My center image pulled to the left vinyl only..Why??

[1KW]

It could also be a antiskate problem.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by 1KW

It could also be a antiskate problem.

Maybe a little. Re-balance the tonearm and then dial in the correct settings.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jason.......The comment about copressed air concerns me. Do you spray this compressed air on the sytlus to clean it? When was the last time the stulus tip was cleaned completely, all the way to the point of clearly seeing the tip with no debris stick to it?

I have found that after spinning so many records, I have debris that has flown up onto the front of the cart. I use the compressed air to blow this off and to periodically blow off the dust from the table itself as I dont have a dust cover. I do not directly aim the compressed air at the needle. I use DD stylus cleaner and a DD soft bristle stylus brush.

I have attached a couple of pics to illustrate the dust.

[j3brow]

the wood body naturally has a speckled appearance, the frontplate should be black..lots o dust.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by j3brow

I have found that after spinning so many records, I have debris that has flown up onto the front of the cart. I use the compressed air to blow this off and to periodically blow off the dust from the table itself as I dont have a dust cover. I do not directly aim the compressed air at the needle. I use DD stylus cleaner and a DD soft bristle stylus brush.

I have attached a couple of pics to illustrate the dust.

Canned air should not be used on your pickup,it may damage the stylus or leave moisture from the propellant on the pickup-bad thing. Moisture buildup will cause rust and will prematurely wear out your pickup. Generally, pickups have a shelf life of 7 or 8 years then it's time for a new one to maintain optimal performance and sound.

You tip appears to be ok and there's not a lot of dust either.
You can check with AC to see what they recommend for your problem. Your TT should still be under warranty since it's only 2 1/2 years old.

[jdandy]

Jason.......That doesn't look like an unusual amount of dust on the cartridge, although I would clean it. Is there any dust build up in the cavity where the stylus suspension is located? Possibly a small soft bristle brush could get up there if needed.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

Canned air should not be used on your pickup,it may damage the stylus or leave moisture from the propellant on the pickup-bad thing. Moisture buildup will cause rust and will prematurely wear out your pickup. Generally, pickups have a shelf life of 7 or 8 years then it's time for a new one to maintain optimal performance and sound.

You tip appears to be ok and there's not a lot of dust either.
You can check with AC to see what they recommend for your problem. Your TT should still be under warranty since it's only 2 1/2 years old.

OK. Canned air use will cease. Glad to know my dust is not excessive. The TT sounds great otherwise. Hopefully, I can chase this rascal down.

[gregswaim]

I didn't get a complete visual on the tip- I'll assume that it has not become dismounted or anything. Cantilever looks ok for sure.

[j3brow]

I believe I have isolated my problem to the turntable/cartridge itself. I followed the sage (and simple - good thing for me) advice of swapping around the L/R channels from the junction box of my VPI. The image imbalance also flipped now pulling to the right by the same degree.

It would seem my problem boils down to one of three options:
(1) misalignment of the cartridge (azimuth)
(2) cartridge is skating
(3) cart mechanical malfunction

luckily, an experienced local vinyl guy I know and trust has agreed to listen/inspect/re-align my turntable for me.

Will give an update when everything shakes out.

thanks for the advice.


Jason

[j3brow]

UPDATE: Mission Imbalance

My problem has been identified. Door #3 listed above. Faulty cartridge is to blame. The output from the right channel is weaker than the left pulling the image to the left speaker. My local vinyl guru diagnosed the problem aided by a bevy of testing equipment.

I will be calling Acoustic Sounds in the morning. I purchased 2 1/2 yrs ago. I would estimate no more than 500 hrs on the cart (I work too damn much). Hoping for some sort of warranty reduced price for a replacement cartridge. I am very happy with the sound of this cart and now isn't the time for move to an expensive MC so I will be getting another Maestro MM. I am certainly bummed that the cart died before it's time.