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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
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Sorry to get back to you after the fact.Dan_ed has given you sound advice,
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,399 posts
 
Don't use a lot of heat..it will burn the wire - even slightly will change the sound. I'd send it out for Incognito. I did that to my Rega arm when I had it and the difference to stock was very much better.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Michael Percy Audio. They have the clips, heat shrink and lots of wire to choose from. The Litz wire is a bit of a pain to work with and it may not necessarily sound better. But they have a good selection to choose from.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,419 posts
 
Pablo, what did you do to damage the cable?
I will be installing a new cart pretty soon for first time.
Kind of wanted to know what are the DOs and DON'Ts when installing. Cartridge is Benz Ace. I feel pretty confident I can do it, just wanted to know what I should avoid.
Thanks!
pablo16 OP
45 posts
 
Audphile....It really wasn't too bad. The clip on the white wire was stuck just a bit, and when it finally freed loose, it just shot off and snapped the cable in two. I've heard of people using toothpicks to help loosen them before pulling with the needlenose pliars (make sure it's a fine pair of needle nose). I've heard of others putting some substance on the clip to help loosen it up as well. Just be careful, steady, and just pry the clips off slowly, don't pull. I learned my lesson with the other 3
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