I bought a Van Den Hul 'Frog' some 3 or 4 years ago. I never thought I would put out that much scratch for a cartridge but it was a reward to myself for reaching one of those 'stretch' life goals. It seemed like a lot of money at the time (still does) but the VDH re-build service made the decision a bit easier. I had previously owed a Lyra Lidea / re-built/tipped by VDH and was very happy with the cartidge.
I wanted to have the re-build done about six months ago. The problem? VDH USA responsibilities have been jumping around. The VDH web-site is incorrect. Google searches brought me to two incorrect dealers. It was really starting to piss me off. Phone calls were not returned, others returned but w/o the information I needed - who do I ship the f^cking cartridge to for repair (a major selling point for anyone willing to shell out $$$ for a VDH high-end cart.)?
Finally, one of my calls got forwarded to the right place - Dale at Eugene Hi-Fi:
http://www.eugenehifi.com/Quick plug here for Dale - He is the man - great guy - loves to talk audio. He also recognizes that the process/service has had some bumps over the past year and is doing everything he can to repair the damage w/VDH customers. A gentleman of high character.
My tab? $293 (incuding shipping). About 4 weeks turnaround. The result? Re-built/as new VDH Frog.
Am I happy? Yep. The cart arrived yesterday at around noon. I mounted her up, listened a bit then absolutely had to take the rest of the day off.
I work out of my house and am having difficulty getting anything done today. aa It took about 4 or 5 albumns for the Frog to start opening up. As time goes on it just gets better - bass tightening up, low level details brought more up front, placement of instruments, deeper/wider soundstage, and more emotion to the music than I can remember. How many hours did I suffer with a worn out Frog? Who knows. All I can tell you is that my reaction with the re-build is the same as when I bought it new. Just love it and am amazed that I can still get goosebumps just from listening to music. Just for fun I mounted the cart on 3 different TTs. One I knew was better than the other 2 but what I quickly found out is that the 2 I thought were on the same level are not. This cart will bring out the best in your equipment.
Speaking of which, I may have to take the $$$ I saved not having to buy new and put it towards an upgrade somewhere else in the system.
I am very happy w/VDH, thrilled w/the service from Dale at Eugene Hi-Fi and while the process was bumpy I highly recommend the VDH re-build service for anyone with a good MC cart that is past it's prime. I'm also happy w/my original decision to by the Frog in the first place - my cost of ownership was just cut almost in half.
The VDH re-build service is top notch - good enough that I'm surprised it's not talked about more on these forums. My only concern going forward is that old A.J. VDH is still kicking when the Frog's legs next get tired (or that he passes his craft onto someone to continue the story...).
