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Bent Stylus- Clearaudio Virtuoso

I was about to put on a record and noticed my stylus was bent to the left (3 and 2 yr old). I bent it back a little with a tweezer. It's not completely centered, but it sounds fine. What should I do? I'm sure despite it sounding fine something is not right.
128x128patrickrealtor76

Showing 2 responses by fleib

fleib
1,124 posts
 
You can easily replace and upgrade the stylus if you are so inclined. Audio Technica is the OEM. For instructions and help, go here:
www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=88878.0

You could also send it to Soundsmith for cantilever/stylus replacement. Any of his options would be an upgrade, including his least expensive ($150). If you send it to Clearaudio they will probably charge 50% of the price of a new one and you'll have the stock stylus.
Regards,
fleib
1,124 posts
 
I haven't sent my Virtuoso to Soundsmith, but by all reports that's a good choice. A few posters were extremely pleased with results. You might have to change the arm height slightly and Peter will probably recommend checking azimuth, but if your experience is like theirs, you'll have amazing resolution while retaining musicality.

The original recommendation was for level 1 - tapered cantilever/nude elliptical. At one point I transplanted an ATN7V which is similar with a .2 x .7 elliptical. Results were very nice, without extended contact of course. Some people like a transplanted ATN440MLa or ATN150MLX. I tried a shibata replacement stylus and some people say the Vivid line (LpGear) is the best value and about as close as you can get.

When you send in your cart it would be a good idea to indicate exactly how and where the cantilever was bent. If it was just off to the side a little it might not matter.
Regards,
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