2. analog
  3. 147418-7

Cartridge issues need suggestions

I am having issues with my Transfiguration Proteus - the left channel is cutting out.  It starts with a strong center  image then in a few seconds it drifts to the right intermittently, almost like someone is turning the balance control very fast.  Then it stays far right but I still have faint output in the left channel and sometimes some feedback like the stylus is out of line. 

It is not my tubes in the phono section because I checked that with my backup and it does the same thing.  I have rechecked overhang, cantilever alignment with my protractor, VTF - nothing has changed.  The only thing I haven’t adjusted is anti-skate and haven’t since initial setup.  Azimuth is set on a Basis Vector 4.  I took it off and upon visual inspection the it looks ok - the cantilever is straight but it might have shifted slightly to the left.  I can’t be sure.

Anyone had this issue - I never have...thanks for any feedback!
pops

Showing 1 response by edgewear

edgewear
543 posts
 
Sorry to hear about your issue. I also own the Proteus, which surely is a great cartridge. To be honest this doesn't really sound like a cartridge problem. I'm also pretty sure it has nothing to do with anti-skating, azimuth ot other alignment related issues.

So I guess you should try to be as methodical as possible. First you might consider trying the Proteus in a different system. I suspect this will rule out the cartridge as the culprit. Your description more likely  suggests a cable issue. A loose contact perhaps, either with the tonearm inside cabling or the tonearm cable to the phono amp.

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