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Possible Cartridge Suspension Collapse?

I dunno, it seems like my Hana SH is riding lower and lower as time goes on.

I got it new in 2018 and haven't spun all that many LPs on it - maybe have 350 hours?

Yesterday, I was spinning some LPs after not using it for about 2 months and at the start of every LP, there was a whoosing sound from the speakers - turns out the bottom of the cartridge was making contact with the very outside raised edge of LPs. Then as the record plays it would stop, but the cartridge body is darn near touching the LP surface - I mean practically an "RCH" distance.

On my Technics SL1200mk2, I run my VTF right at 2.0g (double verified with a Shure gauge and an electronic one).

Was thinking of moving up to the Hana ML, but now skittish of Hana's - may have to start thinking of getting a replacement regardless as my SH is just too low.
erikt
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 
@erikt

from good folks like peter lederman or steve leung, yes... they will tell you if you have a fatality on your hands, otherwise they will make sure the cart plays properly when they return it to you
erikt OP
272 posts
 
I'll have to consider that. 

Was looking into changing up my cartridge anyway (AT ART9XI, Hana ML-maybe not now).  I may have to bite the dust on trying to sell the SH.

Thanks for the info!


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Send your cartridge back to the Japanese manufacturer via your distributor. It has nothing to do with retip! Upgrade to a higher model with them if they can’t change or tune your collapsed suspension, most likely they will offer you a special discount for higher model, so it’s upgrade program. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,718 posts
 
I had the same problem with a Dynavector DV2XL cartridge.  Bought it used, cantilever was straight but suspension was collapsed.  Stupid me for not trying the used cartridge when I first got it.  I will say even though the cartridge suspension had collapsed, it still sounded glorious if you could get over the scraping sound on the record.  Andy at the Needle Clinic fixed it for me but don’t remember price.  I do remember thinking that it was quite reasonable to me. 
rdk777's avatar
rdk777
584 posts
 
I agree with Chakster - if its still under warranty, the dealer may be able to to fix it for free.  Depends on manufacturer/dealer, some are better than others.  Also good idea to have a spare cartridge for times like this.
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