Sumiko Flux Buster Demagnetizer

@lewm I think that is a much more likely explanation. Rubber will take a set as you know from car tires. Demagnetization (which we use to do all the time for tape heads) requires use of a demagnetizer. This is a device that generates a very strong magnetic field that oscillates at line frequency changing poles at 60 Hz. You get it close to the tape head wave it around a little and slowly withdraw it from the head. The slowly weakening field oscillating at 60 Hz oscillates its way down to zero and whatever you pointed it at is demagnetized. I am not sure if this works with certain permanent magnets but it would seem to me to be a very dangerous thing to do with a cartridge. I think it is safe to say you are smarter than Stan given your history. 

I am going to get the test record if it is still available and record samples for comparison. See what gives. 

I've used the Sumiko Fluxbuster periodically for years and never had an issue with any MM or MC cartridge.

Greetings 

‘Thanks to all for their input on this subject. I was hoping for more input on what people are using today to degauss their systems.
The Cardas is one of the most popular test albums? Years ago I went to the Cardas website and printed out a more detailed report on their test album. They suggested using the degaussing tracks every few weeks.I to blindly trust Stan ‘the man’ and Cardas.
I have acquired 6 test albums over the years. Purchased my first test album in 1968. Not much has changed in test albums since then except for being pressed on heavier vinyl and the Cardas degaussing process. I also have 2 CD test discs, which claim to degauss the entire audio system.  They also seem to cleanup the sound.

The 2 cartridges I degaussed were a Benz LPS, Denon DL-S1 and Denon AU-S1 SUT. I listen to both cartridges daily. The improvement on the Denon was outstanding. I will be more cautious using the Sumiko since there seemed to be more negativity to its usage.

No matter what you buy there is always something better.

‘Respectfully 

Joe Nies

Mijostyn, Dover’s question was whether SUTs with iron or iron alloy cores could become magnetized, contrary to my blanket assertion that SUTs don’t become magnetized. I relayed this question to Dave Slagle by email, and Dave responded with a lengthy and detailed explanation. He also gave me permission to use his words. I need only quote his first four sentences:

"In a SUT we use soft magnetic materials which are specifically alloyed and annealed to be easily magnetized and demagnetized. These materials do have remanence which is the amount that it remains magnetized after a unidirectional signal is applied. So while technically the core can become slightly magnetized, the nature of the beast is it can also be easily magnetized."

So I was not completely correct in my original assertion that "SUTs don’t become magnetized", but Dave would say (and said in his email) that SUTs do not merit degaussing.

cleeds, If you have been demagnetizing MM cartridges, it is a minor miracle that you have not yet perceptibly damaged one, since most would agree it is dangerous to the magnet, much more so than with an MC cartridge.

By the way, you gotta love the word "remanence". Use it at parties.

I meant to add that I do not mean to rain on anyone's parade who hears a benefit from fluxbusting.  Go for it, carefully.