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Bent cantilever on Exact 2......oops

As I was removing an LP from the platter last night, I accidently hit the back of my hand into my Rega Exact 2 cartridge, and now the cantilever is bent. The "new" position is about 10 - 15 degrees inward, and about 10 degrees downward. It still seems to be tracking normally, and after playing several familiar tracks after "the accident," I cannot perceive of any changes in the sound of music.

What should I do ? Buying a new cartridge is not part of my overall household budget right now. Since the music still sounds great, can I just keep playing my LP's without worry ? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

adam18

Showing 4 responses by adam18

adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Well, with a very steady pair of hands, a pair of 3.5 X magnifying loupes and bright headlight, and a fine nosed tweezer and probe (I'm a dentist, so this is part of my "regular stuff"), I was able to correctly re-position the cantilever/stylus assmbly into its proper place. It sort of "popped" right back into position. Everything seems properly lined up, and I feel a lot better.

What was pretty cool about doing this was the fact that this was the first time I ever used my magnifying loupes to look at the stylus/cantilever set-up. Very neat.....
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Hey Mepearson and Thorman.......Maybe you guys should re-examine your priorities.....My wife and I just donated $ 10,000.00 to our local food banks to help feed our neighborhood's construction workers and emergency medical providers who are out of work due to this recession that seems to be affecting everyone except you two. So, you're right.... a new cartridge purchase is the last thing I need to spend money on right now. So, why don't you think a moment before you ridicule somebody's financial situation ???
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Okay, Thanks Thorman....No offense taken ! I appreciate your concern, and in the great words of Led Zeppelin, we simply had a little "communication breakdown....." All is cool.
So back to my original question...it seems as if I successfully re-positioned the cantilever/stylus assembly back into its normal position, and after playing eight LP sides yesterday, I cannot hear any problems with the sound of music, and the arm/cartridge is tracking perfectly (or so it seems.) Do you think I'm okay ?
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Thanks Thorman.....I'll keep my fingers crossed, and hope to have luck with this. By the way, if my cartridge does indeed fail, what should I consider as a replacement other than a new Exact 2 ? I really love how the music sounds the way my system is now, and I truly believe that the idea of Rega cartridge -- Rega arm -- Rega table creates a wonderful synergy. I'd want to stay wth MM or a high output MC, as I want to continue to use my amp's onboard phono stage. So, I'm hoping NOT to need to buy a new cartridge, but, just in case, I'll need some good options.
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