What we Do
I specialize in phono cartridge upgrades.
Note: I can do repairs, but why pay the cost of the repair, when for only a few dollars more, you can enjoy the benefits of an upgrade?
I’m upgrading my system; what should I upgrade first? For vinyl lovers, consider the cartridge first
The phono cartridge resides at the front of the audio chain. The rest of the system amplifies what is picked up by the cartridge, so the better the sound coming out of the cartridge, the better the system sounds.
How Phono Cartridges
are Marketed
When first sold, manufacturers market cartridges to match consumer demand, adjusting quality and price points to sell a differentiated line of cartridges to appeal to targeted tiers of consumers, from entry level to top of the line.In many cases, manufacturers differentiate products by changing the stylus, cantilever and cartridge outer cover, yet the generator, that is moving magnet or moving coil, can be identical from cartridge to cartridge.
Why Phono Cartridge Upgrades
When doing an upgrade, all the market positioning can be thrown out door and the goal can be to simply get the best sound for the buck. Thus, by swapping out the stylus and cantilever a cartridge can be upgraded to higher quality.
Phono Cartridge Basics
Yes, phono cartridges are complex, but they consist of only a few parts: the stylus, the cantilever, the generator (moving magnet or moving coil), internal wiring, suspension, and the cover. Moving magnet (MM) cartridges employ a tiny magnet on the stylus armature that induces a current into two coils as the stylus moves in the groove. In a moving coil (MC) cartridge, the coils are attached to the moving armature and induce a current in the magnetic field. High-end phono cartridges tend to be moving coil.
Namiki Diamond on Solid Boron
Namiki Diamond on Solid Sapphire
Body Modification (Denon)
In a phono cartridge, the best body is “no body”. The purpose of a body is to protect the internal generator rather than tuning the sound, which is a common misconception. An aftermarket body acts as an equalizer, altering the original signal from a generator. A true audiophile doesn’t use an equalizer in the signal path. Denon cartridges can be improved by opening its body partially so that the resonating waves inside the enclosed body can escape. This method is superior to adding an aftermarket body as it is free and doesn’t add mass to the existing cartridge weight (In fact it decreases the total weight and improves sound). Body modification is complimentary with the stylus upgrade service.”
I love answering questions and no question is too basic. I’ve been in audio forever and have seen and done everything, so please drop me an email.
Phono cartridges can be upgraded by simply upgrading components, but the results may not be good. The phono cartridge is a system. The stylus, cantilever, and moving coil/magnet interact with one another and selecting the right mix of components must be done through trial and error by someone with a trained ear. Experience matters.
The Upgrade Process
- Email or call for a quote. With the vast number of different cartridges, each has specific upgrade paths, so each must be quoted separately. Provide the manufacturer and model of the phono cartridge and what needs repair or if it is an upgrade.
- Place an order using <order process>… Mail the phono cartridge to 1169 Souza Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA, 95762
- Turnaround time through the repair/upgrade process is usually 1-2 days plus shipping time.
- The phono cartridge will be mailed back to the owner.
Body Modification (Denon)
In a phono cartridge, the best body is “no body”. The purpose of a body is to protect the internal generator rather than tuning the sound, which is a common misconception. An aftermarket body acts as an equalizer, altering the original signal from a generator. A true audiophile doesn’t use an equalizer in the signal path. Denon cartridges can be improved by opening its body partially so that the resonating waves inside the enclosed body can escape. This method is superior to adding an aftermarket body as it is free and doesn’t add mass to the existing cartridge weight (In fact it decreases the total weight and improves sound). Body modification is complimentary with the stylus upgrade service.”
I love answering questions and no question is too basic. I’ve been in audio forever and have seen and done everything, so please drop me an email.
Phono cartridges can be upgraded by simply upgrading components, but the results may not be good. The phono cartridge is a system. The stylus, cantilever, and moving coil/magnet interact with one another and selecting the right mix of components must be done through trial and error by someone with a trained ear. Experience matters.
The Upgrade Process
- Email or call for a quote. With the vast number of different cartridges, each has specific upgrade paths, so each must be quoted separately. Provide the manufacturer and model of the phono cartridge and what needs repair or if it is an upgrade.
- Place an order using <order process>… Mail the phono cartridge to 1169 Souza Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA, 95762
- Turnaround time through the repair/upgrade process is usually 1-2 days plus shipping time.
- The phono cartridge will be mailed back to the owner.