Vinyl Asylum

Welcome Licorice Pizza (LP) lovers! Setup guides and Vinyl FAQ.

Return to Vinyl Asylum

Concerning NOS or simply older cartridges?

76.195.182.124
Posted on November 4, 2009 at 11:03:22
M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 2325
Location: So. California
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
  Since: July 4, 2007
 Several folks have raised the issue of failed suspensions on older cartridges, NOS or otherwise.

For some time I've wondered about applying a rubber restoration liquid to the suspension ring if it is visible. I'm talking about a product specified for rubber belt and idler wheel renewal. I appreciate that one must be careful with the application of this solution and not apply so much that it might wick up the cantilever. I'm thinking of applying with the tip of a wooden toothpick or straight pin.

Has anyone tried this so they can share comments? I'd hate to ruin the old cartridge I'm thinking of (Shinon) so may look for a "worn" candidate to experiment with if no one here can offer personal experience.

Thanx if you can help.

Growing old is hell related former youth.
The rubber cleaners do not soften the rubber., posted on November 5, 2009 at 00:04:47
tubesforever
Manufacturer

Posts: 9128
Location: Great Basin
Joined: May 7, 2005
 In fact they might remove the oxidation but also dry out the rubber as they clean the rubber.

If you do use it be ultra careful these have zylene. Very nasty stuff.
"Music Matters" Help support our schools music programs.
Been there, done that., posted on November 4, 2009 at 13:53:12
Dave Pogue
Audiophile

Posts: 7496
Location: DC Area
Joined: October 9, 2001
Contributor
  Since: March 18, 2003
 It works. At least it did for me with some really old ADC and Stanton/Pickering carts. I used Rawn "Re-Grip" Rubber Cleaner and Revitalizer, applying the smallest possible amount to the suspension with a plastic toothpick. Until I got confident, I used it only on a really ancient cart that was otherwise a goner anyway. If someone wants to say the cart suspensions simply came back to life after being immobile for decades, I won't argue, but at least it's unlikely IMO to do harm.

RE: Concerning NOS or simply older cartridges?, posted on November 4, 2009 at 12:48:35
Arlekino
Audiophile

Posts: 693
Location: Chicago
Joined: March 26, 2004
 I am using a cartridge manufactured in late 70's. It works fine and sounds outstanding. Unless a cartridge was stored improperly, which means not in a climate-controlled environment, I would not worry about it.

I would not use any rubber restoration fluid on a cartridge. Typical rubber restoration fluid contains acetone, which could damage the copper coil wires.

Absolutely correct., posted on November 4, 2009 at 13:45:38
Quadzilla
Audiophile

Posts: 1548
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Joined: July 31, 2003
 Rubber renewal is really just dissolving the outer hardened layer of the rubber (or plastic). If ANY of it gets on the insulation around coils or internal wiring, forget it. I have several older cartridges, and I have never experienced the problem. If it ain't broke ...



Prehistoric 4-Channel Lizard
If it ain't broke . . ., posted on November 4, 2009 at 14:59:22
M3 lover
Audiophile

Posts: 2325
Location: So. California
Joined: May 29, 2005
Contributor
  Since: July 4, 2007
 An audio buddy once told me he gave up on tubes because he realized that every time he turned the system on they had deteriorated a little bit more. He clearly admitted he did not hear this incremental deterioration but it bothered him that over time the performance was on a downward slope. To avoid a new discussion, his is not my position.

But I suspect the suspension in some cartridges is like tube deterioration, I may not hear it day to day but I know it is happening. Now I may not hear a problem one day to the next, or to the next month, or even many months. But if I have a cartridge I enjoy and there is no replacement available (I'm not including re-tipping where the cantilever and even stylus shape may be changed) then why not prolong its life to extend the point where it will eventually break?

Growing old is hell related former youth.

Page processed in 0.045 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2009, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ] [ Go Green ] [ Take5 ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]