how to determine the wear of an MC cartridge

[justin brown]

Hi All,
Something that I've noticed recently is that the body of my cartridge is very close indeed to the surface of the record. I'm sure the gap is narrowing in the 2/3 years I've had it... but one thing which alarmed me is that an old record which has a very slight buckle in it (more so than a warp) was catching the cartridge body. This hasn't happened before.
Although I was a novice when I first set up my turntable, I've always taken great care measuring the vta and the tracking force. Even after experimenting with platter mats recently, I made sure that the tracking force was spot on.
Does this sound like my cartridge is worn out? It is a Benz micro glider L2...Oh, just thought I'd mention that there is no deterioration in the sound quality... as far as I am aware anyway.

Thanks, Justin.

[Richard]

Hi Justin,
Well, if you're sure it is riding lower and the tracking force is correct it may be that the suspension has collapsed a little. This happened to a Shure V15 I had many years ago and they replaced it foc. Ditto a DL160 2 or 3 years ago which collapsed and went over to one side which Denon also replaced foc, so worth having a word with the importer/distributor and asking if they will examine it.

[justin brown]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for your advice. I will look into it.

Justin

[justin brown]

Hi Richard, all,
Just to say that today I received my cartridge back from Domenic and Natalie Harper at Northwest Analogue.
After Richard's comments I thought I'd contact Dom for another opinion. Thankfully, the suspension just needed adjusting, and the stylus needed a bit of a clean. Now my cartridge is as good as new, and sounds magnificent. Dom supplied me with a generous blob of cartridge cleaning putty and advice/care instructions.
If anyone is considering a refurb job, or simply sound advice on their cartridge, I recommend they get in touch with Dom.

Justin.

[Dominic Harper]

Hi Justin. Glad your happy with the Glider! And thank you for the kind words.
Regards,
Dominic & Natalie
NWA

[Richard]

Good news Justin and well done Dom and Natalie, great service!

I imagine my 2 medium price carts were simply replaced but how is a fault like this rectified on an expensive cart?