[Delacroix]

OK, I need my Clearaudio Concerto repaired (cantilever completely off the body, don't ask!). I know Soundsmith handles repairs and I do have an email into them but I want to know if there are other options out there? At times like this, I wish I'd kept a spare cartridge around but I've only upgraded by trade-in, and now I am suffering, just as the weekend starts and I am preparing to spin some tunes. If I am going to have to wait a while for any repair (as likely), I am also open to suggestions on a decent second cartridge as a stop gap and back up, assuming I'll need it again in the future. Rest of rig is SME 20/2/309 arm. Thanks

[neobop]

Hi,
At Soundsmith it will cost $350 for a new ruby cantilever and micro type tip.  He does a great job, but you may not want a ruby cantilever.  Other options are to trade it in at Clearaudio retailer, but that will probably be expensive, although you'll get a new one.
Also you could send it to VdH or another repair service.  Inquire at VdH through a local dealer or their US distributor, Blue Bird.
I know of another service in Germany that has a good reputation and you can get a boron cantilever and a Gyger tip.
http://www.schallplattennadeln.de/B-O-MMC-Reparatur-Repair/MMC-Repair-English/

I heard of this last option on another forum.  They've had numerous carts fixed and are pleased with his service.  He speaks English so you can call.
neo

[Delacroix]

Thanks Neo, I've asked around and been told by one repair service, (Analog Shop?) that it's probably unrepairable given the cantilever no longer being attached  to the body   No reply yet from Soundsmith, but I gather they are generally slow on replies.  An email to Musical Surroundings (Clearaudio importer) has resulted in them running a check on the serial number and promising to get back to me with options, if any. I am not optimistic about repairs at this point. As Frank would sing, 'regrets, I've had a few....'

[coverto]

I can vouch for Axel Scheurholz in Germany - just did a wonderful job with my Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood. Looks like the word's getting out and he just jacked up his prices, however.

[Delacroix]

As an update, Musical Surroundings, the Clearaudio importer here in the US, responded to my email with a trade-in offer on a new Concerto that I can exercise via a dealer. In effect, the cartridge is not repairable but they are offering me about the same value I'd get trading in or retipping a working Concerto so I  cannot complain with their offer. Never did hear back from Soundsmith. The Analog Store told me the felt the unrepairable cartridge body alone might be worth 10-15% of the price of the cartridge new, so I have to say the importer is working well with me here. Credit to them for this.