Stylus bent - AT120E/T, Technics 1200


Bad day...

For a while now, I've been trying to find the source of sssssemblence and tracking issues in my setup. It's all very subtle so I would hit-and-miss make some change to VTF, anti-skate and arm height. My though all along was that it was a setup issue.

However, I was reading through some past threads and started to really focus on the cart itself. Wouldn't you know it... it seems the stylus is bent.

Pics here:

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah131/minestaken-22/IMG_1350_zpsfb68f5f8.jpg

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah131/minestaken-22/IMG_1348_zps90115144.jpg

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah131/minestaken-22/IMG_1351_zpsecc43582.jpg

So first, I assume this is not fixable? Second, if it's not, what do I replace it with? The same? Upgrade the whole cart?

This is quite troubling as I have been looking at this for over a couple months never thinking it was a cart issue. I haven't played alot of records, but *sigh* I hope I haven't done any damage to my stuff...

Thoughts?
128x128martinman
An AT120E stylus replacement is just $69.95 from LpGear. Given your other thread about upgrading from an SL1200, it's this bent cantilever that's driving you crazy and making a good setup impossible.

You bought it used anyway. These kinds of rough edges can be expected. Replace the stylus.
Hi Johnnyb53 -- Thanks for your input. I've been following your thread on the AT150MLX cart and respect your option quite a bit. After I ran though the setup, things sound better, but not perfect. The stylus is still a skew slightly though. I suppose that this could be contributing to the issue?