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Can bad LPs damage good cartridges?

Just getting back into analog after an absence of many years. Got tired of seeing all those albums sitting on the shelves, plus my wife has a collection I've never heard. So I bought a Harman Kardon T-60 in like-new condition and a Forte FP1 phono stage, and now I have a Denon DL-110 cartridge on the way.

Then I started thinking ... should I use a brand new cartridge with worn, old records that were used with cheap needles and undoubtedly were slung onto the carpet, in stacks, at least a couple times?

I plan to ask for a Spin Clean Record Washer Mk II for Father's Day, so at least I'll have something to get some of the gunk out of the grooves.

But what about using the new cartridge with old LPs. Will I be risking damage?
paxpaul

Showing 2 responses by wolf_garcia

wolf_garcia
6,595 posts
 
I love my Spin Clean.

Twisted logic: Somewhere somebody (maybe even a Linn manual) suggested cleaning records with the STYLUS as it would supposedly do a better job than an LP cleaner...possibly my favorite LP comment EVER.
wolf_garcia
6,595 posts
 
Is the lack of easy VTA adjustment another one?
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