Bad cartridge?

[Zaphod24]

Hello,

After introducing myself briefly, this is my second post so please, spare me .

I recently bought an old Dual 1228. It had a nice price but therefore some issues.

The most important issue to me is the hum on the left channel. Actually. The hum replaced all audio.

Narrowed the issue down to the cartridge TK257 by replacing it with a TK227 (from my Dual 510). I also switched the stylus to be sure. All worked well with the TK227 and the original stylus that came with the 1228.

Next, I cleaned the cartridge contacts and to be sure the contacts on the arm. Also disconnected the slots from the pins and cleaned them (plus checked at the service manual if they were positioned correctly). That did not help. Also took it more apart to check the connections at the other end. Seemed fine.

Anyone any idea how / if I could do something other to solve the problem?

Buy a new TK24 is a last resort here. But would that be the last thing to do if all fails?

Thank you very much!
Peter

 

[Nat]

Sounds like the cartridge has lost a channel. Appears to be a Shure M95 built into the headshell, if that helps.
But I'd check the cartridge leads with a multimeter - is it possible that contact isn't being made, either with the cartridge or with the arm?

 

[spicer]

Hello,

After introducing myself briefly, this is my second post so please, spare me .

I recently bought an old Dual 1228. It had a nice price but therefore some issues.

The most important issue to me is the hum on the left channel. Actually. The hum replaced all audio.

Narrowed the issue down to the cartridge TK257 by replacing it with a TK227 (from my Dual 510). I also switched the stylus to be sure. All worked well with the TK227 and the original stylus that came with the 1228.

Next, I cleaned the cartridge contacts and to be sure the contacts on the arm. Also disconnected the slots from the pins and cleaned them (plus checked at the service manual if they were positioned correctly). That did not help. Also took it more apart to check the connections at the other end. Seemed fine.

Anyone any idea how / if I could do something other to solve the problem?

Buy a new TK24 is a last resort here. But would that be the last thing to do if all fails?

Thank you very much!
Peter

Cables are a common failure. If you have a DMM check for continuity at the cable ends, the end that plugs into the amp. Will check everything, cartridge and headshell contacts too. Should measure close to same both cables. If the cables are original they were not good from the start, crimped ends, failed all the time. Used to amaze me Dual would use cables like that.

 

[Zaphod24]

Thanks for both thoughts. In any case it tells me I’m on the right track at least.

So it’s really down to ordering or borrowing a dmm and check. Than decide to attach new wires myself, let someone with a solid hand do it or replace the cartridge I guess?