Skewed cantilever - Opinions?


Just received a new AT ART-9 cartridge. The cantilever is skewed slightly to the right. Did my best taking a couple of photos. So here's the query: Is this an acceptable amount of deviation for a new cart? Just align to the cantilever rather than the cartridge body when setting it up and go for it? Or, send it back to the seller for an exchange/refund? Many Thanks!

http://s1188.photobucket.com/user/Butch1970/library/AT%20ART%20-9


butch1970

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

Swampwalkler - with a very powerful Loupe and a MINT Best Tractor.

Using these tools it is very simple, since the lines on the tractor are extremely fine and misalignment can clearly be seen

But it does require a very steady hand and an extremely good eye - and lots of light

I had a friend set mine up, since he has much better eyesight than me.

I verified his efforts using an extremely good 150mm macro lens on my camera  and I could clearly see the alignment was correct in the photo

A lot of trouble to go to? - perhaps, but the sound quality is excellent.

Regards...

I have also received a cartridge from Soundsmith, where the cantilever was a little "skewed" to one side

I contacted them and they explained the this sometimes occurs and that the cantilever was in fact correctly aligned to rest of the internal components, but to ensure correct playback I should align the cartridge to the cantilever and not the cartridge body

The cartridge has a ruby cantilever, so it is next to impossible for that to have been "bent" in transit - since it would simply break!.

I'm thinking Boron would probably do the same?

My cartridge sounds correctly aligned i.e. based on my test record, and everything else I've played, so I am assuming they know of what they speak.

Perhaps this is a similar scenario?

Regards...