Re-Tip or Replace

LotusFool

LotusFool

Well-Known Member
I recently purchased a 30 year old used SOTA Star Sapphire, that came with an SME arm and a Micro Benze Ace S cart. When I got it home and set up and played it I expected it to sound way superior to my old table. It was only a little better (detail in the bass on some recordings) but not at all as good as I expected. I did some reading over on the STOA thread and pretty much concluded that something must be wrong with this SOTA package. It seemed clear to me the 30 year old springs need replacement.

So I found a local shop who sells and services SOTA and took it to him. He took a good look at the Benze with a magnifying glass and pronounced it pretty shot. It was new in 2011, so at 7 years old that is not unexpected to me. He recommends a Hana Shibata for my table and arm. At $750 this seems like a good price point for me now. But I'm also thinking about saving some money and just having it re-tipped. Micro Benze no longer provides this service, so I guess it's Soundsmith or needlestine, to see if they can help, and what would be the turn around time. I hope needlestine sees this post and sends me a PM, because I do not know how to send him a PM off this site.
Any other recommendations on a good cart for this arm would also be appreciated.
Many Thanks,
GaryBenze ACE S.PNG
 
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If you click on needlesteins' avatar on one of his posts, a window will open. Select "start a conversation" and send your message. He does nice work!
 
I had needlestein re-tip a cartridge, and was thrilled with the result. Given the quality of work and the price charged, it worked out to an unqualified bargain.

Even if you do end up buying a new cart, it's good to have that one as a backup.
 
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