Allaerts down-repair or ??

Tom, did you understand why Jan asked you to "check the input of the phonostage for DC voltage"? You definitely should do that. If the SoundSmith reports that it has a fried coil, that's probably the reason. Jan's cartridges have EXTREMELY fine coil wires that are easily burned by improperly designed or operating phonostages.

Nsgarch,yes- I understand this about his cartridges.It had functioned properly for about 14 months w/o any problem.He also mentioned "static" charge,but I am checking out the phonostage.

I would email Jan directly. He's very nice to deal with. Things have been a bit difficult recently as he had a family bereavement, I believe. I had my MC1B rebuilt by him. It took 8 weeks and 800 euros.

Charlie

I have decided to tear apart the phono system and re-examine each part of this equation.When I put the cartridge back in,I want to know that each part is up to spec.That way if there is a problem,I know where to look to diagnose.
I have received another e-mail from Jan Allaerts.He has advised me to "not let anyone else touch the cartridge".He also wishes that I send the cartridge to him directly and under insure it with UPS.I am a little uncomfortable with this .I plan to contact Hart,at Audio Advancements to inquire whether he will help with this situation.
I understand that there is a 5-year warranty on it,except for the diamond and cantilever.When I asked about warranty in a previous e-mail,it was not addressed.I am now wondering whether I bought a "trade-in" or demo cartridge.I was told by the dealer that he wanted to mount and listen to the cartridge,prior to shipping it to me.I bought it in good faith that it was a "new" cartridge and no mention was made of any other situation pertaining to it being otherwise.I will be laying out some hard earned cash to have each piece inspected,along with the arm-wiring,phonostage et all.

TP, as long as you have your receipt, noting the serial no. of the cartridge, there should not be a problem. I'm not sure why JA wants you to send it directly to him. If it's currently covered by a warranty, then I believe the dealer from whom you purchased it is the responsible party.

JA might have a perfectly good reason for his request, but first, for your own protection, you should have it in writing from JA and the dealer that there is a warranty currently in effect.
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