MC demagnetizer, how many use one, any concerns?

The Benz MC demagnetiser made by Aesthetix. seems to
do a decent enough job but I am slightly nervous about using it since reading Van de Hul's comments. He advises against.It does appear to make the cartridge sound a little worse for a
while so perhaps the answer is not to use it too often,
ignoring the manufacturer's suggestion of weekly treatment.

I'm a "newbie" to analog/turntables, but in my research so far, I have come across many who state that "burn-in" products, of which de-magnetizers are included, is just a marketing scam to make a small industry rich. Check out the "BURNING IN COMPONENTS" section of this web page (just over halfway down the page - might be easier to do a search [CTRL+F] for "magnet"): http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/4133/know.html

I have also read somewhere (but I am unable to find my source) that using these de-magnetizers continues to weaken the magnetic field that the cartidges are capable of producing, causing even more damage (and loss of sound quality) over time. Here is a link to Van den Hul's Phono FAQ where it says something similar: Can I improve the sound by so-called “demagnetization” of my phono cartridge?

Just my $0.02

Wes
wlusk@wt.net

Thanks Wes. I dont think I'll use my demag. any more.Infact I think I shall sell it!

I think there will likely be conflicting comments on this but would make a few points having begun this thread. First, I have noticed quite a bit of improvement in my cartridge since using the demagnetizer. The sound muddies a bit for a few lps and is then quite a bit more focused but very natural. Second, I don't use it weekly but probably every few months as part of regular turntable maintennance. Third, I wonder about the damage it can do to a mc cartridge given that the manufacturer of my cartridge recommends it (though you could say cynically that way they sell more). Fourth, of all the people I have talked to that have used them none have noted any problems. Finally, if I'm not mistaken a number of very high end phono stages, I believe the boulder and the rhea, include demagnetizers. I doubt they would include something that would worsen the sound in their opinion. Having said that if you have worries don't use it just enjoy your music.