Ortofon A90 or Air Tight PC-1

Hi, does anyone know what exactly the problem was with the cartridge that led them to suspect it was faulty?

Thanks, Simon.

@Koegz: The $250 Fozgometer measures crosstalk and channel levels; that's it. There are more effective technical ways to optimize azimuth. For setting SRA at the correct 92 degree angle a microscope may be the best approach. The alignment service I provide now includes this as well as listening to optimize SRA and VTA.

I have problems to believe that a company like Ortofon delivers "faulty" cartridges. I guess the "problem" has nothing to do with them.

The A90 has been the subject of multiple articles by Michael Fremer which explain just how critical the SRA/VTA is during setup. These articles go as far as to explain these advanced setup techniques and advocate the use of a USB digital microscope among other things. Of course one could still do all of the setup by ear, but the goal of using such instruments is to dramatically shorten the amount of time that it will take to achieve perfect alignment and SRA.

And as far as the notion that one should experience the cartridge before buying - I wholeheartedly agree. For anybody who will be attending Rocky Mountain Audio Fest this year, there will be ample opportunity for interested listeners to experience the A90.

Louis/Ortofon

But what was the problem, distortion, to lean, bright, please enlighten me if you can. I am genuinely interested.

Simon.