tom b. 57 Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 I picked up a Technics SL-Q3 turntable with a Pickering XL-35U cartridge installed. This cartridge is obviously very old, for I have not been able to find any info. on it. This turntable is not a high-end turntable. I purchased it for $40.00 and it is in great shape. I liked the automatic functions that are available on this unit and it is very simple. The thing operates just fine. The problem I have is that the stylus seems to pick up a lot of surface noise from the vinyl. More than I have ever heard before. Is this a symptom of an old worn-out stylus? Could this be that the stylus is just more sensitive than what I have been using on the HK T-60, (Grado)? The sound seems to be a bit tinny too. Not much low frequency reproduction. My hunch is that it is just an old worn stylus and I should replace the cartridge, unless this Pickering is a good cart.. I haven't got a clue about the performance characteristics of this cartridge. Any help would be appreciated. Maybe a suggestion or two on replacement cartridges. The XL-35U is a P mount cart., so I would imagine that I need to use a P mount replacement. I really don't know alot about this stuff. The price range is from 0-$200.00, preferably less than $200.00. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 Sounds like you have a cartridge where the suspension is shot--the tinny sound and the massive surface noise you are experiencing surely point in that direction. Buy a cheap replacement--this will never be a great rig and there's no reason to pop $200 for a new cartridge with little resale value. Saying that, I really don't know where to point you--I have never owned a P-mount cartridge, but you might want to do a search over on the Vinyl Asylum, as this subject has come up quite a bit over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauln Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 Might start here... http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Phono-Cartridges and here... http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LG&Category_Code=T4P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldbuckster Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 I'll bet the stylus is worn or damaged..................cheaper to get new cartridge..............Allen is right, no sense in putting $200. cartridge in a head designed for P-mounts.........many choices under $100. for that Turntable...........Is the dust brush still on the Pickering? Take it off if it is, cut tracking force by 1 gram, and try that, but I bet your stylus is shot........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joessportster Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 i agree about the cartridge but would also suggest Are you cleaning the vinyl ??????? you would be very supprised how much noise a good cleaning can eliminate Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom b. 57 Posted May 28, 2007 Author Share Posted May 28, 2007 i agree about the cartridge but would also suggest Are you cleaning the vinyl ??????? you would be very supprised how much noise a good cleaning can eliminate Joe Yes, I have been cleaning the vinyl. It just sounds like crap. Strange, because it didn't sound quite as bad at the sellers home. One of those things I guess! Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morton Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 I have a decent Technics turntable that is similiar to the ones being sold at kabusa.com. He uses Ortofon p-mount cartridges. The OMP-10, 20, and 30 all sound great. You can buy the $50 OMP-10 and upgrade it with the more expensive 20 & 30 needle without changing the cartridge. Pretty unique in the cartridge world. Excellent sounding too! The OMP-20 can be had occasionally on ebay for under $100. I am using that one now. A great buy. The OMP-30 is amazing. I've had the first 2 and and they are both very decent cartridges. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 Whatever you do, I sure wouldn't play any more of your vinyl with the Pickering. To me, a noisy cart like that means it's causing record wear, probably in practically no time at all. I actually assumed you weren't, but thought I'd say so just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom b. 57 Posted May 28, 2007 Author Share Posted May 28, 2007 Whatever you do, I sure wouldn't play any more of your vinyl with the Pickering. To me, a noisy cart like that means it's causing record wear, probably in practically no time at all. I actually assumed you weren't, but thought I'd say so just in case. Your assumption is correct. I played two lps and that was enough to tell me something aint right here. Thanks for the word of warning though. I actually knew after the first but thought I would try a second just in case. They weren't two of my favorites though. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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