Right now I have a rebuilt MMC5 on my Beogram 1800 (Axel did the rebuild). I like the sound, but of course now I wonder how much better things can get with a better cartridge. I've read some of the conversations about the sound of Axel's rebuild vs. the SMMCs of Sound-Smith, but I'd like to know if anyone has had experience with a rebuilt MMC2 specifically, and whether it would be worth the investment compared to going with, say, a Sound-Smith SMMC3.

I have a rebuilt MMC2 courtesy of Axel and it is superb - just as good as the original. Very good value for money as well. You can of course make any of the MMC range into a 2 as the only difference in these cartridges is the cantilever and diamond and this is changed. 

Agree with Peter re the Axel MMC2

Does Axel do MMC1's - if so, how much does he charge?

Lee

I would imagine it would be the same as a MMC2 Lee. IIRC, MMC1's were simply handpicked MMC2's. I'm sure Peter et al will correct me if I'm wrong!!!!

Chris.

I always thought so too, but then noticed that Beocentral lists the effective tip mass of MMC1 as 0.25 g, vs the 0.3 grams of MMC2.

I have no idea which property, smaller ETM or hand picking, would provide a bigger audible difference though!

I do remember these coming out and being told that the 1 and 2 are identical but the 1 was the best performing as it was selected cartridges found on testing. However the catalogues do suggest that the ETM of the 1 is lower which would suggest a longer contact area. Either way, I doubt that an average Beogram would allow the differences to be heard! Of course neither of these cartridges had the lowest ETM - that prize went to the MMC6000 at 0.22. 

Thanks for the feedback on my original post. I went ahead and ordered the MMC2 from Axel. I'll report back when it arrives and I've had a chance to break it in a little.