I recently restored a turntable and remounted a Stanton 681EE purchased in 1969. This 40 year old cartridge has not been used for at least 20 years and stored in a closet. After degaussing, cleaning the needle, and checking the setup, I tried several lonely records. To my surprise, it sounds quite good. No noticable artifacts of old age. Time to get out my even older Sure M75E!
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.