Being my first thread on Audiogon, I want to thank each of you for your input. I'll try all the suggestions and see if they don't resolve the problem. From what I'm reading above, it's beginning to sound like a connection problem. I'll go back, retrace and check again. I used the Technics default headshell for the 440MLa, and a Zupreme (lpgear) headshell for the 150MLx, adjusting for the weight difference; if checking the connections doesn't result in anything, I'll try loading the 150MLx on the Technics headshell (lighter weight) and see if that works. Again, thank you for the suggestions...Tony (bluedenmant)