Need to buy MMC4 cartridge

13 replies
98
Offline
987nick
Bronze
Posted April 12, 2024 at 12:52 GMT
#1643560
I can see find a number of suppliers who sell new cartridges; 3 in the UK and Soundsmith in the US.

I've read good stuff about Soundsmith, but their cartridges are quite expensive when delivered to my door in the UK, about £300 (this price includes shipping and VAT, but there may also be duty and UPS brokerage fees to get it to my front door in the UK).  There is then the question about any warranty support and having to send it back to the USA.

The UK sellers are about £270, but I've not seen many reviews about their cartridges.  Anybody here bought from the UK and if so,  were you happy with your purchase.

 
AU
Offline
auric
Bronze
Posted April 15, 2024 at 05:22 GMT
#1664133
Your other option is to have a MMC4 rebuilt:

In the US:
https://aminaaudio.com/cartridge

Here is a video of someone who tried the service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9K01klpwuc

You can also get it fixed in Germany:
https://www.tonabnehmerservice.de/en/About-us-oxid/
Capt’nGerard, formerly known as Gaea
Offline
Capt’nGerard, formerly known as Gaea
Gold
Posted April 15, 2024 at 08:42 GMT
#1664139
The German service is a good adress for retipping.

If you buy a secondhand cartridge, you'll accept that they mostly need a retip.

I'm afraid that a cheap cartridge does not excist...

 

Location: Netherlands

A.K.A Capt’nGerard on the Discord
98
Offline
987nick
Bronze
Posted April 15, 2024 at 12:50 GMT
#1664149
Thanks for the input.  I don't have the old cartridge; must have thrown it away about 20 years ago when I knocked the tip off.

My plan is to buy a new one from the UK, but before I did that I wanted to see if there was any downside to this.
BK
Offline
bkslash
Bronze
Posted April 15, 2024 at 18:06 GMT
#1664159
SoundSmith cartridges are really good - I have one SMMC4 myself, working great with Beogram 3000.

Best regards

Adam
BeoSound 2500 + BeoLab 4500 + BeoLab 3500 + LC2 + iMac G4
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted April 16, 2024 at 10:34 GMT
#1664175
Are the UK sellers selling the Soundsmith cartridges or rebuilt MMC cartridges?  I don't think there are any other options.  Either way it would probably be a safe purchase.

 
98
Offline
987nick
Bronze
Posted April 16, 2024 at 12:08 GMT
#1664178
I called one of the UK sellers and they said their cartridges all new non B&O.  They used to to do refurbs, but the "man" who did them is no longer available.

I didn't have the cheek to ask where they sourced them from.  But, before I buy one I will ask if they're importing Soundsmith ones.
MA
Offline
Mark
BronzeFounder
Posted April 16, 2024 at 19:21 GMT
#1664190
If they are not selling rebuilt B&O cartridges then they would almost have to be a UK distributer for Soundsmith.  Soundsmith is licensed and authorized by B&O to make replacement cartridges, and they claim to be the only entity to do so. Peter Ledermann had to reverse engineer existing cartridges in order to make new ones.  If these UK dealers are selling a cartridge made by someone else I would be very leery in buying one.  Don't be afraid to ask, but I'm sure it's Soundsmith.
98
Offline
987nick
Bronze
Posted April 16, 2024 at 20:48 GMT
#1664193
Good idea.  Being a lifelong cynic, I think I’d have asked that but it’s good to hear I’m not alone in that thinking.
AU
Offline
auric
Bronze
Posted April 16, 2024 at 23:40 GMT
Edited April 16, 2024 at 23:41 GMT
#1664194
You can hear Peter Ledermann talk about B&O cartridges here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F65mODzn4Gk

B&O portion starts at 20 min mark.

Here is a tour of his factory:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd948px1230
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