Demagnetization for MC - good or bad?


Over the years I have always used the Aesthetix MC Demagnetizer on my cartridges as a matter of course but must admit I had never identified any audible improvement afer treating the cartridge. I recently installed a Benz Micro Ruby 3H on the LP12/SME 309 combo and made an inquiry to Benz as to their opinion on demagnetizing. Their response was that it should never be done as, in their words, it "weakens the magnet". Would anyone care to comment on this situation?
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Showing 2 responses by dopogue

Cartridge demagnetizers have been around for decades. I remember the first time I used my old Sumiko Fluxbuster on a Dynavector 23R that had never been demagged. Really unbelievable improvement. AJ is well known for opposing the use of these things, so I wouldn't use it on his carts, but I've never seen others reporting damage -- that they could confirm from actual personal experience -- from it. IMHO, YMMV and all that.
I had the exact opposite reaction. Never could hear a bit of difference after using the Cardas LP -- repeatedly -- but the Aesthetix demag (built into my Rhea phonostage) opens up the sound.