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Did I ruin my cartridge or my stylus? Or both?

Hi,

I recently played a vinyl record that came with one of my daughters dolls, we were curious about which kind of music was in the "record". There was no music, only loud distortion... I know :(

After that my records sound with a lot of bass. I played songs that I know really well and definitely is too much bass, sometimes even hurt the ears for a millisecond.

Do you think I fully damaged my 300 hours old Audio-Technica AT-VMN95ML? Only the stylus? Only the cartridge? 

I have made all the text book recalibration (VTF/Anti-skate, protractor, etc.) and cleaning. 

I use a Yamaha 500 turntable, a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Preamplifier (with matching settings for the VMN95ML) and the Klipsch R-41PM Powered speakers.

Thank you for your opinions!!!

 

alexco17

Showing 1 response by cd318

cd318
2,636 posts
 

Possibly the stylus only.

I can't see how the innards could have been damaged.

I've on occasion managed to lower my cart onto the felt mat of my turntable without any obvious issues thereafter.

At the Radio Station where I used to volunteer, the cartridges were subjected to all kinds of abuse without breaking.

It usually took something catastrophic to result in the station having to fork out £30 for a replacement stylus (mid 90s prices).

 

Anyway, I was sad to read of your misfortune.

That really was unlucky, but before doing anything I'd give that sylus a really good clean first.

It could be that some vinyl/gunk became welded to the stylus.

Perhaps someone could chime in with the best way to safely deep clean the stylus?

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