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New Cartridge Problem

rpgmasta

rpgmasta

New Member
I recently acquired an Ortofon OMB 14. I thought I'd be smart and get an OM 20 stylus and be really groovin'.

My concern is that even though the OMB 14 was proclaimed to be new old stock, it sounds pretty bad. The best I can describe it would be to compare it to a not quite tuned in FM station, you can hear the music, but there is a kind of static. I do not mean excessive surface noise. I have tried this on different headshells and tables (Pioneer PL-31D and Technics SL-D2)

Is it likely the cartridge isn't working properly, damaged in shipping or even before?
 
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Make sure your stylus is inserted properly and check your wiring on the back of the cart. Although if it does it on all your tables I'd say you got a bad one,send it back for replacement.
 
rpgmasta said:
I recently acquired an Ortofon OMB 14. I thought I'd be smart and get an OM 20 stylus and be really groovin'.

My concern is that even though the OMB 14 was proclaimed to be new old stock, it sounds pretty bad. The best I can describe it would be to compare it to a not quite tuned in FM station, you can hear the music, but there is a kind of static. I do not mean excessive surface noise. I have tried this on different headshells and tables (Pioneer PL-31D and Technics SL-D2)

Is it likely the cartridge isn't working properly, damaged in shipping or even before?
Click to expand...

Given that the problem occurs on multiple TT's, it is most likely that your new stylus is flawed. As noted above, be sure that it is fully engaged in the cartridge and, if you kept it in the same headshell when swapping TT, that the cartridge is correctly mounted and connected. However, the problem you describe is one which is most likely attributable to a damaged or poorly manufactured stylus. The OM20 stylus, if properly manufactured, is very, very good. Is yours OEM or aftermarket? How did you acquire it?
 
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Multiple TTs and headshells. That is what lead me to believe it was the cartridge or stylus.

I gather the cart and stylus is OEM. Information given was that it is new old stock. I understand that "OMB" is for carts bulk packed with a retail table.

Since the OM carts have many styli that will work, I could try a cheaper one to see if it is stylus or cart that is damaged.
 
rpgmasta said:
Multiple TTs and headshells. That is what lead me to believe it was the cartridge or stylus.

I gather the cart and stylus is OEM. Information given was that it is new old stock. I understand that "OMB" is for carts bulk packed with a retail table.

Since the OM carts have many styli that will work, I could try a cheaper one to see if it is stylus or cart that is damaged.
Click to expand...

Not likely to be the cartridge body/motor if you are getting signal from both channels.

I assume you have assured correct tracking weight, leveled the turntable, aligned the cartridge, etc?

It is my understanding that OMB and OM bodies and motors are identical to one another, and different (not as good) as compared to the SuperOM versions. It is also my understanding that there have been instances of unscrupulous distributors packaging OMB carts with lower-quality, aftermarket stylii.
 
I have set correct tracking and aligned to the best of my ability. 52mm on the Technics, 49mm on Pioneer. My protractor skills are probably subpar.
 
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