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How can I tell if my stylus is damaged ??

hey folks,
I recently started using a TT, so I am new to the ins-n-outs of this specialized equipment. Unfortunately, I first placed my TT in an area where I accidentally kept hitting the headshell and knocking it to the left, where it would skip/slide over the vinyl itself, like skipping rocks on a pond (doh!)

Just wondering if y'all can help me figure out if I damaged the stylus or not (its a Shibata diamond on an Ortolan 2M Black MM).

Since I have started investing in some nice vinyl (Box Sets, Limited Editions, Beatles Mono, etc), the last thing I want to do is damage the expensive vinyl!!
Any suggestions to help me figure this out? Will I have to send it to a dealer to get confirmation one way or the other?
thanks!
gary
128x1281graber2

Showing 2 responses by 1graber2

1graber2's avatar
1graber2 OP
303 posts
 
Thx guys,
A close look at the cantilever with a magnifier shows that it is straight.
Next, I will test how it sounds with the needle in the inner grooves
Gary
1graber2's avatar
1graber2 OP
303 posts
 
I have also listened critically when the cartridge moves to the inner rings of the record, and I did not hear increased distortion, thx for the tip Czarivey.

I think the cartridge is ok, but since this is the cartridge that I will be using for The next several years, the suggestion of sending to a pro such as Soundsmith to make sure the cartridge is okay, is a good idea.

Better to find out if there is a problem with the cartridge now, as opposed to years down the road after spinning hundreds of records (which I may have thus damaged inadvertently )
Thx
Gary
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