Dynavector and Koetsu do not re-tip cartridges and have never done so.    Here are a few notes explaining some of the reasons.  The notes are divided into two sections, one for Dynavector and one for Koetsu although most of the points are valid for both.

Dynavector

It is not possible to replace the stylus on MC cartridges without seriously degrading the performance or damaging the cartridge.  That is why Dynavector offer a trade-in discount on any worn or damaged Dynavector cartridge provided it is less than 5 years old.  The old cartridge is simply exchanged for a brand new, latest model one at a significant discount.

Some of the reasons for this is that Dynavector use 11micron wire to wind the coils, this is the smallest diameter wire of any cartridge manufacturer.  It has the huge advantage of reducing the mass of the coil but it is very delicate and can be damaged during a re-tipping attempt.

Also some of the aluminium and boron cantilevers use a hollow tube and a typical re-tipping process will either crush the tube partially when extracting the stylus, or crush it while putting a new one in.  The cantilever tube can also be filled with adhesive used in fixing the stylus thus greatly increasing the mass of the cantilever.

The unique jewelled cantilevers used in Dynavector’s famous Karat cartridges are precisely laser machined and the "square end" which attaches to the coil assembly ensures a perfect alignment geometry every time.  It is the same with the stylus alignment.  The cantilever is cut obliquely, a rectangular hole is drilled through the end and while it is still super hot the stylus, which has a matching rectangular head, is quickly inserted.  The cantilever cools and the stylus is clamped in place, perfectly aligned every time.  This makes the Karat jewelled cantilever cartridges the world's most precise cartridge and gives the best results from the complex micro-ridge  stylus geometry.  One can see from the above that it is not possible to remove the stylus from a jewelled cantilever and some "3rd party geniuses" have simply replaced the jewelled cantilevers with aluminium ones.  Why ?   All the great benefits of the ultra-rigid cantilever are lost along with the alignment precision, low moving mass and the “clever” stylus!

Finally and probably the most obvious reason why re-tipping does not work is that invariably the suspension, cantilever assembly and the other moving parts of the cartridge are worn out.  It is rather like putting new tyres on an old car.  The tyres may be reasonable but the shock absorbers, bushes and other suspension components are worn.

Dynavector is one of the very few manufacturers of cartridges who actually do design and manufacture them.  Most "manufacturers" are simply OEM re-badgers and their only technical input is in creating the fancy brochures and exotic names for their “products”.  Dynavector have their own in house R&D laboratories, their own coil winding plant and assembly plant.  If it was possible to refurbish cartridges properly then Dynavector could do it.  After all the physicist, Dr Tominari of Dynavector, invented the high output MC cartridge, jewelled cantilever, micro ridge / line contact stylus and the latest magnetic materials!

Koetsu

Refer to above notes re. re-tipping, in particular the comments on the suspension.

Dynavector Systems deal with Koetsu directly.  We do not go through any 3^rd party warehouse.  Therefore we guarantee to provide our customers with genuine, brand new, latest model Koetsu cartridges and have been doing so since 1985.

We regularly send worn Koetsu cartridges back to Mr Sugano to be-rebuilt (Actually Mr Sugano’s two sons who now run Koetsu after Mr Sugano’s death several years ago).  Mr Sugano assesses the cartridge and if it is genuine, quotes on a "case by case" basis.  The cartridge is returned with the same body and serial number but a totally new cartridge inside.  I.e. a brand new, latest specification, stylus, cantilever, suspension, magnetic circuit and coil using the latest wire and materials.  The cartridge is effectively a brand new latest model Koetsu cartridge. 

Note:  Recently there have been a surprising number of advancements in the cantilever, magnetics & wire … (courtesy of Dr Tominari of Dynavector) … and all are included in the latest rebuilds.

It is not possible to quote a price in advance but generally it will be around 1/2 to 2/3rds  the price of a brand new one.

The new cartridge has a 12 month guarantee from Mr Sugano.  Of course it does sound like a Koetsu because it is a genuine Koetsu.

We trust that these notes are interesting and informative.  Please feel free to contact us for further information.