It would be nice to have a counter on our 'tables so it could keep track of hours for us. I mounted my Sumiko over a year ago, but I couldn't begin to wager a guess of how many hours I've used it? Most likely less than I think. Does it sound better than when first mounted? I've changed cables, a new amp in my rig, even a new CD player, I honestly have no frame of reference to tell? But, it may sound better, and surely doesn't sound worse. It was a major step up from my previous cart, so I was pretty impressed when it was first mounted. But, what I have gained from this discussion is that I need to go back and refresh my setup. Now that the suspension has softened up a bit the tracking angle must have changed. Here's a question for you contributors, what is your favorite setup record? I've always worked by eye and ear, a setup disc could improve my accuracy.
Ahhhh...breaking in a cartridge.
While I'm pretty sure most loudspeakers and components do have some break in period, I KNOW cartridges do break in because I've heard the diminishment of surface noise (and other stuff, which may be more subjective) over time.
I'm breaking in a new Audio Technica ART9 cartridge. I'm 5 hours in and my ear is either getting used to it or it's sounding better. :) This is not much time, I know. I am trying to listen to the same records (about 5 albums) over and over, of which I'm well familiar to see how things go. If I had to sum up the break in thusfar in one statement I'd say things don't sound as tight and reserved.
By the way, this cartridge is going to be killer. It's tonal balance is superb. Not one region of the spectrum is emphasized.
I'm breaking in a new Audio Technica ART9 cartridge. I'm 5 hours in and my ear is either getting used to it or it's sounding better. :) This is not much time, I know. I am trying to listen to the same records (about 5 albums) over and over, of which I'm well familiar to see how things go. If I had to sum up the break in thusfar in one statement I'd say things don't sound as tight and reserved.
By the way, this cartridge is going to be killer. It's tonal balance is superb. Not one region of the spectrum is emphasized.