2. analog
  3. 139998-119548

Rega Ania Cantilever Bent?

I bought a rega P6/Ania combo and I just cannot get the sound right. The left channel sound 30% weaker than right channel. I checked the alignment (using Rega protractor) and tracking force (~1.9g) and I switched input for phono preamplifier and the sound problem did switch. So the problem is from turntable. Then I closely looked at the cantilever and noticed it is “bent” slightly inward. (Picture attached). Could any Ania owner help to confirm if it is bent or it is made in that way. (From stock picture , it is straight and right in the center) Thanks.
mac2019
Post removed 
mac2019 OP
7 posts
 
Please check this link . Thanks https://photos.app.goo.gl/5vYdytbB5PngnJQ97

https://photos.app.goo.gl/R2ttHEG4zsnQ9sjt6 

folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
OK, having seen the picture that seems to be within acceptable tolerances for an off center cantilever. of course whatever knocked the cantilever may have offset the coils to a greater degree but that seems unlikely

Are you sure you don't have an anti-skate problem? Or azimuth (unlikely with a Rega arm which doesn't offer azimuth adjustment). There could also be some sort of issue with the phono cable I suppose.

Do you have another cartridge you could swap in just to see if that takes care of the problem?

ps Nice photo by the way -- it's a bear to get these things head on!
mac2019 OP
7 posts
 
thanks.  Based on the picture, the degree of off center should be more than 5 degree, (which is ~ 0.2mm arc for a 10mm radius) and should not be visible.  The cable connection looks fine, I will double check the connection on cartridge. I remember someone use multimeter to directly measure the voltage output of Left and right channel of cartridge. Maybe this is one way to check? Thanks. 
mac2019 OP
7 posts
 
One more thought, cantilever is connected to the cartridge body through a suspension, which allows cantilever move around freely to pass the motion to coil.(MC). for some reason, the cartridge is NOT perfectly aligned, the cantilever will be pushed slightly off cartridge center by the groove. When playing stops, cantilever will stay at that position. So basically, alignment with cartridge or cantilever is SAME. The cantilever will eventually offset the imperfection in cartridge alignment because it actually move freely (by suspension). Well, if it is not problem of cantilever, then I need continue to look for the reason behind the imbalance of left and right channel. :(
More to discover