Hello;
I recently purchased two Beograms, 4000 and 4004. I was unfortunate enough (eBay) to have both cartridges damaged (only one channel works) . I made the continuity tests and the decks seem to be OK, therefore the need for replacing the cartridges.
Having discarded going back to eBay for the replacements (it's just too risky), I'm thinking of using the retyping service from Soundsmith:
http://www.sound-smith.com/retip/
For the Beogram 4004 I'm thinking of the aluminium cantilever option (same as the priginal MMC20EN). As per the 4000, I will probably go for the ruby cantilever with nude contact line diamond or perhaps even a new SMMC20CL:
http://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/boall.html
My question is if anybody has used or heard references on the retyping service from Soundsmith? Will the retyped cartridge perform at a similar level of an original cartridge? I know SMMC cartridges are as good, if not better than MMC ones, however I have never came across a retyped one.
Also if anybody can comment on the shipment from the US to Europe, I've read stories of cartridges going back and forth through customs.
Any comment will be greatly appreciated.