Following an accident last week with my Hana SL (Snapped cantalever) I contacted expert stylus to get a quote for a rebuild. I received an email reply today giving me 2 options.

1. Rebuild with a new std aluminium cantalever (I have original and the stylus to send them)

2. Rebuild with an upgraded white Sapphire cantalever and Paratrace stylus.

Option 2 is only £69 more than option 1, so on the surface this seems like a very cost effective way to 'upgrade' a cart.

However the Hana SL is a very good cart in standard trim and I really enjoyed it. Though I have never had a more expensive cart to compare it too, so wouldn't know what I was missing against say a Benz Micro or an Ortofon Cadenza.

If I was to go for the upgrade rebuild would it change the sonic character significantly. If so would it potentially be for the better, and sonically, atleast move me further up the cartridge ladder??

Your thoughts and comments on this would be much appreciated