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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
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,974 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
1,397 posts
 
That cartridge is not a keeper. 
williewonka
3,075 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...


swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I think my question would be how do you visually align to the cantilever?  It's hard enough to do that using all of the visual aids, grids, mirrors and what have you that the various 'tractors have, assuming that the cantilever is parallel to the sides of the body.  Of course, if you do the final tweaking by ear, then maybe that's not a problem.
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