2. analog
  3. 1103228214

I'm Very SCARED - Please advise, Cartridge Drop

I'm setting up a brand new Benz Ace Medium on a P3. As I was trying to measure Tracking Force on a digital scale I dropped (finger slipped off the "finger handle") the tonearm (stylus) onto the glass platter and the tonearm bounced up and down a couple of times.

Any cause for concern? The cart looks okay but I'm a little worried about "Pre-mature" wear on the cartridge's suspension.

I don't know much about design and was looking for a little re-assurment my new cart will still last its expected lifespan. So can cartridges handle this kind of abuse once in a while?

Thanks guys,
Bob
bobbybub1b59
twl
3,251 posts
 
A minor incident.

Many of us have actually ripped the stylus or the cantilever right off the cartridge, by mistake, and sometimes with cartridges that cost a couple thousand bucks.
That gives you a really sick feeling when it happens. Everyone is human, and mistakes happen, sometimes costly ones. Yours was a very mild one, and I doubt it had any affect on your cartridge at all.
s23chang
615 posts
 
Yes... I accidentally ripped of my stylus and broke the cantilever beam on my $5000 catridge... it was obviously expensive to replace... So I never try to play LP when I'm too tired or not 100% awake : (
jphii
485 posts
 
I wasn't going to admit it, but I've done it too. Thanks to the Audio Gods it was "only" a 103r. I'd shoot myself for 5 large!
robm321
932 posts
 
I munch a cartridge before and it is the worste feeling. So I understand your consern, but it will last just fine.

Rob
sdatch
204 posts
 
Some additional advice based on my own near fiasco: never, ever, wear one of those sweaters with baggy sleeves while mucking about with your table while arm/cartridge is attached. I was checking my interconnects one night, and the arm/cartridge assembly somehow went up my sleeve. Needless to say I very nearly ripped the arm from the armboard - that would have been a shame.
More to discover