2. analog
  3. 1218959051

Cartridge/Phono-Pre Break-in?

I just installed a new Audio-Technica 150MLX cartridge and Cambridge 640p phono-pre in my second system (SL1200 table, Nuforce Icon amp, Gallo speakers), and after two days it sounds about like an AM radio...no highs, no dynamics. Computer audio playback sounds quite fine. I thought I might have a poor cartridge wire connection (suckers were tough to install without breaking them) but there's no hum or distortion. Does this happen? Do either of these pieces change dramatically with break-in?

Thanks for any guidance.

Jeff
jmudrick
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
08-19-08: Jmudrick
Just of of curiosity Johnnyb53, since we have the same setup (1200 with fluid damper, using a Zupreme headshell), where'd you land in terms of tracking force with the cartridge?
I had it at 1.6g during break-in, and have listened to it at 1.4g ever since. However, I'm only going by the numbers on the Technics counter-weight; I don't have a VTF gauge yet.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,443 posts
 
Regarding magnetically attractive Shure scale. Thanks to those that revealed that some Shure scales are magnetically attractive. My advice is if you get one, test it with a magnet, and if the magnet attracts, return the scale.
madfloyd
411 posts
 
Where's the best place to order turntable tools? I need to setup my TT and not sure where to find the tools.
More to discover