cartridge demagnetization


Are there any telltale signs that your phono cartridge [especially MC] needs to be demagnetized, or is this just a preventative maintenance issue?
boofer
Using the demag doesn't demag the magnet, but does demag the pole pieces and other stuff around the magnet that does become magnetized over time. Never demag a moving magnet cartridge, only moving coils, and even with that, some manufacturers recommend avoiding this process. Benz, and many others do recommend demag.
Hi

I use this method every 100 or so hours with my Benz Wood SL and it works great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TkJ_wwkbNA

Chuck
I have done demags on well over 100 cartridges without any problems. It has always worked. I did once accidentally demag a MM cartridge and it completely ruined it, so be careful.

The tell-tale signs that it needs to be done is a loss of high frequencies, soft, flat overall sound with a lack of dynamics. No sparkle. Demaging will usually bring all of this back.
Thanks for all the input; Czbbcl: I did watch that video on UTube. Does anyone not agree that method is safe and effective?
In that YouTube video, it really isn't a demag, it's a deflux. Not the same thing, but I'm sure it won't harm anything and could be worth a try.

If it was a real demag, the MM cartridges he claims also benefit from this treatment, would be ruined.