Hi

I have two cartridges that I can use with my 4000 - one is in better condition than the other.  having swopped them around a couple of times I've noticed that the sound seems more compressed and muddy than before (particularly on with certain records) - any ideas?  Should I clean the contacts, re-set the tracking force?

Cheers 

I would doubt it is the deck but more likely to be the cartridges. I would certainly check the tracking weight and would make sure the styluses are clean. How old are your cartridges and which sort are they?

Hi

they are MMC 20ENs - not sure how old but one is definitely better than the other.   I was wondering whether the DIN to phono converter I'm using would have anything to do with it as its starting to fall apart!

What's the best way to clean the stylus?

Cheers 

bambam:

  I was wondering whether the DIN to phono converter I'm using would have anything to do with it as its starting to fall apart!

If it is falling apart as you say then I would change it for what they cost.

 

Craig

Where are you based? I could lend you a cartridge to see if it is that if replacing the lead doesn't help.

Thanks Peter.

Let me try out a new lead and the tracking force and if not I'll definitely take you up on your offer. I have come across a someone called Beocable on Ebay that seem like they might have what I need lead-wise but better quality than my existing lead.

Cheers 

Sorry, forgot to ask - is there a good method to accurately set the tracking force?  I presume that it needs to be set to compensate for the wear in the cartridge so you can't just set it at the recommended 1.2g?

Thanks 

The Beogram used to come with a small brush, screwdriver and stylus balance. Having said that, I normally set the weight to about 1g in my case and then tune by ear. If it mistracks, a little more weight.

Whilst agreeing with all the advice so far, I would add that both stylus & contact pins may be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. The stylus should be GENTLY wiped from back to front with a moistened, SOFT, CLEAN, small watercolour paint brush.If you lack isopropanol, many folk have used vodka, some swear by gin.Although we lucky tangential-tracking users don't need  to - & indeed have means to - adjust 'bias' or 'anti-skating' force, a test record is still a useful item. I bought a Hi-Fi Sound 75 via eBay for a few pounds & it is helpful for finding the right compromise tracking force with different cartidges, although it can be depressing when one's 'best' will only track 'moderate' bands.

kimberley:

If you lack isopropanol, many folk have used vodka, some swear by gin.

Hard to beat that fresh, mountain air like crispness that a touch of juniper brings to your stylus!

Seriously, any strong clean alcohol without sugar should do. Coloured beverages improve the sound the most when applied on..err.. in the listener...

The cheapest supply of clean enough industrial grade isopropanol is probably a bottle of carburator anti-freeze from the service station. 

-mika

The only caveat about cleaning fluids is you must not let the fluid track up the cantilever and get into the suspension. It wrecks it! Small amounts carefully. Gentle but persistent is the way. I have a binocular microscope that I use to make sure the stylus is good and clean.

Can you use surgical spirit?  Or is that a no-no?