2. analog
  3. 147418-7

Cartridge issues need suggestions

I am having issues with my Transfiguration Proteus - the left channel is cutting out.  It starts with a strong center  image then in a few seconds it drifts to the right intermittently, almost like someone is turning the balance control very fast.  Then it stays far right but I still have faint output in the left channel and sometimes some feedback like the stylus is out of line. 

It is not my tubes in the phono section because I checked that with my backup and it does the same thing.  I have rechecked overhang, cantilever alignment with my protractor, VTF - nothing has changed.  The only thing I haven’t adjusted is anti-skate and haven’t since initial setup.  Azimuth is set on a Basis Vector 4.  I took it off and upon visual inspection the it looks ok - the cantilever is straight but it might have shifted slightly to the left.  I can’t be sure.

Anyone had this issue - I never have...thanks for any feedback!
pops
pops OP
2,272 posts
 
This cartridge has 500 hours on it - mid life.
edgewear
543 posts
 
Sorry to hear about your issue. I also own the Proteus, which surely is a great cartridge. To be honest this doesn't really sound like a cartridge problem. I'm also pretty sure it has nothing to do with anti-skating, azimuth ot other alignment related issues.

So I guess you should try to be as methodical as possible. First you might consider trying the Proteus in a different system. I suspect this will rule out the cartridge as the culprit. Your description more likely  suggests a cable issue. A loose contact perhaps, either with the tonearm inside cabling or the tonearm cable to the phono amp.

pops OP
2,272 posts
 
As I suspected it is the Proteus.  I put my Ortofon Jubilee back in and it plays fine.  Anyone know who would work on a Transfiguration?  What a time to go out of biz....only 460 or so hours on this tranny...bummer.
larryi
3,781 posts
 
You need to systematically determine where the problem lies, and not assume it is the cartridge.  Because you think it is the cartridge, start at that end.  Switch the left and right wiring of the wires at the pins of the cartridge.  If the problem changes sides, then it is the cartridge that is causing the problem.  If it doesn't switch sides, the problem is somewhere downstream of the cartridge (tonearm wiring, interconnect to phono stage, etc.).  You can work backwards switching left and right.to isolate the source of your problem.  Intermittent fading or loss of signal is often a problem with an interconnect or a problem at the jack where the inteconnect feeds into.  
larryi
3,781 posts
 
I just saw that you switched cartridges and the problem is the Transfiguration.  The builder died not too long ago, and, I believe, production has stopped so there might not be a way to get Transfiguration to check on your problem.  Rebuilders/re-tippers would be able to do something if the problem is with the stylus, but, it sounds like a problem with the wiring (winding of the coil) and that might not be repairable.  

You might want to talk to Bob Clarke at Profundo; he is or was the U.S> distributor of Transfiguration.
More to discover