AT OC9 tracking problem. Worn out?

My OC9 is 20 years old but had a long period when it wasn't used. I use 2.2G. Almost invariably cartridges have a lighter than optimum recommended TF. I used mine in my SME IV and now in VPI Scoutmaster and I never tracked under 2g. Try a little heavier and see if it tracks better.

Eko - Would a worn stylus account for the bad tracking? It actually still sounds very nice.

Well, because there are so many other variables, it's impossible to say whether a worn stylus is causing your problem. But, given my experience with the OC9, it's the most likely scenario. The only way to know for sure is to get it under a microscope at a knowledgeable cartridge dealer. If it bothered you enough to post this thread, I think it's worth the time to send the cartridge out for inspection just to satisfy your curiosity as to where you stand on the wear curve.

I disagree with Tfkaudio in one important respect. He may well be right that your cartridge has some life left. But cartridges are easily replaceable. Records aren't. If it were a $5000 cartridge, I might be more inclined to suggest you squeeze every drop of life from it but given how inexpensive the OC9 is, I say better safe than sorry.

Dear Grimace: +++++ " tracking problems on the innermost tracks on a couple records that are new ... " +++++

if the problem is only on those two records then IMHO i possible that the problem is on those records than in the cartridge.

Now, if you can take that cartridge with those records and try it on a different system: with a friend of you or an audio dealer.
I think that 1K hours is only the half ( at least ) of that stylus cartridge life but there is no precise rule about because the wearing depends on many factors. You could have a better information on it if you ask directly to Audio Technica and maybe too they could support you to inspect ( free ) your cartridge.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

I agree with you're point. At $350 its the cheap enough to just replace it. Although I'll probably try a different cartridge of some sort.

Grimace,

Can you describe the symptoms a little more? You said you have "tracking problems" on a few LP's, but didn't say exactly what makes you think so. What are you hearing? Knowing this might inform the diagnosis...