Need to buy MMC4 cartridge

[987nick]

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.

 

[auric]

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:

You can also get it fixed in Germany:
https://www.tonabnehmerservice.de/en/About-us-oxid/

[Capt’nGerard, formerly known as Gaea]

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

[987nick]

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.

[bkslash]

SoundSmith cartridges are really good – I have one SMMC4 myself, working great with Beogram 3000.

Best regards

Adam

[Mark]

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.

 

[987nick]

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.

[Mark]

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.

[987nick]

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.

[auric]

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:

[pepps]

Hi @987nick ,

What was the outcome of your endeavours? Did you buy a UK cartridge or did you go for the Soundsmith option?

Julian

Location: Kent, UK

[etype76]

I’m considering a purchase from UK mmc retipper Audio Origin. I’m for a high end option such as the micro ridge tip with boron cantilever. They state that the number of the cart does not matter as they are all rebuilt so you can’t choose which you’ll get, it depends on stock. Of course, if I’m into B&O then aesthetics and details matter so I would want a cart that says mmc20CL or Mmc4000 -perhaps just my ocd.

As an aside, I have a 20cl and the vocals sound good but instruments such as guitar licks, percussion etc are so far recessed they’re barely audible when compared to my 20en.

I’ve also considered Soundsmith but the current $ strength, shipping, duty makes their 20cl+ an eye-watering layout of cash.

[987nick]

pepps wrote:

Hi @987nick , What was the outcome of your endeavours? Did you buy a UK cartridge or did you go for the Soundsmith option? Julian

Sorry for delay in replying.  I bought one from the UK, a Tonar one, which is made by Soundsmith.  It arrived in one piece (always a relief for such a small and expensive part) and has worked fine so far.

[Author]

Posts