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Cartridge/Phono-Pre Break-in?

I just installed a new Audio-Technica 150MLX cartridge and Cambridge 640p phono-pre in my second system (SL1200 table, Nuforce Icon amp, Gallo speakers), and after two days it sounds about like an AM radio...no highs, no dynamics. Computer audio playback sounds quite fine. I thought I might have a poor cartridge wire connection (suckers were tough to install without breaking them) but there's no hum or distortion. Does this happen? Do either of these pieces change dramatically with break-in?

Thanks for any guidance.

Jeff
jmudrick

Showing 4 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,525 posts
 
DougD...Why do you think the Shure scale is no good...I think its perfect for us. I dont see the worth of the 100 dollar outlay at all.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,525 posts
 
If Shure made them from steel, there would be a problem. I have 2 Shure scales. One I've never used...just got it as a "bonus" when I got the 10.5i arm a couple of months ago. I checked that one with a magnet and my old one that I got about 1956 or so, and they both don't respond to the pull of a magnet. The new one looks like aluminum.. the old one looks like steel, but as I said it isn't magnetically sensitive.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,525 posts
 
Jmurick..When you get your Sure scale, I found it very accurate if you position it on your turntable platter so that the front (right side when looking at the mirror) 2 feet are hanging off of the edge of the platter, then follow the normal directions.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,525 posts
 
Regarding magnetically attractive Shure scale. Thanks to those that revealed that some Shure scales are magnetically attractive. My advice is if you get one, test it with a magnet, and if the magnet attracts, return the scale.
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