2. analog
  3. 1218889904

Mistracking zyx after hibernating?

After about 6 months of rest, my Zyx 4D gold now breaks up on some piano notes and vocals. I had about 250 hrs on it when last played and it was tracking perfectly. I'm pretty sure that it sounded perfect the last time i heard it.

It sounds quite similar when it had less than 20 hrs on it. I haven't touched the tracking force (1.9 g) since then. Tonearm is SME on a michell deck.

Is it possible that it would need some breaking in again? Anyone with the same experience? I'm getting a bit Impatient and would really appreciate some input and reassurance so i can get some sleep again.

thanks in advance for your responses
rodgen

Showing 2 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,516 posts
 
I don't know that particular cartridge that well, however, ALL parameters of a good cartridge setup must be proper or the setup is wrong. Recheck overhang, azimuth, cartridge mounting, as well as VTF. The next step is to send it back to the importer for checking and possible repair. It could be that the suspension just hardened over time.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,516 posts
 
..just a bit of disagreement with Bnrlaw. The Shure scale registers a bit heavier than actual. If however, you situate the scale on the edge of the turntable with the 2 front feet of the scale off of the platter, it is very accurate. Also, It has been my experience that not 2 cartridges of the same manufacturer/model require the exact same VTF...every cartridge is different..and too, as the suspension ages/breaks in, the preference changes. Manufacturers have a range they suggest, but within that range there is one and only one setting for the best sound for that particular cartridge. A scale simply allows you to be within the necessary range, but it's up to the installer/owner to listen and decide where the VTF sounds best.
More to discover