Systemic Development > Analog Devices
rebuilding cartridge suspensions
Nick B:
It’s been my intent to revive my analog system after years of inactivity, but I no longer have much interest in doing it. I’ve owned 4-5 cartridges over the years, but they’ve all been moving magnet. I’ve heard of re tipping, suspension rebuilds, but am not very knowledgeable in these areas.
I just contacted a cartridge repair expert and asked him some questions, but I didn’t get enough of a detailed response and will contact him again later. I wonder if you guys could chime in and give me your thoughts regarding these two mm cartridges I have. They are:
1) a never used AT-ML150/OCC that is at least 20 years old
2) a damaged Shure Ultra 500 that is also 20+ years old
My first question is on the AT. After all this time, how likely is it that it would play properly for a buyer? If not, would a suspension rebuild be necessary/appropriate? I did an online search including HIFI Shark, but could find only one ad on Canuck Audio Mart. But it was sold and no longer listed a price. So I have no idea what these sell for or if it’s worth it to have work done on it or sell as is. I know Agon has a blue book subscription, but I’ve never signed up for it.
Regarding my Shure Ultra 500, when it was installed years ago...and maybe I’m the one who installed it...one of the mounting screws was too long and it pushed apart the main body from the shell. I haven’t tried to glue it together. The stylus tip was also broken, so I would need to buy a replacement. I’ve priced them, but don’t know where would be best to source that. I’ve found some ads on the Ultra 500, so I have an idea on pricing.
Lastly, can anyone recommend where I could replace a belt for my Basis Ovation table? I’ve never replaced it and the Basis prices are quite high. It’s flat and a 38” circumference iirc.
S Clark:
These guys are about as cheap as you'll find, and they carry a big stock. You should have no trouble finding a belt. Your old AT cartridge is simply a crap shoot. Rubber does lose compliance, but not always. There are fans of that cartridge, so it still has value. Apparently the Shure Ultra 500 will accept a V15 type V-MR stylus. These also still have a following.
As far as pushing a cartridge body apart using the wrong screw- you can super glue it back together, taking care not to get glue in the wrong places. I've done it.
Nick B:
--- Quote from: S Clark on June 19, 2020, 09:44:03 PM ---These guys are about as cheap as you'll find, and they carry a big stock. You should have no trouble finding a belt. Your old AT cartridge is simply a crap shoot. Rubber does lose compliance, but not always. There are fans of that cartridge, so it still has value. Apparently the Shure Ultra 500 will accept a V15 type V-MR stylus. These also still have a following.
As far as pushing a cartridge body apart using the wrong screw- you can super glue it back together, taking care not to get glue in the wrong places. I've done it.
--- End quote ---
OK, Scott, thx. Yes, I can scrape off the old glue and fix it. Seems like selling as is might be the way to go. One of the members here had expressed an interest in the Ultra 500.
Selling that 70 lb Basis will be a pain as I won’t ship it.
Nick B:
--- Quote from: Nick B on June 19, 2020, 09:59:10 PM ---
--- Quote from: S Clark on June 19, 2020, 09:44:03 PM ---These guys are about as cheap as you'll find, and they carry a big stock. You should have no trouble finding a belt. Your old AT cartridge is simply a crap shoot. Rubber does lose compliance, but not always. There are fans of that cartridge, so it still has value. Apparently the Shure Ultra 500 will accept a V15 type V-MR stylus. These also still have a following.
As far as pushing a cartridge body apart using the wrong screw- you can super glue it back together, taking care not to get glue in the wrong places. I've done it.
--- End quote ---
OK, Scott, thx. Yes, I can scrape off the old glue and fix it. Seems like selling as is might be the way to go. One of the members here had expressed an interest in the Ultra 500.
Selling that 70 lb Basis will be a pain as I won’t ship it.
--- End quote ---
Scott, the link didn’t post.
Jack:
Nick
If the AT has always been in a climate controlled environment then it is fine. I have old stock cartridge bodies and styli from Grado, Shure, Stanton, Pickering, Empire and others that are older than your AT and they are all fine. As to the Shure Ultra the body has value on places like AudioKarma and the only styli available of note are from JICO in Japan and not cheap. For the belt for the Basis check Turntableneedles.com and see if he stocks them.
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