2. analog
  3. 152715-95763

Ortofon 2m Bronze on a Pioneer PLX-1000

Hello, I currently have a Pioneer PLX-1000 turntable running an Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge on it. I'm at about roughly the 125-150 hour mark on the cartridge and the sound is starting to become thin. Lacking much mid-bass it appears. Highs are still clean for the most part but i can tell something is off from the sound I was originally getting from this cartridge.

I got the USB microscope out that I own to get a better look at the stylus. I'm aware that this is a nude fine line diamond stylus however I have no idea what one should look like after 100+ or so hours of use. I have several pictures I can display perhaps through a link? Is that how it works on this forum? 

Here are some more details about my setup that could also be affecting this matter. I use a Funk Firm Achromat "mat" placed directly on the platter. It's rather thin. The Ortofon Bronze cartridge itself is 18mm high and the Pioneer PLX's lowest arm height setting is for cartridges 19mm and up. So perhaps Im not getting the proper angle due to that one mm? Or do I have that all wrong on how that works lol?

I play a combination of new and used vinyl of all thickness. Every one is wet cleaned with a basic spin clean record washer system before going into my collection. 

I know this cartridge is overkill for this turntable and my other thought was that the PLX tonearm is just not delicate enough for the bronze cart?

Any help or suggestions of possibly a different cartridge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -Chris
128x128ten_ton_bass
5 responses Add your response
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Your tonearm tube must be parallel to the record surface when the stylus is on the vinyl. If you have a brand new cartridge then 150 hrs is enough to burn-in. If you don't like the sound it's also normal, even if the cartridge is perfect, maybe it's not what you need, for this reason vinyl lovers often change cartridges. You can also try different loading for your MM, you can use 100k Ohm instead of 47k Ohm.  And your phono stage is important.  

You have always keep the stylus tip clean, use a brush to clean it. 

ten_ton_bass's avatar
ten_ton_bass OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for suggestions. I have a digital force gauge but have not gone much over the recommended 1.5 grams. High point is 1.7 grams I believe. Overhang has been checked and set properly. Alignment done with an Ortofon 2 point protractor. 

I'm going to increase the tracking force for sure now and experiment this afternoon. Hoping it's as simple as that. I had just set it at the 1.5 that Ortofon suggests and was under the impression that if it started sounding bad/different it must be the stylus if I have it set to factory specs. 
Shows how much I know lol. 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Get an electronic scale and check the tracking force. It can be set at the recommended high point for your cartridge. 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I have a Denon 103R on my PLX1000. After playing a side I give the stylus a swab with the brush of the Hiraoka stylus cleaner fluid. Followed by a dab of Stylast before resuming play. Stylast is claimed to extend diamond life by reducing friction.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,407 posts
 
A stylus should not be worn out after 100-150 hours of play.  My cartridge was 7 years old before I had it repaired and that was only because I was clumsy and bent the cantilever when cleaning the stylus.  I would check your tracking force, stylus overhang and if the height of the arm is adjustable, try different heights.  Also I would try it without the mat and see if it makes a difference. 
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Pro-Ject X2
80x80
ZYX UNIverse Premium
80x80
Kuzma 4POINT