That depends on the circumstances.

Properly installing and setting up a cartridge with the right hardware and precisely calibrating overhang, azimuth, tracking force, anti-skate, VTA, arm lifter position and height using the correct tools is never a 5-minute job. It can take significant time with a complex deck/installation but no matter what the scenario, doing this work properly takes time and expertise.

With this in mind, we cannot fit and precision align all cartridges or customer-supplied cartridges for free. Doing so would cause us to lose money and that’s not sensible. We have a system that works well though.

We offer free precision installation and alignment of cartridges we supply with an RRP of $300 or more when you book your deck for any kind of maintenance. We absorb the cost of the installation and alignment, giving customers a better deal and encouraging the precision fitment of better cartridges. Try getting that from an online discounter!

We charge to install customer-supplied and low-cost cartridges we supply but you get a precision alignment and an opportunity to have your deck carefully inspected and precisely serviced and adjusted if you so wish, something that may never have been done before.

Keep in mind that many retailers cannot correctly install and set up cartridges and tonearms. I’ve lost track of the number of turntable set-ups I’ve corrected after being set up by major retailers.