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benz micro mc3 set up question

I am looking for info on setting up an old Benz Micro MC3. I am using a BAT pk10 BAT vk5i BAT VK500 CJ EV2000,
Oracle MK3 SME V. I have it set at 2.0 grams and 1k load. I have the gain turned up to 18db on the pk10. It is an older cartridge and I think it sounds real good but I hear some gargage on the high end at times and the mid seems rolled off. It may be my imagination or the recording. My question is the load. Has anyone set one up lately and have specs.I am also looking for a different cartridge, possible Benz Ruby 3 or Koestu rosewood. Something that matches up to my system without overkill. Any opinions would be appreciated. I listen to a lot of older rock and blues.
sstauss
markd51
763 posts
 
Before sending for re-tipping, perhaps check a few other things first. Have you done a really good visual inspection of the Stylus to insure that it is indeed clean?

If not, search the archives, and read Doug Deacon's use of the MrClean Magic Eraser. Doug has claimed to resucitate many a Cartridge that was originally thought to be bad, and in need of re-tipping.

Is your gain possibly too hot? Too much gain can cause problems with distortion.

Are you certain you have properly aligned this Cartridge? What have you used to align with, and are you sure it has been done correctly?

VTF could possibly be too heavy? Maybe try dropping VTF to 1.9g. Then go from there.

Lastly, is it possible some of these records you are using, have groove damage, and/or are not properly cleaned? Mark
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
Does a new cartridge which is less flexible do more wear on an lp until broken in? Should it played on just certain disposable type lp/s for 50 hours first? Or does it not matter.
markd51
763 posts
 
Dear Ct0517,

I'm not so sure that a tight cantilever suspension would be detrimental, but in another forum, somebody made a claim about all cartridges, and a possible issue.

This is of course some food for thought, I am unsure that it is totally factual, but it does sound plausible to me.

Somebody like Cartridge Designer of Lyra Cartridges, Jonathan Carr could perhaps confirm this as fact?

What I have read, that when a Cartridge is brand new, and has not yet broken in, that there could be some possible very minor azimuth mis-alignment of the Stylus in relation to the Record's Groove? And that after a period of time, the Cartridge's Cantilver, and Suspension will begin to alter slightly, and take on a slightly different set in regards to proper Azimuth alignment.

It is probably why some of the gurus who go beyond many's abilities, choose to set Azimuth via electric Multimeter, or other program, rather than relying upon eyesight.

It makes sense, and I'm thinking with lesser Alignment Methods, that yes, some possible damage to the Record's Groove could be occuring until full break in occurs.

Perhaps not exactly the beat thread to veer off on another tangent with this discussion, but I think all would agree the high importance of correct Azimuth.

I would love to hear other's thoughts about this? Mark
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