Hi,

I've found a source here for new, unopened MMC4/5 cartridges. They are not a steal at 180€ for the '5 and 290€ for the '4 .

Of course, the sellers think that being new, they must be in perfect condition!

I'm trying to negociate with the "Axel argument" (fair enough, isn't it), but nothing so far.

Are these worth the shot, or should I just give up, and let some other fools buy them?

I wouldn't bother - the suspension can still dry out and the last of the MMC4 cartridges seem to have more problems with loose pins. The MMC5 is rarely seen as it was not fitted as standard to any deck - the lower end used the MMC4.

Alright then. Thanks for your piece of advice Peter. Axel once more then I suppose.

As an aside, you never did tell us about that Dave Brubeck LP!

Anyone interested on a new boxed MMC5 for 130€?

It's still for sale!

Hi,

Got my MMC4 from Axel.

It is a different animal to the old one! The cartridge rides much, much higher and the suspension is very stiff, which Axel tells me is normal, along with the longer cantilever. It gathers more dust as well! My main concern is that treble is on the dull side I think. There's a clear lack of detail.

I don't suppose the ride height really matters so long as the rake of the stylus gives the correct vertical tracking angle.

I am surprised that you find it lacking in treble - I was under the impression that, along with new Soundsmith cartridges, Axels refurbished cartridges produced a brighter sound. I'm relying on earsay here though as I haven't yet used Axels services myself.

Chris.

Yes Chris, I agree about Soundsmith. I have an SMMC20EN and it is a bit bright, but not unpleasant.

Axel's MMC4 is indeed lacking a bit up there, with noticeable muddle on certain records which paradoxically present no tracking problems...

Example: Breakfast in America is dull and muddled, but it should be bright and clear! It has no bass.

Does that mean you're not happy with the results?

That's right, unfortunately. It doesn't sound very good at all and vinyl roar and surface noise are painful to hear. 

And the stylus gathers à lot of dust. A one-off surely, given all the praise here, but why me?

Could anyone here post a photo of their re-tipped MMC4 please? 

I can assure you that they are not all like that! Indeed, I have always been delighted with all the MMC4's that he has done for me.

Sometimes the tracking weight needs to be adjusted upwards slightly.

If you are still not happy then send it back to Axel for examination.

Can't say I've noticed any of these problems - except the long cantilever. Can't use the flip-down stylus protector, as the stylus won't fit inside it!

joeyboygolf:

If you are still not happy then send it back to Axel for examination.

No need to mention that.

Axel's service is very good. I accidentally bent the cantilever of my newly restorated MMC5 and he repaired it without charge. Similar, I had to send my MMC6000 back to him to get it to work on both channels without distortion.

Still I wonder why it has not been tested before sending it back to the customer!

Leslie:

joeyboygolf:

If you are still not happy then send it back to Axel for examination.

And tell him you're a member of the Beoworld community...

 

What difference would that make?

In case the service is not that what can be expected, that's the difference!

chartz:

Yes Chris, I agree about Soundsmith. I have an SMMC20EN and it is a bit bright, but not unpleasant.

Axel's MMC4 is indeed lacking a bit up there, with noticeable muddle on certain records which paradoxically present no tracking problems...

Example: Breakfast in America is dull and muddled, but it should be bright and clear! It has no bass.

My SMMC20EN isn't the least bit bright.  Of my six cartridges, I think it the most neutral.  Of course, it's also on my best turntable feeding my best receiver...

I've got 6 to be retipped so it would be interesting to know which retipper I would choose mainly from the results an dthe service if any problems occur!

Leslie:

In case the service is not that what can be expected, that's the difference!

I get fantastic service from Axel and I don't buy from him as joeyboygolf.

I think you may be overestimating the importance of being a Beoworld member!

Good customer service is something that comes quite naturally to the vast majority of sellers, especially business sellers.

I have done my best to give you good customer service, when you buy from me, Leslie. It is nothing to do with you being a BeoWorld member!

From my dealings with Axel, I would say that he has the same philosophy.

I too love my SMMC, either on my Beogram 4000 or my 8000!

It even shows some CDs a thing or two. For instance, Kate Bush's Never For Ever sounds more detailed, with incredibly finely etched treble (original pressing).

It rides at the same height as the originals. 

The same record sounds dull and lifeless with my re-tipped MMC4, and I can hear all the defects of a 30-year-old LP which are usually not a problem, and the stylus gets dirty after each side.

I sent Axel another picture yesterday and I am waiting for his answer.

The stylus becoming overly & quickly dirty could well be an indication that the VTA is wrong which would definately be symptomatic of having the wrong ride height. It would put the stylus rake out of kilter which in turn would drag dirt out of the grooves which wouldn't normally be touched by a correctly tracking cartridge. (It does show you may need to clean your vinyl though)

Chris.

Yet another picture...

chartz:

Yet another picture...

That looks totally odd. Can't work right...

tournedos:

chartz:

Yet another picture...

That looks totally odd. Can't work right...

Perhaps 30 degrees too far CCW.

No news from Axel...