Crown Jewel, whats it like?

Davey, what price do you have on the Crown Jewel and how any hours does it have on it? The Shelter costs $650 and is the exact same cartridge as the Crown Jewel with a different outer shell. The Shelter can be bought new, direct from a distributor in Japan. However, the Crown Jewel is to be recommended at a large discount. Compared to the Trans. Temper Supreme, it is slightly warmer, and possesses more mid range coloration.

For $500, I would go for it if you are sure that it has only 50 hours on it (it is easy to underestimate playing time and not easily measurable for the buyer). You can look at the needle under a magnifying glass or microscope for wear if you want. Even if the cartridge is rather old (if it is not the Special Edition), you are getting a 75% discount and the cartridge wear should be minimal if it was properly installed. The dealer played it just enough for break it in (didn't he demo it after break in, too?). Ask the dealer what tonearm he used with the cartridge and why he is selling (I do not think this is impolite). If you do not like the Crown Jewel, you can easily resell it at about the same price. Best of luck.