[Minn Mark]

I know this topic comes up time/time again but I know lots of VPI owners read this circle.

Recently I've been hearing distortion from my VPI Classic I (2011) with Sumiko Blackbird (2009). After attempts to resolve by re-cleaning the LPs, Onzow cleaning the needle, and looking for sources of static, I took a close look (as close as I can) at the stylus tip with a handheld 40x loupe magnifier. To my eye it looks as though I have lost part or all of the tip of the diamond.  Does this happen (I'm very careful with my system)?? I figure the Blackbird has about 1500 hrs on it, and have read that there are some quality problems with the Blackbird.

I want to re-tip ($900) or replace, so at this price point ($1000) what are other good choices for my set-up.?I have solid state equipment, only MM phono stage, Maggie 3.6R and listen to all types/genres. I like the sound the Blackbird gives me, and presently have Ortofons on my other TTS (2M Red @$99).

Thanks for your patience and good advice.

Mark

[Ericus Rex]

Hi Mark,

Check out Soundsmith.  Their top-of-the-line retip is half Sumiko's price.  I've had two carts redone by Soundsmith and have been very happy with the work.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if the quality of the stylus they use is far superior to what you'd get from Sumiko.

[Minn Mark]

Thanks E Rex, I had not considered that.

Just got the RA number so will send off for repair soon. THANKS for helping me save some $$.

Mark

[Ericus Rex]

 

[Wasatch]

Hi Mark,

Check out Soundsmith.  Their top-of-the-line retip is half Sumiko's price.  I've had two carts redone by Soundsmith and have been very happy with the work.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if the quality of the stylus they use is far superior to what you'd get from Sumiko.

I've also heard good things about Soundsmith.

[Scottdazzle]

Mark,

You really ought to consider the VPI/Soundsmith Zephyr cartridge.  It was designed specifically for VPI tonearms, sounds great, tracks great, and only costs $999 new.  I replaced my previous Dynavector cart with it and have been very pleased. I also have the Classic table.

Scott

[orthobiz]

I have a Zephyr that I have not yet installed.

Paul

[Bigload]

I don't have a lot of experience here but I put a Benz Micro Glider SH on my VPI Classic I and run it through the phono stage in my AVA Star hybrid preamp.  I think it all sounds absolutely fantastic.  I really like the whole set up. 

[YoungDave]

I had a Cardas Heart retipped by Soundsmith.  When I got it back I measured all the specs as part of my setup process, using the Dr. Feickert software - frequency response, channel balance, channel separation vs azimuth, channel phase response vs azimuth, resonance characteristics, etc etc.  In all respects the retipped cartridge met or exceeded the original performance recorded in my original setup log.  I dimly recall the same thing with my previous Tekne cartridge, likewise retipped by Soundsmith.  I also used the Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridge for several months, before deciding (very slightly) in favor of the Dynavector XV-1S for my table (VPI HR-X).  That was all several years ago.

I communicated fairly extensively with Peter Ledermann at Soundsmith over the years and I have the highest regard for him, his company, and the quality of his products.  I had some pretty exacting requests and I know that he did a lot of work on my carts personally in order to satisfy me - and I am nobody special in the audio business or any other business.

I recommend Soundsmith without hesitation and that is where my Dynavector will go when it needs a new stylus some day.

YoungDave

[Ericus Rex]

Mark,

Did you go with a retipping or are you having the ruby cantilever installed as well?

The two carts I had done both have boron cantilevers so I opted to retain them and went with the retipping.  If your sumiko has an aluminum tube cantilever you may consider going with the ruby.  It would cost you less than retipping and quite possibly sound much better.  Just for clarity, when I say 'retipping' I'm talking about a new diamond being installed onto the existing cantilever.  Whereas Soundsmith's Ruby rebuild uses a new ruby cantilever that is made with a diamond already installed (which makes it the cheaper option).

[Minn Mark]

Ericus,
The Blackbird's cantilever is boron ,and appears OK to me, so I selected the re-tip with the optimized diamond. Thanks again to all for the great advice.

Mark

[cheap-Jack]

Hi.

... To my eye it looks as though I have lost part or all of the tip of the diamond.  Does this happen (I'm very careful with my system)?? I figure the Blackbird has about 1500 hrs on it, and have read that there are some quality problems with the Blackbird.
I want to re-tip ($900) or replace, so at this price point ($1000) what are other good choices for my set-up.?
Thanks for your patience and good advice.

Mark

First off, I never own any phono cartridgs cost over a grand. So I can't recommend any.

I'd have heart attack should yr very short-lived cartridge issue befell me. It may also scare off many audio fans who want to start playing vinyls.

My big question is: how come expensive brandname cartridge can got worn out of its tip for only 1,500hours? It should be a major Q.C. issue. Wonder if you want to launch a claim against the cartridge manufacturer?

Thanks goodness. I've been enjoying my LP music bigtime for a few years now, using an old vintage Swiss made TT + a cheapie no-name MM cartridge with a conical stylus, tracking on mostly old recyled LPs picked up dirt cheap from thrift stores.  Yet no worn-out stylus tip nor any detectable drop of music quality after these long years. Consistent quality music.

I must be a lucky duck or what?

Mind you, I play masters from Pavarotti, Domingo, Victoria de los Angeles to the Beathles, the Eagles & Elvis. Or whatever LPs worth me picked up from thrift stores for as low as 75 cents a pop!

Or has my otherwise very luck vinyl experience already busted the well-adopted myth of having to drop big bundles to acquire hi-end brandname cartridge+TT, in order to really enjoy durable quality vinyl music??

Let our wise consumer readers to judge.

c-J

[Ericus Rex]

Hi.
First off, I never own any phono cartridgs cost over a grand. So I can't recommend any.

I'd have heart attack should yr very short-lived cartridge issue befell me. It may also scare off many audio fans who want to start playing vinyls.

My big question is: how come expensive brandname cartridge can got worn out of its tip for only 1,500hours? It should be a major Q.C. issue. Wonder if you want to launch a claim against the cartridge manufacturer?

Thanks goodness. I've been enjoying my LP music bigtime for a few years now, using an old vintage Swiss made TT + a cheapie no-name MM cartridge with a conical stylus, tracking on mostly old recyled LPs picked up dirt cheap from thrift stores.  Yet no worn-out stylus tip nor any detectable drop of music quality after these long years. Consistent quality music.

I must be a lucky duck or what?

Mind you, I play masters from Pavarotti, Domingo, Victoria de los Angeles to the Beathles, the Eagles & Elvis. Or whatever LPs worth me picked up from thrift stores for as low as 75 cents a pop!

Or has my otherwise very luck vinyl experience already busted the well-adopted myth of having to drop big bundles to acquire hi-end brandname cartridge+TT, in order to really enjoy durable quality vinyl music??

Let our wise consumer readers to judge.

c-J

shit happens