Got me a new cartridge....
Posted by: npinabd on 22 November 2015
Peter re-vamped my lp12 and installed my newly acquired Audio Technica ART-9 - something I bought without listening to first. It replace a very old Klyde which I never fell for. I had been listening to a Koetsu Black, a red signature and a VDH something (that I borrowed from a friend). All of them sounded way better than the Klyde (but the Klyde was ancient so perhaps not surprising) but I have a feeling that even now (as it is probably not run in) the ART-9 will be better than any of them. The Koestus had been re-built or tipped as had the VDH. Peter told me my (cirkus) bearing was shot (it had been left un-played for 2 years while I was away and stupidly I did not change the oil so don't do that) and he gave me a goo deal on a recent Lingo. Arm is my old Ittok and Peter recommended a trampolin#2. Phono stage is a serviced Prefix powered by a hicap.
My choice of the ART-9 was heavily influenced by Richard D's enthusiastic description of some of the other AT's and other postings from owners - I wanted the warmth of the Koetsus without it being over done and so far I'm not regretting the choice of cartridge.
But there's undoubtedly a large element of the excellent setup by Peter and having the hicap and 140 serviced by Darran in the summer.
atb
Neil
Peter told me my (cirkus) bearing was shot (it had been left un-played for 2 years while I was away and stupidly I did not change the oil so don't do that) and he gave me a goo deal on a recent Lingo. Arm is my old Ittok and Peter recommended a trampolin#2. Phono stage is a serviced Prefix powered by a hicap.
My choice of the ART-9 was heavily influenced by Richard D's enthusiastic description of some of the other AT's and other postings from owners - I wanted the warmth of the Koetsus without it being over done and so far I'm not regretting the choice of cartridge.
But there's undoubtedly a large element of the excellent setup by Peter and having the hicap and 140 serviced by Darran in the summer.
atb
Neil
Hi Neil, Just for clarification, the Cirkus was "shot" (badly worn) due to some contamination in the bearing well and not lack of use over the past couple of years. Changing the oil before the period of inactivity wouldn't have helped you.
My guess is that sometime in the past, the sub-platter was removed, maybe placed in dusty lid packaging for transportation or left lying somewhere and the residual oil on the spindle picked up some contamination (possibly a small piece of grit or similar) and then the spindle was re-inserted into the bearing without it being cleaned, consequently anything stuck in the oil would have been introduced into the bearing and would have circulated in there for a time, thus causing the damage to the bearing contact surfaces.
With any turntable bearing and spindle, it's essential they stay free of contamination. Bearing caps and spindle covers are available and do help, but cleaning the spindle is just so important as a precursor to lowering it into the oil in the bearing well. if there is ever any doubt, always remove the oil, carefully clean the bearing well and then re-fill.
Personally, for transportation, I much prefer/strongly suggest to lift the spindle a little in the bearing housing using a wedge made from polystyrene, or even a folded magazine or newspaper so as the spindle tip is spaced away from and not in contact with the polished face at the bottom of the bearing well. This will also mean there is minimal suspension movement during transportation in a car for example.
For shipping using a carrier, then IMHO there is no alternative to complete removal of the sub-platter and spindle (inner platter) from the bearing and in this case spindle covers and a bearing cap are essential and I would change the oil and thoroughly clean all the components before re-assembly. When this is not done, sadly you have seen the results
BTW, when servicing Jon Honeyball's LP12 a few years ago (Jon used to leave his deck running 24/7 and it had been for several years I believe) I was pleased to see that there was absolutely minimal wear on the bearing faces! Quite simply the oil was clean from the previous oil change and remained so as it had not been contaminated by careless handling!
In summary, careless handling (and we don't know where, when or who Neil) caused contamination to be present in the oil - This will cause great damage in a short space of time!
BTW if you still have the bearing, you could post a picture of the bearing well showing the extensive damage and large pitting that had occurred! The bearing is just so important guys, so if you do have to remove the sub platter and spindle from the bearing well for any reason... Keep it all clean guys, keep it clean please.
Kind regards.
Peter
Interesting responses from other AT owners. I was a little concerned about buying without hearing but I think it's going to work....
Great to see new carts coming to the market.
atb
Me likewise as you will recall!
But, for you it seems to have been right. However, I'd always recommend hearing first if you possibly can.
KR
Peter
Interesting responses from other AT owners. I was a little concerned about buying without hearing but I think it's going to work....
Great to see new carts coming to the market.
atb
Me likewise as you will recall! But, for you it seems to have been right. However, I'd always recommend hearing first if you possibly can.
KR
Peter
I agree Peter, but it's very hard to get demos of cartridges side-by-side, except at Cympiosis, which too distant for me.
I have found that Dynavector works for me, so I've worked my way up to xx-2. The next one up is an extra grand, so I probably have to replace like-with-like next time.
Keith