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MC cartridges and metal platters

I have read you should not use a MC cartridge with a turntable which has a metal platter, and Music Hall strongly recommends not to do so, at least on their Music Hall 2.2. However, every single HIFI dealer I have talked to disagrees and state they have done this countless times without problems. What is the truth?. 
boofer
boofer OP
77 posts
 
Thanks so much; mystery finally solved!
boofer OP
77 posts
 
What about Thorens zinc alloy composition platters, Viridian?Needless to say, I've forgotten my college chemistry.
kitch29
316 posts
 
Remove your MC cartridge and place it on the side of the platter. If it sticks, don't use it. Send it to me.
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
The one I recall has iron platter is QRK. 
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 

 Boofer, the Thorens TD124 has an iron platter and it can be problematic with some MCs. Of course, there is an aluminum topper, which the rubber mat is affixed to, which puts some distance between the iron platter and cartridge. Some have taken to increasing this distance by putting a second mat under the aluminum topper, or otherwise increasing the distance.

The TD124 MK 2 came with either the iron platter or the zinc composite platter that you are referring to. The Zamac platter, as the alloy is referred to, is not magnetically permeable at all and poses no issues to a MC. It is, however, somewhat lighter than the iron platter. I have a MK 2 and it is a nice turntable.

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