When cantilever not parallel to cartridge sides



A newbie question:

I have only bought two new cartridges so far and found that in both cases, the cantilevers are not parallel to the sides of the cartridge bodies. In both cases, I have to twist the cartridge bodies by 20% or so in order to properly set the correct zenith angle.

I wonder is this normal? or should I send it back to the dealer for exchange?
viper_z
Dear Viper z: I agree that is not normal. I ssume both were new cartridges and I don't know which ones are but on some ( very few ) cartridges you can find that the cantilever is not at the center of the cartridge's body but certainly not a 20% off, maybe is less that that.
Anyway, you have to make the cartridge set up not with the body but with the cantilever shape and if the performance is good then could be no problem at all. For any one of us in this thread it is very dificult to give you a more precise answer because we are not seeing the cartridges. Doug is totally right: 72 degrees!, no way.

So it is your call to send it back or keep it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
All,
I am very very sorry.. Pls accept my apology. I meant to say that the angle is about 20 DEGREES off! (Not 20%!).

Please allow me to attach this picture below, please click on it and see if this cartridge alignment is normal.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9358823@N02/2939007240/

Thank you all.
sorry again.. reposting the link to the picture I refer to in my previous post:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2939007240_2c2fbfc260.jpg
..let me guess....ORTOFON.... Yes send it back. Would you buy a new car with a pushed in fender??
Photo is blurred but it looks like an Audio Technica not an Ortofon Stringbean.

Keep in mind that the cartridge sides, and the cantilever of course, are not always parallel to the headshell sides when properly aligned with your protractor.

Good luck.