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looking for advice to mitigate inner groove distortion

I currently have a Nagaoka MP200 on a rega P3 with all the groovetracer upgrades (including counterweight for better tracking).  I've calibrated the cart using the Stevenson method but I am plagued by inner groove distortion.  I'm considering getting a MP500 with the line contact diamond to help.  Is this a good idea?  I know IGD is part of the deal with Vinyl but I get bummed out every time the last song on the record comes on.
adam8179
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
IME, inner groove distortion can be caused by many things.  Not sure how old your cartridge is, could be the suspension is worn and you need a new cartridge, or in your case a stylus replacement.  Could be the way the diamond is cut does not like your stevenson alignment.  Try a new stylus. 
lewm
13,169 posts
 
Apparently the OP is on vacation.
tz, You have successfully come up with an explanation for the OP’s problem that is even more unlikely or far-fetched than my own or any of the others. Are there any data suggesting that stylus shape and alignment algorithm are linked in any way? If so, I am willing and anxious to learn about it.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Well now lewm don't be so hasty. He also said it could be the suspension. He already gave it an alignment. Maybe just needs new shocks?
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
IME, which is many years BTW, certain cartridges and stylus profiles do track different and better than others. YMMv but that is my experience.  Not far fetched, just my experience.  my Pickering tracks better than my Grace or my Benz's.  Could be the suspension, compliance or stylus profiles do have something to do with it and I am not sure what kind of QC some of these manufacturers have regarding diamonds and the quality of them.
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