If the replacement cantilever's compliance is weak/out of spec, causing the relationship between the signal generating components(magnets/coils) of the cartridge to be out of alignment; you will experience the lack of fidelity you describe. Increasing or decreasing tracking force, from that recommended, will have the same effect. Bite the bullet, and buy a new cartridge, or an OEM stylus. KAB warns that the cantilever is especially vunerable to damage on this cart, being, "nude". You may want to factor that into your decision(weigh the risks in your environment). BTW: KAB has a Stanton stylus listed, that was removed from a brand new Groovemaster V3, for $20.00( http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/stantondj.htm )
Tracking down cause of distortion on vinyl
Hi all -
Recently LPs on my modest system (Technics SL-1200 w/ KAB Groovemaster) have been sounding off - kind of thin and distorted, especially on loud tracks or passages. The stylus on my cart was destroyed by someone in the house, and I had to replace it with a JICO back in February. The JICO was fine at first (although the suspension was not as good as the original - did not track as well and needed higher force), but I have heard they have quality control issues and suspect that is the cause. But how can I actually verify this?
Is it worth getting a test LP (I hear mixed opinions on the worth of these) - is there anything typically there that would isolate mistracking, say, as the cause?
I love the cartridge, but don't love the idea of ponying up for another questionable stylus (assuming I'm unlikely to get any credit on it now), if that is indeed the problem.
Also, is it true that if it is mistracking badly it is damaging any vinyl I put on?
Recently LPs on my modest system (Technics SL-1200 w/ KAB Groovemaster) have been sounding off - kind of thin and distorted, especially on loud tracks or passages. The stylus on my cart was destroyed by someone in the house, and I had to replace it with a JICO back in February. The JICO was fine at first (although the suspension was not as good as the original - did not track as well and needed higher force), but I have heard they have quality control issues and suspect that is the cause. But how can I actually verify this?
Is it worth getting a test LP (I hear mixed opinions on the worth of these) - is there anything typically there that would isolate mistracking, say, as the cause?
I love the cartridge, but don't love the idea of ponying up for another questionable stylus (assuming I'm unlikely to get any credit on it now), if that is indeed the problem.
Also, is it true that if it is mistracking badly it is damaging any vinyl I put on?