Cartridge break in device

Steve,

Good point, I guess time isn't that important, as long as the journey is enjoyable.
Ken

Gonners,

I keep reading threads that tell me that the first 50 or 100 hours, or more, deliver an ever increasing degree of satisfaction as the cartridge breaks in. Some say to go back and listen to what you first played to hear the bloom of the music. I think I'd take the suggestion to heart and reduce the break in period by 300 hours or so , as I will be starting out with 3 new cartridges at the same time. One hour a day would take me a year to realize the bloom of the 3 cartridges.

Hmmmm, might there be a need for a cartridge break in service? What say you, Gregadd?

Ken

Doug,

The Cardas lp is a good Idea. I read it was good as a demagnetizer, but since I have a cart demag unit, I never gave any thought.

From what I remember of Fremmer's remarks, it broke in the suspension without exposing the stylus to unnecessary wear. Extended useful stylus life seems like a plus, especially with the retipping costs approaching a good % of the total cartridge cost. If it only breaks in and doesn't damage the suspension in any way, it may not be a bad idea. The problem may be that if it does damage the suspension, even slightly, you'd probably never know since there would've been no frame of reference for the change.

Thanks, Ken

Doug,

The demag unit I have is a Sumiko that I purchased 15 or 20 years ago. I never used it since I never listened to much vinyl. What are the conditions that result in magnetization of a cartridge? Is it hours of playing time, months- years, both, or what? What are the audible signs that it needs to be demagnetized?

Tomorrow I'll order the Cardas LP and put the Sumiko on Audiogon.

Tks and Happy New year.

Ken