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Is my stylus damaged ?

Hi folks,

I was recently given for free a Technics SL3300 turntable that comes with a Sgure MG44X cartdrige.
I bought a cheap N35X stylus.

As this is an automatic turntable, something is happening and three times the tonearm as slide to the center of the record, I have not tried to play records till I send the turntable for calibration and adjustments.

At first sight the stylus shows no damage and looks still aligned and not ''twisted''.

Should I buy a new one ?

PS: I'm on a very tight budget.

Thanks !
foxtrot
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
If it looks OK w a magnifier that it probably is. since your budget is tight, I would give it a try one you get the unit back from repair.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
The stylus is "sliding" across the record because you probably don't have enough tracking force (VTF) applied to the arm.

Here are the instructions to do that. It's a different model, but the procedure is the same. This is a BASIC way to do it. Using a scale is the best, but this will get you close.

I'm pretty sure your stylus is fine as long as it doesn't appear to be bent. Should be centered.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
Tracking force on that Shure cartridge with the M35X stylus should be between 1.5 and 3 grams. I'd set it at around 2.5 grams.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,471 posts
 
I suspect MOFI is correct. If it still slides to the center, make sure nothing mechanical is causing it, then new stylus.
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