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I Got Some Classic Cartridges Need Set-Up Advice

My old man gave me a box of his old treasures, he says they are still all in great working condition, and the suspension doesn't seem shot on any of them, and he didn't use them much. He experimented until he landed on his favorite cartridge, and has been using it exclusively since. So, here is what I got:

1) Madrigal carnegie (Mark Levinson design)
2) Supex Super 900
3) Audio Technica AT14Sa (Shibata)
4) Ortofon MC10
5) Grace F9 Ruby (got this one mounted now)

So, the questions:

1. The suspension seems good, is there anyway that I can check the diamond with a loop or is this inaccurate? Would a microscope be more suitable for gauging diamond wear? Is this type of evaluation better left to an expert; at a good HiFi shop? Obviously my ears, test records, and reference discs will tell me what is most important; but I am curious nonetheless

2. Does anyone have an direct experience with these cartridges and setting them up, aligning (Stevenson, Baerwald, Leongren), tracking force, comments, audition results or any other pertinent information I may be interested in knowing?
dfelkai

Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
1. Meaningful visual inspection of stylus wear requires a microscope with excellent lighting. A loupe isn't powerful enough.

Before inspecting OR playing, I recommend you clean each stylus thoroughly. Magic Eraser and a dry brush at a minimum. Inadequately cleaned styli may require more aggressive techniques. Don't give up on an old stylus until you're sure it's clean. This CAN be seen with a loupe: if the stylus isn't crystal clear (like a diamond!) it isn't clean. That will affect sound quality and, in extreme cases, tracking ability.

2. The optimal alignment scheme (Stevenson, Baerwald, Loefgren, etc.) depends on the tonearm, not the cartridge.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
My original Magic Eraser post is in the threads beneath my signature. A search will turn up lots of other info.

This thread includes a post by member "Lak" of my most recently updated article. The tips offered by other users are valuable as well. A large majority who've tried the ME method prefer it over other methods.

No experience with any of your cartridges. Hopefully others who have will chime in.
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