perfectly as an auxilliary counterweight. It comes in various sizes, have a look at your local store.

Thanks Viridian, do you have an opinion on what level of repair would bring out the best in the SPU ?

At Sound smith it seems like the choices are: aluminum cantilever, ruby cantilever and ruby cantilever with special diamond tip.

Jaspert, How does one get in touch with Expert Stylus & Co in UK ? The don't seem to have a web address or even e-mail. I could send an Owl, if I had one, I suppose.

I like the look of the Schick arm, haven't seen anything so minimal since the original AR.

What about the SME arms ?

I confess I am a bit at sea here, but this was not a planed acquisition. I bought out a estate's record collection, and at the very end, they told me to just take anything or every thing.

V, making a counter weight is not a problem, I have my own lathe.

Ken

Hi Ken,

Here is their email for contact.

info@expertstylus.co.uk

The reason that they make three different levels of cantilever/stylii at Soundsmith is that different people want different things. I would get the elliptical/aluminum, because first it is closest to the original setup and second, a little less detail can be a good thing with less than pristine records. But my needs are, no doubt, different than yours.

I would have a look at the level 2 as well. Sometimes the more radical stylus cuts will ride at a place in the groove, that has less damage, and can actually sound more quiet.

How about this answer, since you are dealing with a bespoke repair, why not consult with Peter Ledermann, since he will be doing the work, and take his guidance on the most appropriate rebuild for your needs?

BTW, why can't I find these estate sales with SPU cartridges and piles of Western Electric tube gear?