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AT OC9 tracking problem. Worn out?

I've got an Audio-Technica OC-9 that I've had for just about a year now. Recently I've been having some tracking problems on the innermost tracks on a couple records that are new (or almost new)and blemish-free. I've looked at the records under magnification and been unable to see any marks. The stylus is well cleaned with an Onzow Zero-Dust usually every record, and with fluid about once a day or so. I spin a lot and I'm going to guess that the cartridge has somewhere between 1000 - 1200 hours on it. The alignment on the cartridge is spot on and the VTF is set properly at 1.75G.

Can anyone tell me what the ordinary useful life is for one of these cartridges? Any other thoughts on other things I should try?
grimace
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
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.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
I agree with you're point. At $350 its the cheap enough to just replace it. Although I'll probably try a different cartridge of some sort.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Grimace,

Can you describe the symptoms a little more? You said you have "tracking problems" on a few LP's, but didn't say exactly what makes you think so. What are you hearing? Knowing this might inform the diagnosis...
grimace OP
624 posts
 
Tracking problems are skips where there are no mars in the vinyl. I've got this happening on a couple of records - both relatively new high-quality pressings. Its only happening on the far inside tracks. I'm going to go play them on a buddy's table to see if its the vinyl, but I don't think it is.

Also, I'm noticing elevated background noise on deadwax, between tracks for example, again on newish vinyl.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Thanks for clarifying. When you said "tracking problems" I doubt anyone envisioned actual skipping. That's a very different thing.

I'd be astonished if putting 1000 hours on any cartridge could cause it to start skipping, when it didn't do so before. It seems more likely that something needs adjustment.

When this happens, does it skip inward or outward?
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