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Does a cartridge that has been in storage for an extended period need play time…

to mechanically (re)break in? Can I expect the character/sound of a Grado Reference Sonata I moving iron cartridge to change over time if its been previously used but then stored for a long period of time?

I just installed one in this situation on my tonearm and its seems a little flat in the high end and lacking detail. I just installed it for fun and its the only MI cartridge I have experience with listening too. I’m definitely putting my Dynavector 10X4 MK II back on the arm if the sound doesn’t improve in the next dozen hours or so.

Thanks for any input.

dmac67

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 

The cartridge cantilever suspension is subject to perishing over time and it makes no difference if stored or played. Sometimes it gets harder and less flexible, sometimes it turns to a soft goo and the cantilever all but collapses.

Different materials are used by various manufacturers and some last considerably longer than others.

I've had pretty good luck with the wood body cartridges from Grado- I've had them last about 5 years so far. 

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