gofar99 Messages: 1947 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi Everyone, My favorite TT wasn't sound quite right so I went through all the checks and ultimately it pointed to the cartridge. When I looked at it under magnification (see photo) the cantilever is warped to one side. Not bent or kinked, just bowed. Anyone ever see this before? Also anyone know a good place to get it fixed?
Wayne Parham Messages: 18783 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I had an Audio Technica that was like this once. I was prepared to buy a new stylus, but thought I would try to true it up myself. Amazingly, I was able to bend it slightly without breaking it. Worked very well. Not sure that's the way it always goes, but for me, I was able to get the arm quite straight.
gofar99 Messages: 1947 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi Wayne, I considered that, but I'm concerned that it may be twisted as well and it will gouge the LPs. Soundsmith seems to be a good bet, but ouch, $150 to replace the parts, 250 to upgrade to a ruby cantilever (original is aluminum). No lunch money for months.
Wayne Parham Messages: 18783 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
Oh, yeah, I've seen 'em get mangled like that too. You're right, if it's twisted, that's bad. I suppose with a magnifying glass and some instruments, you could probably get it eventually but it's probably best to replace it. Might end up breaking it before you could get it back into shape anyway.
gofar99 Messages: 1947 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, It is on its way for the upgrade. I'll let you all know if it is better or (hopefully not) worse than before. While it isn't quite a "source" I attached a photo of the latest incarnation of my tube phono preamp. It is right at the -90 dbv spec now and sounds great. I'm still doing tube rolling on it as many are inconsistent on gain or not quiet or even a few just don't sound nice. Best setup at present is input and second gain stages use JJ ECC803S and the output stage is a JJ gold pin ECC81.
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$150 to replace the parts, 250 to upgrade to a ruby cantilever (original is aluminum). No lunch money for months. 
