Audio Technica USA7 cart?

[Waspinators]

My secondhand Pioneer came installed with an Audio Technica USA7 cartridge, which the guy I bought it from said was new. Looking on the internet, I can't find a lick of information on this particular cartridge. Has anyone used or at least heard of this cart? I've been having distortion and occasional channel dropout issues and I'm starting to wonder if this is a quality cart or not. :scratch2:

 

[hakaplan]

It's a clone of what is now sold as the AT-92ECD. It is a decent cartridge--many here have used them with success. I suspect it's the seller that's the problem. It could not be new because it has not been sold under that model name for years. I don't know if he's underhanded or just clueless. In any case, never trust what a seller says about a cartridge/stylus.

It's not worth getting a new stylus. Amazon sells the whole AT-92ECD for cheap--it's a bargain--less than a new stylus. If your tonearm has the standard mount headshell (with the two screws) you can get a standard mount cartridge instead if you prefer. The Shure M97xE and AT-120E are two popular models that mate will with the low mass arm, but will set you back a little more than the AT-92ECD.

 

[Waspinators]

I was actually considering the Shure M97xE earlier. It can be had on Amazon for $60, do you think it's worth the extra 40 bones to get the Shure? And considering it hasn't been called this name for years, is it safe to assume this table is in need of a new cartridge (which may be the cause of the distortion I've been getting)?

Lastly, I've played quite a few records with this cart, is it possible that I've damaged them permanently by using an out of date cart?