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Removing Morch DP-6 tonearm wires from cartridge

I will be replacing the cartridge on my Morch/Moerch tonearm once I get my new cartridge. This will be only the second time I have installed a cartridge on a tonearm; please forgive me for all of the the newbie questions.

I noticed that the rubber boots (?? I don't know the proper terminology) that cover the clips on the end of the tonearm wires seem to be a bit dried out, with some small cracks in them as well, and so I am concerned that they might disintegrate when I try to remove the clips from the cartridge contact pins. (I haven't actually touched the boots to see whether or not they are still pliable, this is an observation from visual inspection only.)

Is there a trick to removing the clips easily? (I'm already worried because I know how fragile the wires themselves are.) Is there perhaps some sort of moisturizer or lubricant I can use that won't interfere with the electrical connection but will make it easier to remove the clips, and that might also "replenish" the rubber of the 'boots' ? (Or does the condition of the boots not really matter as long as the wires themselves are OK?)

Holly
oakiris
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
hmm, thought I had already answered this but my post hasn't appeared, so....

I am very happy that I was able to successfully remove the clips from the old cartridge and I must agree that I don't want to mess with those little wires anymore than I need to; perhaps I will just make sure the cartridge pins are nice and clean before I install the clips.

Thank you for your tips and suggestions. I'm going to be an expert by the time I have my turntable working again! (j/k - but I am definitely learning a lot!)

Holly
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I wouldn't spread the clips and then tighten them onto the pins.
Agreed.

Also agree that it's easier and safer to remove/install the clips on the cartridge pins before attaching the cartridge to the headshell... it's especially easy if you're doing this with the arm off the table.
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Yep, I will be removing the arm wand to install the cartridge - much easier and less likely to damage something! Another nice thing about the Moerch DP-6.

I did finally receive my cartridge so I will be installing it later this week. :-)

Holly
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