Possible Cartridge Suspension Collapse?


I dunno, it seems like my Hana SH is riding lower and lower as time goes on.

I got it new in 2018 and haven't spun all that many LPs on it - maybe have 350 hours?

Yesterday, I was spinning some LPs after not using it for about 2 months and at the start of every LP, there was a whoosing sound from the speakers - turns out the bottom of the cartridge was making contact with the very outside raised edge of LPs. Then as the record plays it would stop, but the cartridge body is darn near touching the LP surface - I mean practically an "RCH" distance.

On my Technics SL1200mk2, I run my VTF right at 2.0g (double verified with a Shure gauge and an electronic one).

Was thinking of moving up to the Hana ML, but now skittish of Hana's - may have to start thinking of getting a replacement regardless as my SH is just too low.
erikt

Showing 9 responses by erikt

Never mishandled.  I am meticulous with record care, handling, TT operation, etc.
I'll have to consider that. 

Was looking into changing up my cartridge anyway (AT ART9XI, Hana ML-maybe not now).  I may have to bite the dust on trying to sell the SH.

Thanks for the info!


I contacted Music Direct, who I bought the cartridge from.

They gave me 3 options:
1. Trade in value of 20% of original purchase price
2. 3rd party re-tip/repair
3. Contact the US distributor, Musical Surroundings for possible repair/replacement.

I'm going with option 3 first.
I've reached out per Music Direct's reply to the US Distributor, Musical Surroundings describing the issue.

Waiting for a reply....
As I mentioned up-stream

The dealer’s offer (Music Direct) was 20% trade-in value from my original purchase price towards an upgrade.

I’m hoping Musical Surroundings, the Hana US Distributor, will take pity on me and either repair/replace the cartridge, or give me full (or better than 20%) trade-in for another cartridge.
Here are my options from both Music Direct (the dealer) and Musical Surroundings (the US Distributor):
1. 30% credit of original purchase price off an exchange for another/same Hana SH
2. 20% credit of original purchase price off an upgrade for a different cartridge

Not sure if I want to go the retip/repair route as I'm soured on the Hana experience.

I could still pay to get it repaired and THEN try to sell it myself, or just sell it 'as is'.

Gonna have to think this over for a bit.
I was actually considering the ART9XI, but the resonance calcs for my setup put it at just *under* 7Hz.

I was waffling between a Sumiko Songbird LOMC and the Audio Technica AT33SA - and went with the AT.

I grumbled with MD on the measly 20% credit for the bad Hana, but that's all I got.

Once I get everything sorted out and back up, I'll post some listening impressions.

Time to move - thanks for all the input!