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Cartridge distorting progressively during playback

Has anyone experienced this in their setup.  Record plays fine at beginning but begins to distort ( especially in midrange).  Here is the hitch.  It plays fine if you start with the first song middle or last.  But after a while the distortion progresses.
If you lift the tonearm and wait around 30 sec or more and lower to play the distortion disappears but will return in the next few mins.  It will do this if you re cue the same track or one near the beginning or end.

I have tried two phono stages and it does the same with both.  I tried a different cart (MC) and it does not do this.  

The cart in question is an Ortofon 2mBlack that is brand new.  It was set up the same as the previous 2mBlack it replaced under warranty (cartridge pin came off). SRA at 92, 1.5g tracking force.   Tracks perfectly.

Any insights on what is going on.  I figured I'd get some input before I take this back to the dealer.  Maybe there's something I overlooked. 
nutella
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,732 posts
 
Have to agree with @clearthink. Think about it from a humorous angle.
Sounds like the arm bearing is sticking. Are you sure the rear of the tonearm is clear of the cue mechanism?
pops
2,273 posts
 
@nutella it sounds like a defective cartridge to me - unlucky! I have a similar situation with my Transfiguration Proteus except my problems started after 500 or so hours - you can check the thread  "cartridge issues."

Like you I am pretty savvy with setup and tried everything - several times. What tonearm are you using? noromance has a good suggestion.
nutella OP
223 posts
 
Thanks @pops , I'll check out that thread.  I won't have a chance to get to the dealer until the weekend so that will give me some more time to troubleshoot.

@noromance , no problems laughing about it.  Just not how I planned to spend Sunday afternoon.  Clearthink likes to describe in groups of three words.  That is what I expect to see when he posts. 

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