Stylus/cantilever stiff and noisy--WARNING!

Suspension rubber getting hard with age IS an issue, but, I have not experienced nor heard of this problem being manifested by increased needle chatter.  It is usually heard in the signal itself--mis-tracking, buzzing, etc.  

I think most audiophiles --like the Audiogon community that are not really into budget gear, thrift or ebay cheapies, or DIY -- change gear or upgrade components way before stuff like  cantilever  suspension or dried out electro caps are noticeable issues.

That said, some of that late 70's stuff is quite desirable. Much of it was designed in the lab AND voiced by ear ... all very deliberately and with passion, and in the listening rooms of Sony, Pioneer, Marantz, Shure, Empire, Radio Shack, etc. Yeah, when it works like new, it holds its own.

Hollowman, The cartridge is microphonic BECAUSE it is a transducer.  I did not use that particular word, it's true.  So what?

If there is significant ozone in your regular listening environment, you ought to be protecting more than just your cartridge.

Actually, Hollowman, I for one am very much into vintage gear including vintage cartridges, and there is hardly anything in either of my two separate audio systems that I have not either built or modified from OEM (excluding cartridges, of course). You would be surprised at the levels of experience and expertise to be found among those of us who participate here.

As stated on prior occasions: Cart’s are fragile. which exposes them to deterioration from both exposure to an environment and from typical usage.

Either types of deterioration are unavoidable, where the only measures to minimise the loss of optimisation, would be to use the Cart’ frugally and Vacuum Chamber store with no UV exposure. 

The Heyday of Vinyl has Co habited with endless research from qualified research entities, to make known what damages a Vinyl LP and accelerates Cart’/Styli wear. 

Pretty much correct geometries, force and clean source material is plenty enough to keep all in fine fettle. 

Recently I have shared a report which strongly suggests Ortofon have Damper materials in use that are showing they have properties that are with longevity in maintaining fit for purpose.

Another report from myself, where the source is a very experienced individual in Cart’ refurb, flags up a issue with a  Brands currently available Cart’s that are claimed to have a Damper material that deteriorates very speedily, to the point the Cantilever interface is far from how the factory interface was produced.

New Cart’s with a large price tag, deteriorating at a speedy rate, would be sensible to avoid. 

Olden Cart’s even if NOS Olden are exposed to deterioration! 

The user of such a Cart’ has options on how they are to proceed with using it. I am an advocate of Cart’ refurbishment, and strongly suggest that a more than satisfactory outcome is able to be the end result. 

Is the OP leaning towards Damper replacement is something to be prioritised, when having a particular Cart’ type in use?

@hollowman 

anyone have to adjust their VTF because they are above 7,000 ft seal levels?

We have some pretty noticeable wildlife down-under, including extensive seal colonies.  One big seal even lives on the Sydney Opera House harbour steps.  But 7,000 ft is huge ...