Steve Leung is nearly finished repairing one of my Benz cartridges. Really anticipating listening to this.
Cat jumped on turntable
OK, I know the obvious response about this but moving past ditching the cat . . . I was playing my VPI Scout 'table with a Dynavector Karat cartridge when the cat (Jack) leaped onto the 'table. The tone arm slide across the record and the platter stopped. After addressing the situation, I didn't see any obvious problems (but I have an untrained eye) and dropped the needle. The tone arm immediately slide across the record to the center. Upon reflection, it seemed like the tone arm was light since it moved pretty effortlessly. Before taking it, I thought I would solicit some thoughts here.
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One of my cats regularly jumps onto my SOTA Sapphire, for one because it gives the best cat-centric view in my stereo room. Because I always run the TT with the cover closed it's no problem. Other than a revolution or two of eight track tape style wow and a paranoid moment from yours truly, nothing happens. I remember going to a hi-fi show way back when where the SOTA guy lifted a SOTA up off the equipment table and swung it around while a record was playing to prove how excellent the device's isolation was. |
@john_g - I had Soundsmith replace the cantilever and stylus in an old Lyra Clavis Da Capo with a Boron cant and line contact stylus. Thought I'd see if the cart could get a second life. I was quite satisfied. The rebuild with the Boron stylus outperformed the original cart by a significant amount in all categories. |
@s2000cr +2 for the cat Agree with missing stylus. Nothing at the end of the cantilever to hold the groove. But don't try anymore record testing since the bare cantilever may damage the records. When you do get a new cartridge of stylus, check your anti-skate setting. Sounds like it's a bit off if the arm just skates across the record. |
Don't feel badly. This is one of the facts of life with a turntable. This year I snapped the cantilever right off, when my finger bumped it during fine tuning adjustments to make the sound better. Ha! My dealer is a gentle soul who took pity, and came over to install a replacement (repair would have been nearly as expensive as a new one). It sounds better than the old one, but that turned into an expensive tweak. Also, never dust under the tonearm because s*** happens and if the dustcloth catches the needle, it's done for. |
I agree, Steven has repaired 2 of my cartridges. I'm very grateful. Steve Leung VAS Inc. 77 Cliffwood Ave, Suite 3B Cliffwood, New Jersey 07721 www.vasnyinc.com Tele: +1-732-888-3288 |
Hope it works out for you.A few years back I had drifted off in the chair after a late evening of house shattering volume and the odd beverage, with the Rega 3 gently making put-put sounds as the needle moved over the end of an LP. One of our kittens then climbed the rack and stepped on the turntable knocking the arm over the side resulting in a massively loud bang bang bang propelling me three foot up in the air and stage 1 heart failure. |
Yeah - I've bought albums with clawed covers before (always at a discount, of course). It only annoys me when it the little blighters have scratched off the printing so I can't tell what they are without pulling them. Frankly, kids and animals have no place in a listening room, but I suppose if you have a modern open floor plan house you are stuck unless you can lock them away when the gear is being used. I had one couple visit with their young children and the kids headed for the stereo gear. I asked the father for the name of his insurance agent and when I said that if they let the kids at my gear and one of the damaged my cartridge, I need to know who would be paying as it wouldn't be me. He asked how much it was worth and I told him (several thousand) and he immediately rounded up the children and left pretty quickly after that. Amazing how parents today seem to think that whatever their brats do is somehow blameless and no one is accountable. |
The re-tip with original cantilever is not possible. None of re-tippers have the square shank cantilever if we are talking about early Carat with 2mm short cantilever None of the re-tippers can make square extension to fit new cantilever. The cartridge most likely is as good as the door stopper. Abandon this idea. Also Average re-tip with descent cantilever/stylus at SoundSmith if $400. The cartridge worth $300-$400. You can get plenty on internet. Also if some re-tippers claim they can glue the stylus to existing cantilever- it is impossible to do correct angle and alignment without computer laser alignment. if you agree on conical stylus- then it is possible, but your Karat will sound like 60s Shure. If looking for budger cartridge new or used- check viraUSA website |
I had a similar accident with my Dynavector DV-20X2H. After investigating the cost of a trade-in (more than the cost I originally paid for the cartridge!) I investigated re-tipping. I settled on Steve Leung at VAS Inc. He replaced the tip and cantilever for about $400, a significant savings. The sound is magnificent and the tracking is superlative. Also, no glue around the stylus. If interested: Steve Leung VAS Inc. 77 Cliffwood Ave, Suite 3B Cliffwood, New Jersey 07721 www.vasnyinc.com Tele: +1-732-888-3288 |
