cantelever not straight, advise please.


So I purchased a Dynavector 17D Mk2 from a fellow audiogoner here a couple weeks ago and received it yesterday. First thing I did was open the box and without removing the cart from the mounting plate or even removing the stylus guard I peeked a look at the cantelever. First thing I noticed is that it is not straight (by that I mean not parallel to the sides and square to the front of the cartridge body) I have seen other Dynavectors advertised as not having straight cantelvers and have purposly avoided them. The one I bought was advertised as being like new with 10 hours of use, no mention of the cantelever not being straight.

I'm not splitting hairs here either, it's way off, to the point where you could not use the cartridge body to align it.

I don't know how much of a big deal this is, except that I now own a cartridge that I would not sell without stating clearly that the cantelever is not straight.

I talked to the selling and he says he checked it under a microscope and that is was straight when it left his hands.

I don't think this is my problem at all and I should be offered a refund, but I'm not so sure the seller sees it that way. I told him I would be willing to give it a try, but if it falls off or something then he should stand behind it. I don't think he likes that either.

Just thought I'd run it by you guys here and see what the general consensus would be and if you think I should should just drop it mount it and hope it is OK, or demand a refund.
128x128ejlif

Showing 4 responses by nsgarch

Before you start having anxiety attacks and/or get into an embroglio with the seller, notify the seller that you will take the time and money (something he should have done) to have Dynavector check the cartridge and verify that the slight off center cantilever does not indicate damage and that the cartridge is perfectly servicable. OTHERWISE, you will expect a refund of your purchase price or for him to pay for any necessary repair -- his choice.
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So, don't accept the cartridge, demand a refund. If he refuses, please post his name so we can avoid him.

That sounds like good advice Oregon, and it would certainly helps the rest of us to know the seller's name, except if the seller refuses (like it sounds he might) that leaves Ejlif exactly nowhere, and possibly facing charges of false accusation and slander. Negotiation is always the best policy if one has no proof -- which BTW was the same problem you faced.
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Donshoemaker -- I tracked down the microscope you recommended -- pretty neat device (although it's now $100 ;-) What I want to know; is the head removable from the base - and could one then look at the stylus (from the side) with the cartridge mounted in the tonearm?
Thanks,

Neil
In business, in audio deals (even retail audio deals) -- and especially stuff like cartridges, remember little 'Dee Dee': DUE DILIGENCE. Check new and used prices, forum discussions of the item, ask the seller every question you can think of, and then ask a wise old audio friend if you forgot anything! None of this costs you or the seller anything but a few minutes of time. Picking it up in person? Check everything; make a list beforehand if you're easily distracted.

Another thing: even if the box it comes in doesn't look damaged, photograph the unpacking process (well, digital cameras aren't for serious photography are they?) Just do it, and don't be in such a hurry to plug your new joy toy into some juice. A little discipline can save a lot of ass! And post-mortems like this one would be unnecessary.
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