Sumiko Flux Buster Demagnetizer

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.

lewm

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.

It's no miracle at all, @lewm although, with MM, the stylus must be removed first.

The following is a quote from Sumiko Flux Buster Instructions.

‘When the magnetically permeable components of a transducer become magnetized, performance can be degraded. Magnetization of a moving coil former (armature) can be heard as a loss of dynamics, degradation of image, “mushiness,” or a combination of these symptoms. Magnetization of pole pieces can also cause similar problems in the fixed coil cartridge.

‘The performance of step-up transformers for moving coil cartridges can also suffer when their formers become magnetized.

Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations in regards to using any device that might alter its sound.

‘When I used the Sumiko, I did think about the possibility of harm. The worst thing that could have happened was I would have to get a new cartridge. I was okay with that.

Thanks to all, I learned something new from your input.

Joe Nies

Whether needed or not, I don’t think degaussing a SUT could harm it.