Hum/buzz from VM740ML cartridge

@dover 

Hi dover,

Thank you for your reply.  Yes, I installed the VM740ML on the VM95E headshell (kept everything the same), and I still get the buzz from the VM740ML (on both channels).  

Just spoke with an Audio Solutions Specialist from Audio-Technica.  He suggested I make certain that the white nylon washers are in place, because the washers isolate the cartridge fasteners from the headshell (without them I can get a ground loop between the cartridge and the headshell because the other end of the fastener is probably touching the side of the metal cartridge body). 

I installed the white nylon washers with the installation screws, but not in the same way shown in the diagram he sent me, which is weird because in the VM740ML manual, the screws are installed 180° in the opposite direction (i.e., facing upward into the headshell as opposed to downwards).  But I'll proceed to do as he suggested to see what happens.  If the problem persists, it's most likely the cartridge.  In which case, I'll send it back as it's only been a few months.

Thanks again, dover, for your helpful input.  Much appreciated.

@noromance 

Hi noromance,

Thank you.  Yes, doing what you said along with what the Audio Solutions Specialist from Audio-Technica suggested removed the noise.  The tradeoff, however, is that the output volume is now lower.  But I'm willing to accept that for the removal of hum/buzz.

@mijostyn

Hi mijostyn, thank you.  Yes, I agree with you that the cartridge is defective and will be sending it back to Audio-Technica for a replacement cartridge.  The volume is definitely much lower.  

Just to be sure, I recorded a few of the same songs from my records (using the same settings) and compared them to those I've recorded before, and sure enough, the volume is much lower by at least 1 to 2 decibels.  So, even though taking out and reinstalling the cartridge, nylon washers, and screws (as well as removing and reinserting the stylus assembly) solved the noise/buzz problem, it introduced another.  

I already contacted Audio-Technica this morning and will be sending the cartridge back for a replacement.
 

@elliottbnewcombjr 

Hi elliottbnewcombjr, thanks - it did solve the noise problem but then the volume coming out of the cartridge became much lower.  I'm going to check for a few more things to see.  For instance, it came with four installation screws: two long ones and two short ones.  I used the longer ones. I'm going to try swapping out those for the shorter screws just to see if the longer ones are interfering with the stylus assembly.  But if the volume issue still persists after doing that, I'll be returning it for a replacement.

With respect to the VM740ML as compared to the VM95E—oh, it is like night and day and makes the VM95E sound crappy by comparison (even though it is not a bad cartridge at all).  The VM740ML is an excellent cartridge and, as you stated, has a wider channel separation and tight channel balance.  I hear details in some records that I haven't even noticed before (like background instruments right before a song starts).  I really do love this cartridge.  I will keep you updated on what happens when I swap out the longer screws for the shorter ones.  

Best,

Hi everyone,

Problem solved.

Audio-Technica got back to me and told me to check the stylus assembly (as you suggested, elliottbnewcombjr...and you were absolutely correct!) and to make sure that the screws were not interfering with its reattachment of the cartridge.  I sent pictures of my cartridge to them was told to use the smaller screws, because there was a small space/gap toward the back of the stylus assembly, preventing it from fully snapping into place onto the cartridge. 

I replaced the longer screws with the shorter ones, reattached the stylus assembly (this time hearing it snap into place), and the problem is now fully solved (no noise/buzz and no lower sound).  

Thank you to everyone here for your help.  I'm also grateful to the people at Audio-Technica, who are excellent in terms of customer support.

Also want to give credit to noromance for also suggesting to remove and reinsert stylus assembly.