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the dreaded breaking of tonearm wire...now what?

I just got a new (used) benz micro h2 in the mail and began my first install. Needless to say, didn't go very well. Actually, except for one tonearm wire breaking, it wasn't as bad as I thought.

So, is there anything I can do to salvage it? Or, should I just send it somewhere, or just a new tonearm cable? It's just the stock in the MMF-5, but don't have a budget right now for anything much better.

What would you do?

Good news: even though I only have sound through one channel, it already is an incredible difference. I think I need some extra counterbalance weight, as the force is tough to adjust. But already much better, except for the fact there is no soundstage with one speaker..

Thanks
pablo16
billwojo
397 posts
 

tpsonic said
"If you are going to rewire ,I suggest a 24ga or greater solid core wire> 30-35ga would be best/sliver?"

Never use solid core wire for a tonearm cable. It will mess with the free motion of the arm and all the bending will make it short lived.

BillWojo

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Many times I comment on how maybe the problem isn't what anyone said, maybe its a total lack of reading comprehension. Either not comprehending, or maybe not even bothering to read. Case in point. People giving advice to a guy who solved his problem 13 years ago. Thanks you two for confirming what I've always known.
geof3
1,128 posts
 
Hahaha! Zombie thread!
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,480 posts
 
No, just a lack of attention millercarbon. It's ok. There is still some useful information like using your thumb as a fulcrum. Now you won't rip your tonearm wires out again:)
cd318
2,636 posts
 
The puzzling thing is why would Rega, who make such a song and dance about their one piece (structurally superior?!) arms deliberately use inferior wiring?

I remember having a few mishaps with the cartridge wiring on my Linn Ittok. It is indeed a tricky business, so any experienced advice is always welcome.

Personally, although I know some might disapprove, I would rather take my chances with an arm that features a removable headshell anytime (Technics 1200G/GR etc).

Otherwise it will be a safer tightrope walk to remove the arm first. Changing the cartridge with the arm in situ is simply a non starter with a deck like the LP12.

That’s a tightrope walk without a net.
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