[Nels Ferre]

Some of you may be aware that my Dynavector DV20XH was a bit worn and in need of attention.

I gave it a lot of thought as far as trade in, trade up, or having it rebuilt.  My condo needed new wood floors (don't ask) so after I got a few estimates in the 6 grand range, I decided against an upgrade, and settled on a re tip.

After looking around a bit I stumbled across Peter at The Soundsmith in upstate New York.  He advertises that he can rebuild damn near anything, and I felt confident after speaking to him on the phone, so off it went.

Less than 3 weeks later it returned, with a new ruby cantilever and line contact stylus. To say I am thrilled is an understatement- this may be the best $250 I've ever spent.   

Peter is a gentleman, genius and craftsman.  After his work, I got my upgrade after all!

Anyone who needs cartridge work (or other repairs) should do themselves a favor and check out The Sound Smith.

He also manufactures his own line of cartridges ranging from The Voice ($1600) to the Strain Gauge setup (far far more than $1600)  I should have a Voice here in the near future.   

www.sound-smith.com

[Toka]

Good to hear! If I ever find the Tandberg tape deck I've been lusting over for ages it will be sent to them for a work-over.

[WEEZ]

Nels, thanks for the link.

WEEZ

[Nels Ferre]

He is a Tandberg specialist as well, along with B&O.

I haven't owned a piece of Tandberg gear since I was in college. Thirty watt Tandberg receivers didn't hold up well at frat parties, but Gyro Touch Marantz receivers sure did!   

[ricmon]

Super super service.  I need their services now.  My finger had a little encounter with the stylus. 

[Toka]

That Voice cart looks very interesting as well. I may just have to write them for some more detailed specs...

[hmen]

I've been bringing stuff to Peter for years. He's worked on amps and a CDP for me. I've always been extremely happy with his work. And it's not really upstate. It's only about 35 miles north of the city.

[richidoo]

Soundsmith was at RMAF last year, and the strain gage cartridge was their highlight, IMO. Very lively sound, fast, effortless.

[zybar]

I've been bringing stuff to Peter for years. He's worked on amps and a CDP for me. I've always been extremely happy with his work. And it's not really upstate. It's only about 35 miles north of the city.

Having grown up in that area, it is interesting to see how it is labeled from a geography standpoint.

To NYC people, Peekskill (or Westchester County) is "upstate".

To people in the area (Westchester County) it is just outside NYC.

To the rest of New York state is "downstate".

To everybody outside of New York, it probably doesn't even matter...everybody thinks of New York as New York City anyway!

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Peekskill,+NY,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=image

Sorry for the little detour...

George

[hmen]

I live in Westchester. Upstate starts just north of my house. Peekskill is north of me so I guess it is upstate.    

[sunshinedawg]

Now that were off on a tangent, Peekskill has some pretty interesting history. It was involved in the Revolutionary War and was a stop on the underground railroad. My dad taught his whole career in the public schools there, so I am very familiar with the area. I fondly remember going down to the waterfront every year, where they would try to break different world's largest food records. I think there was a 10,000 egg omelet and a really, really long sandwich among many others. 

Oh, I also forgot. The Jets used to hold their training camp there.

[lofreek]

My Dynavector DV20HX had a cantilever issue and I agonized about what to do. I sent it to Soundsmith for repair and a ruby cantilever and line contact stylus. While Peter had it he called to let me know that the performance he was able to achieve after the repair was outstanding. When I got it installed and dialed in, I found he was correct. I am very impressed with his work.

[JCarney]

Peter is great. I sent my Benz Lp to him earlier this summer for a re-tip. Took about a week. Came home one day, and there it was. I was, needless to say, thrilled with the results.

JCarney

[hifitommy]

new yawkers thing that ANYTHING north of the 'city' is upstate.  including buffalo which is 400 miles to the west.  thats NOT upstate, thats WESTERN ny! 

thats ok, you will never change them.  a new yorker KNOWS he is right when he opens his mouth.

[ohenry]

I just sent off an old friend to Soundsmith.  It's a 20 year old cartridge... Adcom SXC-VDH High-output (a little over 2 mv), moving coil, and sapphire cantilever.  I propose to do the median level service on it... ruby cantilever and nude contact line diamond.

I'll let you guys know how it sounds when I get it back.  I really enjoyed this cartridge until it became old and worn.