Turntable Cartridge Install Help

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited December 2011 in The Clubhouse
Hey Guys,

I just bought a new cartridge for my Pro-ject TT. My dealer normally installs the carts himself, but currently I do not have a local dealer. Would I be biting off more than I could chew if I tried to install this new cart myself (having never done so before?) I'm a little intimidated and concerned that I might break the delicate and expensive instrument.

Mike
Post edited by SolidSqual on
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,395
    edited December 2011
    What cartridge did you get Mike?

    They are not too hard to install, but if yout cart has exposed wiring like mine does, greater care must be taken to protect those leads. Proper alignment however is a **** of another sort. My table is a linear tracker, so I have less variables to worry about, but if you have the right tools, it isn't so bad. Without them, it's a trial and error process, but you will hear it when you have it right.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • cwsmith68
    cwsmith68 Posts: 434
    edited December 2011
    Lots of info on the net about installing and setting up a new cartridge. Just be patient and gentle.
    Main system:
    Denon PRA-1500, Denon POA-2400, Denon TU-660, Denon DCD-2560, Denon DVD-2910, Denon DRS-640, Denon DP-30L II w/DL-301 mc cart, BSR EQ-3000, DCM Timeframe 600's
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited December 2011
    If you are patient you can do it yourself. You need a protractor, lupe or USB microscope. A test record can help to. Plenty of light and patientence. Digital scales too.

    I installed my mbs sl glider which has a very exposed stylis. I used best tractor and 400x USB microscope along with digital scales, fozgo meter and test record. Very rewarding results.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited December 2011
    The cartridge is a Sumiko Blackbird upgraded from my Blue Point Special. It has exposed leads. I had an Alignment Protractor made for my TT from MintLP (it comes with a Lupe). I also have an force gauge and pretty much everything else needed to install it.

    I think I might try installing it myself. I just don't think there is anyone around here I can trust.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,769
    edited December 2011
    Pretty easy and straightforward, actually. A pair of hemostats comes in very handy to attach the four leads to the cartridge body. Do not guzzle six cups o' coffee before commencing the work! :-)

    Take your time and try to be relaxed - don't worry about breaking the cantilever, etc... you want to be aware of the somewhat delicate nature of the gizmo, but not intimidated or fearful because of it!

    Keep the stylus protector in place (assuming that's possible) while you install the cartridge.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited December 2011
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    The cartridge is a Sumiko Blackbird upgraded from my Blue Point Special. It has exposed leads. I had an Alignment Protractor made for my TT from MintLP (it comes with a Lupe). I also have an force gauge and pretty much everything else needed to install it.

    I think I might try installing it myself. I just don't think there is anyone around here I can trust.

    Mhardys rec for keeping cover on if possible is a good one. You sound like you have everything you need. I tried using the lupe but was frustrated using it and found the microscope satisfying.

    Good luck, light and patientence !
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,395
    edited December 2011
    Let me know what you think of the Blackbird... this is on the shortlist of upgrades for me. I run a BPS EvoIII right now.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited December 2011
    You can go here for detailed instructions and downloadable protractors etc. Zero caffeine is a big plus for me when attempting this kind of task. (shaky hands :lol:) Good luck !

    http://www.vinylengine.com/
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