AT OC9 tracking problem. Worn out?

If you really want to know, you could consider sending the cartridge to Acoustic Sounds or Soundsmith, and have them inspect the stylus under a special microscope. They'll tell you exactly what kind of shape it's in.
I really believe that the old rules may no longer apply. Yes, 1200 hours is a lot under the tried and true rules of thumb for analog, but these rules were written when cartridges tracked at 25 grams.

Ok, maybe not 25 grams. But you get the idea. I wouldn't be surprised if your stylus had little or no significant wear.

What I can't understand is how you can last 1200 hours without catching the upgrade bug...

Cheers.

Eko - Would a worn stylus account for the bad tracking? It actually still sounds very nice.

Tfk - You are right about the upgrade thing, but I've been very happy with the sound of the OC9 so there hasn't been any compelling sonic reason to do it. But if I have to....

My OC9 is 20 years old but had a long period when it wasn't used. I use 2.2G. Almost invariably cartridges have a lighter than optimum recommended TF. I used mine in my SME IV and now in VPI Scoutmaster and I never tracked under 2g. Try a little heavier and see if it tracks better.

Eko - Would a worn stylus account for the bad tracking? It actually still sounds very nice.

Well, because there are so many other variables, it's impossible to say whether a worn stylus is causing your problem. But, given my experience with the OC9, it's the most likely scenario. The only way to know for sure is to get it under a microscope at a knowledgeable cartridge dealer. If it bothered you enough to post this thread, I think it's worth the time to send the cartridge out for inspection just to satisfy your curiosity as to where you stand on the wear curve.

I disagree with Tfkaudio in one important respect. He may well be right that your cartridge has some life left. But cartridges are easily replaceable. Records aren't. If it were a $5000 cartridge, I might be more inclined to suggest you squeeze every drop of life from it but given how inexpensive the OC9 is, I say better safe than sorry.

Dear Grimace: +++++ " tracking problems on the innermost tracks on a couple records that are new ... " +++++

if the problem is only on those two records then IMHO i possible that the problem is on those records than in the cartridge.

Now, if you can take that cartridge with those records and try it on a different system: with a friend of you or an audio dealer.
I think that 1K hours is only the half ( at least ) of that stylus cartridge life but there is no precise rule about because the wearing depends on many factors. You could have a better information on it if you ask directly to Audio Technica and maybe too they could support you to inspect ( free ) your cartridge.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.