Horrible Squee-gy Noise from Stylus

If anyone would be willing to come look at my set up that would be very helpful.

I live in Newport, KY. Very near Cincinnati, OH. Its a modest system, but it keeps me really happy.

I will certainly keep you guys informed of any improvements/developments.

Is this a common sound when a stylus becomes soiled?

I will give that treatment a shot. I just bought the table and it was working great, dead silent, couldnt have been happier, nothing has happened to the table (no droping the arm on the record, etc).

I'm really bummed, my first big purchase.

I'm only 25 so this represented a lot of saving.

The table is only a few weeks old, I'll contact the distributor to check on warranty.

How do I determine if the "diamond-tip" still exists? Will I need a magnifing glass or can it determine just from un-aided visual inspection?

The turntable communicates the music just fine, just during the lead-in tracking, quite parts of songs, and between tracks do I hear the squeaking.

The noise is only during play-back.

Thanks for the suggestions

I checked everything, set up is fine, stylus tip appears to be fine to me. cleaned it, still the same awful sound, sounds like it may even be damaging the record.

So bummed out. I dont really think I'm gonna have the money to replace it with a cartridge near that price.

The system: MMF7 w/ Goldring Eroica, Marantz 2215b, Infinity RS5

I set up my old technics table as well, the problem is not present in that set up. the sound problem is not feedback. I'm concerned now that the MMF7 and cartridge is damaging my records -- I played a brand new album last night, the first time I heard no sound (other than a little surface noise), played it again and its getting the scratchy sound.

I've quit playing the records all together, contacted the dealer, and they have referred me back to Music Hall -- checked my email this morning and Music Hall has referred me back to the dealer. How classic.

My first table cost 150 bucks used, lasted me 5 years with no issue, this one cause 10x that and it didnt make it a week. I'm sure you guys can understand the dismay.

Right on guys. I'll work with the dealer today. So, far all my contact has been via email so I have some trial of who I was referred to etc. I would think MH would be really willing to help, right along with the dealer -- we arent talking about used cars here, right?

I'm not playing any more records at this point, that seems like throwing away money. I'm as confused as anyone else is -- the only difference is that I can hear it and you cannot. Depending on what happens, I'm guessing I'll need to learn the process of remounting a cartridge, luckly this place has volumes of material on that.

I really appreciate everyones help, I'll post details as I get them if anyone is interested.

--Jay

Thanks for the insight into warranty claims, Nsgarch. I will certainly keep good records. Sounds like this is getting into a whole other topic.

Obviously I'll do what I have to, and I'm waiting to hear back from both, Leland at MH and the Dealer. I'm wondering who is responsible for shipping on this thing though, it could easily amount to hundreds of dollars I think. possibly close to what I would be willing to just spend on a new cartridge.

I dont want to rush to any conclusions, and certainly am not going to act on any replacment items till I hear the final word -- this is the kind of situation where I would really liked to have been able to purchase from local dealer.

After much effort, Music Hall requested that I send my Eroica back for evaluation. I sent it insured 3 day UPS on Thursday nearly a month ago. Since the request to send the cart directly to Music Hall I've gotten a response from anyone (dealer or MH) regarding the status of my cart.

I would like to publicly express my disappointment in Music Hall's ability to work with their customers. I made repeated attempts to find the most appropriate way to communicate with them, none of which were answered, and my requests for a status on my issue have gone without notice.

I understand that in the world of audiophile equipment a 450-500 cart means nothing, but to someone like myself, young and just growing in the life style this can be a deal breaker -- for a long time.

I dont want to discredit the company, or to start any disagreements, just want to mention my personal admonishment for the way I have been treated.

as of this post, I've not received word of the condition of my cartridge, nor have I received any communication back from MH after several emails and phone calls (voice mails).

total bummer.

in the relm of carts -- Ortofon all the way from here on out.