I recently had my Koetsu Onyx Platinum Diamond cartridge re-tipped. So as not to be a "flamer", I won't reference where/who did the re-tipping; however, I will say that the service, responsiveness, and the repair results were considerably below my expectations. Nonetheless, when I finally receive my cartridge back, mounted it, made all of the adjustments (with the Graham 1.5t arm, this is quite easy), and lowered it on to a reference piece of vinyl, to say that I was underwhelmed would be an understatement. I also have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature, so true A-to-B comparisons were easily performed and the re-tipped Onyx was so inferior - in all aspects - to the Rosewood Signature, that I had to ask "what's wrong here!?". So I contacted the re-tipper, and he finally replied after two weeks of my trying to chase him down. "Cartridge Loading" he tells me, and I tell him of the comparison to the Rosewood Signature and my past very vivid recollection of the sonic signature of the Onyx; furthermore, the loading of the two Koetsu's should be similar/same (never a problem in the past!); so what gives?
I should note that the Onyx had about 250-300 hours on it, and other than the fact that the diamond tip had come off the cantilever (children!!), everything else was fine. Additionally, since this is a "Diamond" series Onyx, when I shipped it to him for re-tipping, I requested that he NOT replace the cantilever - just the diamond tip.
So I'm looking for some advise here... 1) I've been told by some that Koetsu does not recommend re-tipping. An "authorized" Koetsu dealer/re-tipper will rebuild your entire cartridge using only the old body/housing of your old cartridge. OK fine - but for $3,000 to $4,000! Suggestions/input on this? 2) Should I ship the cartridge back to the re-tipper (he advised he'd accept it back and inspect it). However, I'm apprehensive of dealing with this guy again, and if putting a new, non-Koetsu, diamond on the cartridge will ever be "on a par" (or even close!) with the original, then why spend good money after bad? 3) If there are other Koetsu owners who have gone the re-tip route (not rebuild), what were the results, and if you were pleased with the outcome, where did you have the re-tipping done? And 4) Has anyone had their Koetsu completely rebuilt: if so, what were the results and where did you have it done?
Very frustrating and disappointing and would appreciate any feedback I can get.
Kyle