ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
A few years ago my MMC3 died, so I replaced it with a used MMC2 which has now also died, both, it seems are repairable. My question is this,
Do I send my MMC2 away to be repaired with its sapphire cantilever and contact line diamond which has probably had a quite lot of use.
Do I send my MMC2 to Axel for a Shibata tip and alluminium cantilever, is this an upgrade, maybe better tip but not as good cantilever ?
Do I send Axel my MMC3 for the Shibata tip and cantilever and get the MMC2 repaired by Benny Amina in the states so I will have a spare, bit costly I know.
In case you're wondering I have tried asking Axel but all I got back was that the Shibata diamond is better.
Does anyone have any experience / recommendation ?
I have an MMC2 repaired by Axel with Shibata tip and alluminium cantilever and I'm very happy with it. I haven't been able to compare with sapphire cantilever and contact line diamond so a can't say which is best.
//Bo.A long list...
Why send them to different places?
I'd go with Axels recommendations.
I have a rebuilt MMC20CL from Axel and it's superb - on a saphire cantilever, not Aluminium.
I suppose you need to decide if you want to just rebuild to original spec or not?
Dave.
This may have changed since I received mine, but I'm pretty sure Benny only repairs to the level of MMC4. Peter Lederman at the Sound Smith does a full range (excluding MMC5).
Axel put a sapphire cantilever and line contact diamond on an MMC2 for me - just as good as new. He also has done a couple of Shibata tipped cartridges which are my favourite. Either would be excellent.
Peter
Peter: Axel put a sapphire cantilever and line contact diamond on an MMC2 for me - just as good as new. He also has done a couple of Shibata tipped cartridges which are my favourite. Either would be excellent.
I guess that Axel has done about 40 for me. I have either MMC2 or MMC4 refurbished to as near as possible to their original specification and fit them to most of the decks that I sell as Beo4life.
The MMC2's get contact line diamond and sapphire cantilever and they are always superb.
For interest, the MMC4's get elliptical diamond and aluminium cantilever. They both sound and track every bit as good as the originals.
Regards Graham
The only reason for sending one to Axel and one to Benny is cost, Axel is about £70 more than Benny who can repair an MMC2 if the cantilever and stylus are ok.
If the MMC-2 stylus/cantilever are intact, and the suspension is at fault (odds are this is the case), he just rebuilds the suspension for $150. It's still an MMC-2.
And that in a nutshell, is why I am still in two minds about what to do. A repaired MMC2 with a used, (who knows how well used), diamond for $150 dollars or a rebuilt one with a brand new Shibata diamond and aluminium cantilever for the equivalent of $275, almost double the cost.
I'm sure that Benny will take a good look and report back before he does much with it. If he says the diamond is shot/well used then you can make an informed decision. If the diamond is good, then a simple and cheaper rebuild is in order if cost is of prime importance.
If it needs replacing, then Axel is your man and you will have a shibata diamond which you know the condition and amount of use it's had. For the extra cost and security of mind - as well as quality of vinyl reproduction, I still think I'd lean towards Axel.
Also consider that, whatever you decide, this is a one time cost, these cartridges will last forever if treated right.
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
One time cost ?Do not the repaired MMCs get worned out , like any other needles ?
My re-capped M75 are my precious diamonds.
Decision finally made. Having had confirmation that MMC1 - 5 are all the same except the cantilever and stylus I have sent my MMC3 to Axel for a Shibata diamond stylus and aluminium cantilever and have kept the MMC2 which I could have repaired at a later date, retaining the original cantilever and stylus.
I am eagerly awaiting the return of my repaired MMC3 and I'm hoping I'm going to be blown away by it and once again rediscover some of my much loved vinyl.
Thanks for your collective input
Hi Peter,
Like you, I had Axel fit one MMC2 with a sapphire cantilever and the original Pramanik , another with a Shibata - use them in my Beogram 6500 owned from new - can't tell the difference to be honest.
Hi Danny
I contacted Axel a few days ago and he informed me he no longer has the sapphire cantilever option. I believe boron is the alternative.
Drew