Some of my favorite carts are more than 25 years old and sound fine. Yours may take a little while to loosen up (the suspension), but I bet they'll be okay. I've had some luck dabbing the tiniest amount of a product called "Re-Grip" Rubber Cleaner and Revitalizer on the suspension with a toothpick. All you can do is try. Good luck, Dave
Cartridge shelf life?
I finally have the time and place to set up my black big disc system again.My Question is simply this - I have a Linn Asak that has literally been sitting for about 10 years - tip was OK when put away. Also have a Sumiko BluePoint High output MC that has been siting for almost the same amount of time - very low hours - tip would be fine.Yesterday I bought a Grado Prestige Blue 1 - new in the box.
I have plenty of originally bought new LP's that are still very listenable because I have been very careful about what ground it's way around the LP - would hate to damage my collection with defective cartridge.
Finally - the basic question is this - the elastomer support ( think rubber/plastic donut) that the stylus tube rides inside of - how subject to becoming either stiffer/more brittle or softening are these materials - if simply left siting - not used ? Is it reasonable to even try these closet queen carts or am I better off simply instaling the known good cart?
Table is a LP-12 Valhalla and RB-300 arm.
I have plenty of originally bought new LP's that are still very listenable because I have been very careful about what ground it's way around the LP - would hate to damage my collection with defective cartridge.
Finally - the basic question is this - the elastomer support ( think rubber/plastic donut) that the stylus tube rides inside of - how subject to becoming either stiffer/more brittle or softening are these materials - if simply left siting - not used ? Is it reasonable to even try these closet queen carts or am I better off simply instaling the known good cart?
Table is a LP-12 Valhalla and RB-300 arm.