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Cartridge Longevity?

In mid '98 I purchased a Sumiko Blue Point cartridge to use with a Premiere FT-3 tonearm / VPI HW-19 Mk. III. I loved the sound right out of the box (lots of detail, crisp treble, tracked inner grooves with so little distortion they sounded like outer grooves). After about forty to fifty hours of play over a year and a half, the treble mellowed (I liked it bright, though), and inner grooves no longer sounded good. Even on mint records, the inner grooves sounded somewhat worn. It was so bad that once I got just beyond the halfway mark on any record side, I couldn't wait for it to finish so I could switch to something else (no damage to the records, though).

I called Sumiko and spoke to the technician, Jim Alexander (who generously gave of his time). He suggested using a demagnetizer. I tried the Benz, and heard no difference. Mr. Alexander had me send the cartridge back so it could be examined. He said he could find nothing wrong with it, but graciously sent me a replacement in Jan. 2000. He ruled out any tonearm problems, but suggested lowering VTA so that the tonearm was parallel to the record. He also suggested I not use the Discwasher stylus brush because it is too abrasive.

As with the old cartridge, I tracked the new one at the recommended 1.7 grams, proper alignment using a protractor, proper azimuth, always used the cueing device, lowered VTA, switched to "LP-9" stylus fluid with its soft brush, and still the same problem: inner grooves sound mistracked and worn. The records I play are scrupulously clean. I hand wash (initially) using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and sometimes Mr. Clean for heavily soiled records. Before each play, I use a Discwasher record brush to remove light surface dust, and a Zerostat anti-static gun. The results are excellent, they sound clean (I tried the VPI record cleaner a few years back and was unimpressed with it).

Jim Alexander suggested that I didn't allow enough break in time and use time was too low (about fifty hours under two years). He suggested breaking it in for another fifty hours, but within one week's time. I did this and the cartridge did not improve, but it did not get worse either. He finally suggested I have the tonearm checked (locally as I don't have the original packing material to safely send it through the mail. I never had it as it was purchased used).

I've been very careful but a cartridge should last more than fifty hours. Mr. Alexander claims you should get at leat 1000 hours of quality play from a Blue Point, and possibly up to 3000 hours. What am I doing wrong? Not enough break in time? Not enough usage during the life of the cartridge? Or do you need to spend four figures to get longevity? This is very frustrating and any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
jsangelo
ramstl
342 posts
 
If your are hearing distortion on only the inner grooves then it appears there is a tracking problem and it is most likely related to alignment or worn out lps. As stated, check and make sure all components are properly set up. Also, check the anti-skating.

How does the lp sound with "new" LPS?

The above post about the demagnetizers deagnetizing your magnets is not correct. What they do is demagnitize the coils, which should be free of any inherentor residual magnetism. They do absolutely nothing to the magnets.

I use one and find it does clean up a slight haze that can slowly creap into your cartridge over time. It is a slight hazy veil that is lifted.

Some people report (+) outcomes, others report no difference. (YMMY)

As a side note to your tracking problem, try this: (Wet and play the inside track will distilled water). See if this cleans up your problem. If it does, it may indicate that the problem is in your set up or lps and not your cartridge.
jsangelo OP
9 posts
 
Thanks to everybody for your responses. Marakanetz, I agree with you on demagnatizers. As a test, I demagnatized an old Grado ZTE+1 SIX times. Since it's a moving magnet, doing this should have completely neutralized the Grado. Instead, as on my Blue Point, no effect. The company said that as long as the LED was working, the unit was demagnatizing. Ultimately, I returned the demagnatizer. Maybe I'll try a professional record cleaning fluid someday, but I still stand by my hand-washing method.

Sc53, I don't appear to have suspension problems, and the motor is very well isolated on my HW-19. NO motor noise whatsoever is heard through the speakers.

Mrvordo, I checked and rechecked overhang, VTA, antiskating, azimuth, etc. All okay, and nothing changed from when I originally set the cartridges up. That's why this is such a mystery to me.

I wouldn't suspect the tonearm, as it moves freely, and I'd think that if the problem was there, it would trash the cartridge very quickly and do permanent damage to the records as well. No damage, fortunately.

What I need to know is this: is it anybody's experience that not breaking a new cartridge in for a minimum number of hours over a specific amount of time, or letting a cartridge sit for several weeks or months without playing it will lead to definite deterioration? How many quality hours should one expect from most cartridges, cheap or expensive? Again, many thanks to all of you who took the time to respond.
steveg85f7
21 posts
 
Just a quick note, LP#9 will only clean your cartridge stylus. (And very well!) It won't have any effect on cartridge alignment or inner groove distortion caused by misalignment. I've used LP#9 on everthing from inexpensive Grados to Clearaudio Insider. Never a problem. The soft brush is gentle and won't cause damage if used properly. RRL includes a instruction sheet.

Secondly, I strongly agree with Marakanetz. ALL record cleaning solutions have a sonic signature. I'm not sure what Mr. Clean contains, but I'd be cautious. IPA is known to disolve plasticizors used in some vinyl formulations.

In the past, I've seen where some use Tilex in their DIY solutuions. There are warnings on the label saying it will strip the varnish off your brass faucet! Use something safe. Years back I used Turomat, however,I've found that Record Research vinyl wash works better, and leaves little sonic signature. I've tried Disc Doctor, but didn't like the sonic signature, nor the fact that I had to rinse off each record afterward, taking twice as much time. The record surface also didn't visibly shine as brightly as with RRL vinyl wash. Why chance ruining your expensive, sometimes irreplaceable vinyl by using somehting which may be harmful? It doesn't make sense.

I'd also highly recommend that you have someone with knowledge and experience check your turntable set up. I would bet that it is misaligned or that some of your records have inner groove distortion which is caused by misalignment.
ramstl
342 posts
 
A catridge will last at least 500 hrs and the stopper, being made of rubber, can deteriorate over time. My feeling, regarding your problem, is set up. The BPS is a fine cart. and after 2 "new" carts, and still inner groove problems, set up is where you should look.

A new cart with track properly and should not distort in the inner grooves.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
SteveG where do you get that Record Research Labs vinyl wash?
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