MoFi UltraDeck / StudioDeck Owners and those interested

[MacDonals]

I have almost 3 years on my UltraDeck/MasterTracker . When you say you have noticed a lot less tension in your stylus , could you provide some more details on the difference in sound you hear with an aging stylus . I cant say that I have heard any difference in my sound yet , but it so difficult to determine that . Of course aging ears does not help .

The sound still seems good although I feel like the bass is a bit more boomy with less clarity. The main thing I notice is that the cartridge is physically riding lower because the stylus lays flatter these days.

It’s definitely a bummer that the MasterTracker doesn’t have a replaceable stylus, because I’d choose to go that route if I could.

 

[Static Shock]

The sound still seems good although I feel like the bass is a bit more boomy with less clarity. The main thing I notice is that the cartridge is physically riding lower because the stylus lays flatter these days.

It’s definitely a bummer that the MasterTracker doesn’t have a replaceable stylus, because I’d choose to go that route if I could.

Thanks , yes its a pain to have to replace the whole cartridge rather than just the stylus . I will likely change the cartridge brand when the time comes .

 

[Angsty]

The sound still seems good although I feel like the bass is a bit more boomy with less clarity. The main thing I notice is that the cartridge is physically riding lower because the stylus lays flatter these days.

It’s definitely a bummer that the MasterTracker doesn’t have a replaceable stylus, because I’d choose to go that route if I could.

You can have the stylus and cantilever professionally replaced at VAS in New Jersey. Steve does a great job at much less cost than a full replacement.

 

[Static Shock]

You can have the stylus professionally replaced at VAS in New Jersey. Steve does a great job at much less cost than a full replacement.

I understood that the stylus in the MOFI cartridge could not be replaced ?

 

[Angsty]

I understood that the stylus in the MOFI cartridge could not be replaced ?

It cannot be replaced by the consumer. It can be replaced by a professional “re-tipper”. I’ve used VAS to replace styli on two MC cartridges.

Phono Cartridge Repair & Retipping Service | VAS Audio

VAS offers professional phono cartridge repair and retipping services for those in need of a rebuild.

vasnyinc.com

 

[Static Shock]

It cannot be replaced by the consumer. It can be replaced by a professional “re-tipper”. I’ve used VAS to replace styli on two MC cartridges.

Phono Cartridge Repair & Retipping Service | VAS Audio

VAS offers professional phono cartridge repair and retipping services for those in need of a rebuild.

vasnyinc.com

Thanks , I understand now . Being from Canada makes it all the more difficult.

 

[Angsty]

Thanks , I understand now . Being from Canada makes it all the more difficult.

Apologies that I had not noted the Canadian location. I’d still contact Steve to see what he can do, as I’m sure he’s done business with Canadians previously.

 

[Static Shock]

Apologies that I had not noted the Canadian location. I’d still contact Steve to see what he can do, as I’m sure he’s done business with Canadians previously.

No apologies required . Will follow up to see if he deals with Canadian orders.

 

[MacDonals]

Thanks for the tip (pun intended). I think I'll take advantage of this, even though I am getting my Nagaoka.

Having a re-tipped backup is better than having a worn-out cartridge sitting around. Any thoughts on what a re-tipping might cost? I'm hoping not more than $200.

 

[Angsty]

Thanks for the tip (pun intended). I think I'll take advantage of this, even though I am getting my Nagaoka.

Having a re-tipped backup is better than having a worn-out cartridge sitting around. Any thoughts on what a re-tipping might cost? I'm hoping not more than $200.

It can be around $200 depending on the stylus type. My Hana SL was retipped for $235 in 2020 and my Hana ML was retipped for $360 in 2022. An elliptical will likely be cheaper and more exotic cantilevers will cost more.

You can see sample pricing on eBay under vas_cartridge_repairs, but I always went to him directly, not through eBay.

 

[spydrwebb44]

Steve's a good bird .

 

[mindhead1]

It can be around $200 depending on the stylus type. My Hana SL was retipped for $235 in 2020 and my Hana ML was retipped for $360 in 2022. An elliptical will likely be cheaper and more exotic cantilevers will cost more.

You can see sample pricing on eBay under vas_cartridge_repairs, but I always went to him directly, not through eBay.

Does a ‘retipped’ stylus last as long and perform as well as a new one?

 

[Angsty]

Does a ‘retipped’ stylus last as long and perform as well as a new one?

Yes, if done well. Typically both the stylus and the cantilever are replaced as a single SKU, so the real skill is in the cantilever removal/reinstallation and suspension restoration. There are only a handful of these styli manufacturers left worldwide.

 

[MacDonals]

OK, I'm sending my old cart to Steve for review. Interestingly, the MasterTracker is on a very good sale from MusicDirect right now ($500)

 

[Angsty]

OK, I'm sending my old cart to Steve for review. Interestingly, the MasterTracker is on a very good sale from MusicDirect right now ($500)

How much will the re-tip be? I need to update my pricing notions.

 

[Angsty]

OK, I'm sending my old cart to Steve for review. Interestingly, the MasterTracker is on a very good sale from MusicDirect right now ($500)

The Hana SL (Mk I) is also on sale for $600 while supplies last.

 

[MacDonals]

How much will the re-tip be? I need to update my pricing notions.

Steve did not quote me. I want a replacement for the existing stylus, no upgrades, which, per Angsty's comment, could be in the ~$200 range.

That said, my Nagaoka MP-200 arrived yesterday and is going on the deck this week. Quick question, because I can't recall. How do the anti-skate rings work on MoFi decks again? Where is ring 1 (closest to the fulcrum or furthest?)

 

[LiamGallaghersBucketHat]

Current and former MoFi users, what are your top 3 cart recommendations sub $1K. I’m entertaining the idea of changing out my MasterTracker next year.

 

[AnthonyI]

Goldring 1042 [MM], Grado Sonata3 [MI], Hana SL [MC]

If you can go Low Output on the Grado and Hana I'd recommend it, the Hana is/was my favorite, just depends on personal preferences

 

[Ghost]

Current and former MoFi users, what are your top 3 cart recommendations sub $1K. I’m entertaining the idea of changing out my MasterTracker next year.

Obsessed with my Hana SL.