Good or Bad idea?? ??


Hello Audiogoner's,
buying a vintage cartridge like a older koetsu or kiseki or any vintage cartridge, is one taking a risk of having a problem due to environmental issues?? or is a cartridge pretty stable and made to last providing it was handled with the most care. Thanks for your help.
aoltes
I think the consensus is that you may have some issues with the suspension drying out. You should probably factor in the cost of a rebuild, unless the maker tells you otherwise.
Depending on storage technique, there can also be corrosion issues. I have seen aluminum cantilevers that have corroded over time due to being stored in a humid climate. The copper wires of the generator and the suspension wires can also corrode if not stored in a dry climate. Suspension rubbers drying out is another problem. That can happen even if the cartridge is stored in a dry climate.