Don't you just hate it when---


something very unusual happens to you pet toy! I had the great misfortune on damaging my ZYX universe cartridge in a freak accident. I was changing out my cartridge and installing on a new tonearm i built for my apollo. I had the cartridge (stylus cover in place) on the table. I dropped my small screwdriver and in a impulse tried to catch it and arggh, knocked my universe off the table on to the floor. I was not really worried as my stylus cover was securely fastened.

Well i picked it up and notice three prongs vs the normal 4. My ground prong was gone. I found it and looked at the cartridge under my scope and it appears as it fell, it somehow hit that prong and snapped the plastic body. Now i have a screwed up cartridge. I have contacted Soundsmith and they will look to see if they can repair. I can not see any coil issue and i can see the small wire the connected to the ground. Obviously i am heartbroken. I will install a carpet around my turntable "table" in case i get stupid again.
Fortunately i have an Airy3 as a backup.
oilmanmojo

Showing 2 responses by bpwalsh

Anyone considering an Apollo would be wise to contact Lloyd Walker about platter bearing replacement cost, whenever needed, as it is likely to be prohibitive. As far as I know he is the only person who could provide it. I know someone with a very tweaked (by Lloyd) Apollo with a bearing that went bad, and it has been sitting idle for years. Look before you leap.
Oilmanmojo, he is not at all inclined to do any such thing, nor am I. At this point, as it has been, the 'table sits idle. He might consider selling it but has a lot in it. It's a project for someone willing to pay a lot, and that's not about to happen.