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Possible Cartridge Suspension Collapse?

I dunno, it seems like my Hana SH is riding lower and lower as time goes on.

I got it new in 2018 and haven't spun all that many LPs on it - maybe have 350 hours?

Yesterday, I was spinning some LPs after not using it for about 2 months and at the start of every LP, there was a whoosing sound from the speakers - turns out the bottom of the cartridge was making contact with the very outside raised edge of LPs. Then as the record plays it would stop, but the cartridge body is darn near touching the LP surface - I mean practically an "RCH" distance.

On my Technics SL1200mk2, I run my VTF right at 2.0g (double verified with a Shure gauge and an electronic one).

Was thinking of moving up to the Hana ML, but now skittish of Hana's - may have to start thinking of getting a replacement regardless as my SH is just too low.
erikt
bikerbw
108 posts
 
Yes, I second/third the suggestion going through the dealer to discuss repair/replacement/upgrade options.  Hana warranties only run for two years but they might take pity on you and give you a good deal.  I'm running a Technics SL1200mk2 with a Hana SL and it works really well with the standard Technics head shell (tried the LP Gear Zupreme, couldn't quite get it to work well).  I DID have a Denon DL-301MKII cantilever collapse to the record surface one time, but it was still a fairly new cartridge and under warranty so Denon swapped it out for a replacement fairly quickly.  I could see how aggressive cleaning (especially with an ONZOW Zerodust stylus cleaner) could compromise a delicate cantilever assembly, but if you've been spinning records for some time you know to handle them gently.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I would like to hear what Hana or the dealer does. Historically, because it is so easy to damage a cartridge, unless the cartridge is brand new they will laugh at you. I have never seen this happen to a MM or MI cartridges. With MCs it is a not uncommon event. The tether is held tight by a little set screw which for a number of reasons did not get a firm grip on it so it started slipping. It is a simple task to retention the wire and re set the screw but it takes a special microscope to do it. If Hana doesn't respond I bet Soundsmith will re set it for an hour's labor. 
erikt OP
269 posts
 
I've reached out per Music Direct's reply to the US Distributor, Musical Surroundings describing the issue.

Waiting for a reply....
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I would like to hear what Hana or the dealer does. Historically, because it is so easy to damage a cartridge, unless the cartridge is brand new they will laugh at you.

The stylus is not damaged, but suspension collapsed too early. They can accept this defective cartridge towards upgrade to the next model, in this case buyer will pay less than retail price. Every dealer should do that as they can earn money again. And the buyer will get new cartridge (next model). 

P.S. I did it with much more expensive ZYX cartridge via US distributor. 
erikt OP
269 posts
 
As I mentioned up-stream

The dealer’s offer (Music Direct) was 20% trade-in value from my original purchase price towards an upgrade.

I’m hoping Musical Surroundings, the Hana US Distributor, will take pity on me and either repair/replace the cartridge, or give me full (or better than 20%) trade-in for another cartridge.
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