DS Audio cartridges: Lifespan, retip or replace?

[Mendel]

I am interested in these cartridges and have the opportunity to purchase a DS003 system. I have read a lot of the reviews and ongoing threads, but none of them seem to mention lifespan or what you do with the cartridge when the lifespan is over.
How long do they last (in hours of music played)? Are the cantilever and stylus replaceable like a moving magnet cartridge (doubtful). Do you get a aftermarket “retipper” like Soundsmith to replace the cantilever and/or the stylus? If you do that, is it really still a DS Audio cartridge? Or do you trade it in to DS Audio for a new one like I do with my Lyra’s?
Appreciate any info from users of these cartridges.

 

[fordy964]

they run regular cantilevers and diamonds (model dependant) same as any other cartridge would so aftermarket retippers can retip them or install a new cantilever if it breaks. As to lifespan then it would be similar to other high end carts which depends on tip type and how clean your records are etc... but I would imagine over 1000 hours would be normal.

 

[Balle Clorin]

For a Microline/Microridge/. 1000hr is what AudioTechnica say , Fine line 800, conical 500, and elliptical 300hrs. Jico say half of that for their MM replacement styli.

All styluses for any cartridge comes from on of the same 3 producers, so the hr values from AT is probably the maximum you can expect… Ortofon say about the same…

No replacement stylus for DS audio, but maybe they allow trade in or retip? Could not find that information, you would have to ask directly I think


but you seem to have superior cartridges already? ….so why go into a closed limited system as DS?(expanding a bit recently .,,).


The specs at not really fenomenal,,,and response deviates from the norm , that is why you have different EQ choice in the bass,,, but they sound nice , I have heard them all on the best turntables.

 

[mtemur]

Instead of coils, these cartridges use proprietary beryllium light-reflecting plates, so a third-party retipper may not be ideal if more than just replacing the diamond is needed. Replacing the cantilever or suspension could require realigning coils, which aren’t present in this design. Which may present a problem.

In my opinion, aside from simple diamond replacement, all cartridge retipping should be handled by the manufacturer.

 

[Bwaze]

It really puts the new elliptical stylus DS Audio DS-E3 in a bit of a difficult spot - $1200 / 1200 EUR for bare 300 hour of playtime, that's 4 bucks per hour... And although cartridge manual speaks of stylus replacement, dealer here told me that's more of a more expensive model thing. Like a cartridge with the price of a monthly salary here is a throwaway thing.

 

[wfojas]

Hi,
I wonder why I seemed to see a high number of DS Audio owners stating they had theirs retipped.
I just killed my suspension on a DS 003 cartridge and will send it in, and I had maybe 12 hours on it, though it was used. It may be how the stylus guard is shaped, or how you have to put it on. I have no idea how my stylus broke. Retip with DS Audio is $1500 on a six week turnaround. I wonder if its an inherent weakness.