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Distortion in Voice of Music changer

Lee

Lee

New Member
In early December I bought a 1960 Motorola console on CL. I've replaced the stylus but I have not replaced the Sonotone 8t cartridge. Even with the new stylus the vocals and horns are often slightly distorted. I am not sure this would require a cart replacement but should should I replace the stylus again?
 
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Am I expecting too much from this ceramic cartridge and/or stylus to play lp's from the late 60's to present? I am now getting back into vinyl after this purchase but am not sure what to do at this point... replace the stylus again, get a new sonotone substitute (ceramic) or swap it out with a magnetic cartridge?

 
The Sonotone 8T will have problems with mid 70's to present LP's. You could change to a better Ceramic, but best to upgrade to a magnetic and add a small battery preamp. You will want a cartridge that
tracks in the 3-4 gram range for this model VM changer. Shure SC35 and Stanton 500 are good choices.


I have done this many times with VM changers with great results.
 
Regarding adjusting the tone arm and cartridge, I have been able to set the tracking force to 5-6 g.

It has been explained to me that with this VOM and cartridge it is not possible to adjust: VTA, Cartridge alignment, Overhang, Azimuth or Anti-skate.

Can you suggest any adjustments or should I go ahead and get a modern magnetic cart?
 
The Sonotone 8t was in pretty cruddy condition when I pulled it out:


I tried to clean it up best I could before installing a new stylus..
 
Last edited:
I wanted to get back and close out this thread. I was able to minimize the distortion by reducing the tracking weight.
 
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