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Headshell/tonearm issues... NO idea what to do

MarkieIrene said:
I purchased it off of Amazon. Yes, I meant that the locking ring somehow became loose. I have removed the headshell previously since I bought it because I had to replace the stylus.
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If it were me, I'd contact Audio Technica customer service, explain your issue, and see what they recommend. Maybe they have an idea we haven't come up with here; maybe there's an authorized service center near you; maybe they'll suggest sending it to them for a look; since you think it's the headshell, maybe they'll agree that's a reasonable guess and send you a new one [Edit: maybe they'll think SterlingOne's guess is even better]. I wouldn't pay a local service to play with it or do anything myself that might void the warranty.
 
jrtrent said:
If it were me, I'd contact Audio Technica customer service, explain your issue, and see what they recommend. Maybe they have an idea we haven't come up with here; maybe there's an authorized service center near you; maybe they'll suggest sending it to them for a look; since you think it's the headshell, maybe they'll agree that's a reasonable guess and send you a new one [Edit: maybe they'll think SterlingOne's guess is even better]. I wouldn't pay a local service to play with it or do anything myself that might void the warranty.
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I bought an A-T120 usb about a year ago. I have no doubt it was a re-packaged product, since the packing foam and shipping tape was disturbed. I kept the unit however, even though the tonearm latch was broken. I contacted A-T and they said they would get a replacement out to me. They said it was not uncommon for the latch to break. If that's true, they might want to re-design it. At any rate, I had to call again since I did not receive a replacement part within the week or two it was promised to be delivered. I gifted the turntable to my mother-in-law. And, in spite of the anti-skate not functioning, the tonearm bearings apparently so imprecise that it precludes the need for anti-skate compensation, the sound from the unit is undistorted and the cartridge tracks well.
 
jrtrent said:
If it were me, I'd contact Audio Technica customer service, explain your issue, and see what they recommend. Maybe they have an idea we haven't come up with here; maybe there's an authorized service center near you; maybe they'll suggest sending it to them for a look; since you think it's the headshell, maybe they'll agree that's a reasonable guess and send you a new one [Edit: maybe they'll think SterlingOne's guess is even better]. I wouldn't pay a local service to play with it or do anything myself that might void the warranty.
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Honestly, I think that's my next move. I know there is a guy near me who fixes audio material and I want to call him and explain to him the issue. If he made me come in, I don't think I'd mind.
 
If you have some tweezers you might want to check the wires that connect to the head shell. A cart doesn't put out much voltage, so just a slightly loose connection will fail to send a signal down the tonearm to the RCA connectors
 
SterlingOne said:
My comment was not connected with a FREE offer. I did not think I was breaking any rules. So sorry. Please Officer do not write me a ticket.:)
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You've misunderstood the title of that thread. Did you read the post itself or just the title?
 
Ken Boyd said:
If you have some tweezers you might want to check the wires that connect to the head shell. A cart doesn't put out much voltage, so just a slightly loose connection will fail to send a signal down the tonearm to the RCA connectors
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Okay sounds simple enough, so what exactly should I do with the tweezers?
 
MarkieIrene said:
I dd do this. I get continuity each time.
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This is apparently weird, but flaky headshell pin contacts might misleadingly give you that outcome. Use the tweezers to tighten the connectors contacts on the headshell pins. You could at least get the feeling if they're too loose. Some gentle convincing with nose pliers may be required too. Careful not to over crimp them.
 
tnsilver said:
Welcome to AK. There should be 4 springy pins in the socket where the headshell connects to the tonearm. Try to clean those with contact cleaner and poke at them with a screw driver, making sure none are stuck mid way.
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Bringing this thread back to ask a follow up question. I just acquired a nice Lenco L75/S with a Jelco tonearm. I'm having the same issues with the HS connects in the tonearm. All good until I swap out shells, at which point at least one will get stuck in the recess position and I use a small screwdriver to pop it out. What's the best way to fix it from continuing to get stuck. It happens with different connects in the tonearm.
 
There are a few different 'dry' lubricants that use Teflon as the lube. Spray in and the carrier dries. I would not use graphite because it would mess up the electrics. Others might have some other brand names of dry lubes. I haven't used it for pins, don't really have HS pins as my headshell has a separate wiring harness that plugs on the top of the tonearm.

I'd be comfortable shooting some Tri-flow (after reading the MSDS for chemicals it contains) on a headshell with moving pins and working it in, letting it dry and wiping it clean.
 
You have that, give it a try. It will remove the corrosion which might be hanging up the movement. Save you from getting another spray can of chemical.
 
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