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NOS Ortofon VMS 30 MkII

I just bought a NOS/NIB Ortofon VMS 30 MkII (haven't received it yet). I'm wondering how these old Ortofon moving iron designs hold up against age (it's 20 years old!). I've read both positive and negative comments about NOS cartridges. It seems that some brands hold up better than others. Has anybody had NOS experiences with this model (or others from the VMS line)? Are the potential problems limited to the stylus part or is it likely that the rest of the cartridge will be affected too?
krenzler
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
I've brought several old cartridges back from the dead by applying a tiny amount of "Re-Grip" to the suspension with a toothpick. This rubber revitalizer(ordinarily used on tape deck pinch roller and other hardened rubber parts) is available from www.turntablebasics.com and should probably be considered a last resort, but I've used it with great success on ancient cartridge styli from ADC and Sonus. Good luck, Dave
krenzler OP
13 posts
 
OK, Thanks. I'll try "Re-Grip" if it becomes necessary.
stefanl
296 posts
 
I have an old VMS 20 Mk11 Ortofon that so far has not shown any problems.I believe the problem of deterioration from age is more acute with moving coil cartridges than with this moving magnet/iron type.I would not worry about it actually and Ortofon still have a replacement stylus available for this model,even though it is the same now for the VMS 20 and 30 models.
ballywho
134 posts
 
I can say that the one I own, and am selling on this site, works perfectly...

I used it with a Sonus (think Mayware) Formula IV unipivot arm, where I think it's probably most at home (it's one that you often hear is best for such arms), although it worked just as good on my father's RB300.
krenzler OP
13 posts
 
Well I live in Denmark...:-)

I plan to use mine in my Thorens TD150MkII/SME 3009S2improved setup.
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