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Skewed cantilever - Opinions?

Just received a new AT ART-9 cartridge. The cantilever is skewed slightly to the right. Did my best taking a couple of photos. So here's the query: Is this an acceptable amount of deviation for a new cart? Just align to the cantilever rather than the cartridge body when setting it up and go for it? Or, send it back to the seller for an exchange/refund? Many Thanks!

http://s1188.photobucket.com/user/Butch1970/library/AT%20ART%20-9


butch1970
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
If you're off 1/10 of 1% in the geometry the distortion is 100% higher.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,948 posts
 
I agree.  With what the ART9 costs, I would send it back.
catcher10's avatar
catcher10
77 posts
 
Also if you have not looked at the stylus, do that. Looking at it head on with a higher power jewelers loupe or magnifying glass. Check to see if it is also skewed along with the cantilever, if so then probably a mfg issue, these carts are hand made so it happens. If the tip is pointing straight down..may not be a problem.
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,391 posts
 
That cartridge is not a keeper. 
williewonka
3,072 posts
 

I have also received a cartridge from Soundsmith, where the cantilever was a little "skewed" to one side

I contacted them and they explained the this sometimes occurs and that the cantilever was in fact correctly aligned to rest of the internal components, but to ensure correct playback I should align the cartridge to the cantilever and not the cartridge body

The cartridge has a ruby cantilever, so it is next to impossible for that to have been "bent" in transit - since it would simply break!.

I'm thinking Boron would probably do the same?

My cartridge sounds correctly aligned i.e. based on my test record, and everything else I've played, so I am assuming they know of what they speak.

Perhaps this is a similar scenario?

Regards...


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