Should I rebuild my MMC3 or buy a new cartridges for my Beogram 5500's?

I have two Beogram 5500 turntables with MMC3 cartridges. One of the cartridges has a broken cantilever and the other is useable but worn. I see many different rebuild services on eBay and have looked at the SoundSmith website. I would like to hear from others that have had B&O cartridges rebuilt and what to look for, and service companies to recommend or maybe to avoid. I would also like to hear opinions from those that have heard and compared a rebuilt B&O MMC3 and a new Soundsmith SMMC3 or SMMC2.

I use these cartridges and tables as part of my two Beosystem 5500 with BeoMaster 5500 receivers.

On a different thread I am going to ask about various services to rebuild my Beogram 5500 tables also. If you have suggestions please look for that thread also.

 

Thanks

I have an SMMC20EN which is an SMMC3 in a case! It is good but different from the original - it is more modern sounding - more detail and good stereo separation but if criticising, it is more tiring to listen to. Vintage B&O has a quite laid back sound whereas this is more in your face. I am sure from an accuracy point of view, it is probably better. I prefer my MMC20CLs though in the past I always liked my MMC6000 best - though that was when my hearing was better!

I have tried a few rebuilders with a variety of upgrade options and Soundsmith SMMC3 and 4 and I like to swap back and forth depending on setup, mood, or music choice. Personally, if I had to choose only one cartridge, I’d upgraded MMC3 with a rebuilder, something closer to a MMC2, which can be around the same price as a new SMMC3.

Audio-Origin, pickupservice dk, tonabnehmer. Also, classic-audio.

Rebuilds for MMC4/5 are getting more expensive and buying a new Soundsmith SMMC4 for that level is around the same price. There are a few here in the US I haven’t tried yet, like Amina audio that only does MMC4 level of rebuilds and the guy out of Chicago I can’t remember.

Right now, I have one cart off being rebuilt and I am preparing to be sending a collection of cartridges off to try a newer rebuilder with different options. Soon I will be sending a couple Soundsmith carts back to Soundsmith for rebuilding too, including a used SMMC3. A nice thing about Soundsmith is their rebuild prices for their own carts are pretty good and they can make some pretty interesting custom cartridges for B&O tables such as mono and low output.

Lots of good options these days.