Metal "whiskers" on cartridge body


I checked my stylus/cartridge yesterday, the stylus looked great. However, I noticed metal "whiskers" attached to the front of the cartridge body (an ESCCO modified Zu Denon 103R).

I have no idea where these came from, the cartridge is always stored in a clean wooden box, by itself, when not in use.

Is a there a safe way to remove them? They don't seem inclined to go anywhere, but I'd rather they not be there.

I welcome your thoughts.

Regards,
Dan
Ag insider logo xs@2xislandmandan

Showing 3 responses by ct0517

Hi Dan - my "guess" is they came from possibly your (modded?) cartridge itself, and what is floating around in your room. Have you been soldering around your gear again? :^)

When I had a Benz Micro MC3 retipped by Soundsmith I inquired into getting the nude version done. They advised against this due to the floating metallic (debris) environment that a cartridge lives in.

Cheers
It's not clear to me that such "whiskers" are actually metal

Interesting - lets get a quick answer on this one.

Dan, pull one of the whiskers off, walk over to your fridge and place it near the fridge magnet holding the picture of you with the trophy bass. Does it stick ?
Intriquing so I did some digging.
Example.
Lyra Clavis from Stereophile.

The Lyra Da Capo uses a "Ceralloy" composite
cantilever. Ceralloy is a metal reinforced with ceramic
"whiskers," which Carr tells me are stronger than carbon
fiber

Maybe Jcarr will come on here. A pic would be great Dan
but a call to the people that did the work should be made
if you are concerned. Don't go pulling anything just
yet......