needle problem

The key word is "suddenly". He then said (noticed) "the cartridge sits lower in respects to the distance between it and the record." He most likely didn't also notice that the stylus *suddenly* retracted into the cartridge ;-) VTA shift? No, that wouldn't bring the cartridge closer to the record. Suspension failure? Possible, but wouldn't happen *suddenly* unless the user dropped the stylus hard or dragged it across the record (probably bend the cantilever first.) VTF shift? Probably. Counterweight inadvertantly shifted forward, or fell off the end of the arm without anyone noticing (don't laugh, it happens!)

sounds like damage to me

question: how much deflection occurs when the arm is set on the record at the appropriate VTF? There shouldn't be more than a mm or so.

Thanks for the responses.

THe TT is a Rega Planar 25, with a Dynavector DV-20XH cart. I say "suddenly" in that it hadn't be doing that before, and then I noticed it. Whether it was gradual, or truely, sudden, I don't know.

Right now I have the needle off to take to a local vinyl dealer who is somewhat knowledgable about TT fixes, though he is doubtful he can diagnose a needle problem. (unfortunatly, I am mechanically deficient.)

I will check the VTF when I get it back on so make sure it is still ~ 2 grams, and check back soon.

... also, I don't beleive my TT has VTA adjustment. Right? :)

I'll check up on that too.

Your arm has no provision per se for VTA adjustment, however, there are after-market gadjets that permit this adjustment. Expressimo Audio (now out of business ) has one, I think VPI makes one, - it can be found. Do change the back couterweight to a dropped weight, get it off its feet and on to spikes, cones, blocks, etc., set vtf by adjustment of the counterweight - do not use the spring adjustment. Set it on maximum and use a Sure guage for the weight.