A fitting punishment for the cat would be to duct tape it to the platter, and push the button to spin it at 78 RPM. Once Jack has learned his lesson, you may free him. Then check the stylus as it is most likely ruined beyond repair. Sell the cat and use the money towards a down payment on a new stylus or cartridge. Next time, play your records with the cover on. |
Woke up in the middle of the night and thought I'd go the listening room to play some music.. it's across the hall from the bedroom and I've weatherstripped the door so I can listen without disturbing others. When I found the NAS was down and Roon not happy about it, I decided to play a record. Picked one out and when I was putting it on the turntable caught the cart in the sleeve of my bathrobe. Tried to play the record and the stylus just skated across the surface. A quick look at the Rega Apheta 2 showed the cantilever at a rakish angle. I tried to push it back into alignment by eye but it didn't move enough. I was afraid to try too much and so dismounted it and spent the day reinstalling the Benz Micro Gold that the Rega cart had replaced. The Benz only has 2 mounting holes so is somewhat fiddly-er to align than the three-hole Rega. My cheapo USB microscope showed that the the tracking angle was close to the recommended 24 degrees, and setting the the tracking force and anti-skating we simple enough Sent the cart off to Soundsmith and in a couple of days received this message: status: Eval. Cantilever badly bent and should be replaced. To match the Vital stylus and up-grade the cantilever, I would suggest our Boron cantilever with CL stylus for $450.00. Please advise.So I gave the go ahead and will wait 8-14 weeks. The Benz sounds better than i remembered it and the stylus on the Apheta may have needed replacement anyway. My wife's son is coming to visit with his cat so I am forewarned. |
....I'm tired of Stairway to Heaven as well....fortunately, too lean to be anything edible...not terribly interested in being buried either. *G* Be patient and the latter circumstance will occur in some fashion at some time in the not to distant future anyway. ;) Actually, have enjoyed the company of a series of canines and felines over time. They've all had their own unique personalities to enjoy and tolerate on occasion.... No TT turmoils with any of the cats though; one took a turn at a grille cloth corner once, but an unexpected hi'db burp made an impression that made that a solitary event.... ...having one's claws 'hooked' on the fabric kinda made departing *uh* 'difficult'. Cat Panic is funny to behold...a oak floor yields little traction...;) The late Jasper (Border Collie (body)/Basset (coat...and brain) took to sitting behind the wheel of the car when left in it. Came out of the market to a guy taking his picture, laughing.... "That's so funny! Never saw a dog looking like he's ready to pull out 'n go! Does he try to drive?" "Yeah, but only in empty parking lots...has a habit of chasing squirrels, though....so I have to keep one hand on the parking brake...." Touch 'n go with front wheel drive.... |
A German Shepherd, Doberman and Cat have all died. All three are facing God, who wants to know what they believe in. German Shepherd says "I believe in discipline, training and loyalty to my Master" "Good", says God "Then sit with me here at my right" "Doberman, what do you believe in?" asks God. The Doberman answers : "I believe in love, care and protection of my Master" "Yes, I see that" says God."Then you too may sit with me here at my left" Then God looks at the Cat and asks "Cat, what do you believe in? Cat finishes licking his paw, yawns and answers "I believe, you are sitting in my chair" |
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Dog VS Cat personal diaries The Dog’s Diary 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing! The Cat’s Diary Day 983 of My Captivity My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ... |
@scarlson, y’know that feline language was finally translated...most of it boiled down to: "Feed me Faster!" & "All of this...is Mine." The last is usually delivered with a obviously irritated tail twitch... Having been owned by multiple cats in the past, generally that which you pay the most attention and care to is considered either a prime place to be....or a rival for attention. One cat = You will have ’issues’. 2 cats = Conspiratorial behaviours 3 cats = They Own Everything..including that dumaz dog...;) |
Thanks everyone (again) for your input, and cleaver and entertaining responses!! I do have a Gingko cover but am a little . . . let's say skittish about dropping that bad boy over a spinning record. Uberwaltz, he previously did some damage to my Maggies but as mijostyn noted, the socks can be replaced. They are now wrapped in a plastic "barbed wire." Oh, and schmitty1, it was Zeppelin IV. Jack also says "thank you" for not being too harsh. |
I am so thankful all my TT have dust covers that I keep on while not playing music. With 2 Savannah, 2 Bengal and 2 rescue moggies it's a lively place. I have found them sleeping on the dust covers more than once. Touch wood only once did I catch a Savannah about to leap onto a playing record. My 115 db scream persuaded her to change direction fortunately! Interestingly not one of them has shown the slightest interest in the covers on the Maggie's which are right there. Hope that did not doom them...... |
