Zerostat and MM cartridges

[vmartell]

Hello

Did a search on the forum and while there are lots of zerostat threads and some mention of damage, I could not find a definitive yes or no answer. Might be I'm dumb, so apologies in advance.

Can zerostat damage your moving magnet cartridge? In what circumstances? Do you have to do it in a separate room, away from your table and MM cartridge? or is a matter of "well, dummy, just don't point it to your MM cartridge an zap it" ?

Thnx in advance.

v

 

[jbrainey]

Highly unlikely. How could any damage be caused unless you were intentionally trying to damage a cart.
Been using one off and on for 43 years and no damage yet.

 

[WaynerN]

Well, if you accidentally touch the cartridge while pulling the trigger, the "zap" can certainly take out some windings. I know of people who had a wintertime static discharge take out cartridges. Otherwise, normal (careful) use should have no problems-don;t aim at the cartridge, aim at the record like you are suppose to.

Also from what I have read, people don't use it per its instructions. That could become an issue in itself.

 

[vmartell]

Thanks - I see the second part:

"well, dummy, just don't point it to your MM cartridge an zap it"

seems to be the right one! I appreciate the confirmation

v

 

[pustelniakr]

Zerostat is not used with the LP on the platter. It emits a stream of charged ions while being slowly squeezed, and a stream of ions with the opposite charge while it is being slowly released. If you try to use it on an LP while it is on the platter, the ion streams will be attracted to grounded areas on the table, like the spindle, and other areas, and the streams will not hit the LP as desired. It will do you no good.

Proper use is to hold the LP in one hand, while streaming from the Zerostat with the other hand. Then you put the neutralized LP onto the platter. Proper use will make the question of hazard to carts completely moot, as you won't be anywhere near the cart or table while neutralizing LPs.

Yes, you can damage a cart with this device, but you pretty much have to intend to damage it.

Enjoy,
Rich P

 

[a_retent]

I have said this before and will say it again:
If you have an IC controlled fully automatic, direct drive, quartz lock turntable I would really heed Rich's advice and zerostat the album in your hand away from the TT.
IC chips and static charges do not have a favorable ending. I fried 2 quartz lock chips in my PL-L1000 back in the 80's before I finally understood what was happening ($$$). Since that time I have never zerostatted albums on ANY turntable platter, it doesn't matter, it's now a habit for me.

 

[Audioraven]

I have never had any problems arise from using a Zerostat while records are on the turntable platter. Removes static charges perfectly. I've been using one since 1984. YMMV.

 

[twiiii]

We use to sell tons of Zero Stat. I have seen them work countless times. That said a properly Grounded TT lessens the need for a Zero stat.

 

[ABalliett]

We use to sell tons of Zero Stat. I have seen them work countless times. That said a properly Grounded TT lessens the need for a Zero stat.

What, technically, is a perfectly grounded turntable? How ill I accomplish that on my new AudioTechnics 120? Worries me as right off the bat my speakers (powered) don't have ground posts for the speaker cables)

 

[empirelvr]

What, technically, is a perfectly grounded turntable? How ill I accomplish that on my new AudioTechnics 120? Worries me as right off the bat my speakers (powered) don't have ground posts for the speaker cables)

You just attach the turntables ground wire to any screw on the chassis of the electronics in the powered speaker.