rodwsmith
Abroad
My Xerxes/Artemiz/Shiraz, all original, started to act up. It began to skate and jump, although I thought the sound was still good.
I took it to the only registered repairer /dealer I could drive to (in Nice), and they gave it an overhaul, and fixed the anti-skate spring, but said that this wasn’t the problem, and with a good cartridge anti-skate isn’t even needed (or better left disengaged).
But back home the problem is still there, it still plays some records (especially old ones) fine, but it often jumps and skates, particularly (or so it seems) on new vinyl. I’m not sure the sound is as good as it once was.
The cartridge has definitely had a lot of hours use. I don’t know how many, but I have had the t/t for eighteen years and it came with it then.
This is how I found this thread. I’m reasonably sure the cartridge /stylus must be at fault as I have tried adjusting the tracking weight and so on with no positive outcome, and the turntable and arm are both fine.
Main problem is that 2020 has hit me hard financially and I cannot afford anything much. I have a top-spec Caspian power supply and phono stage for MC, so best to get another MC cartridge.
What can people recommend, and would it be possible for me to fit it myself? (I am not stupid, but I have no expertise in such engineering). If not, then I will have to limit myself to something available in Nice (or Marseille at a push - I’m not prepared to send the Xerxes by any carrier here). There is a Rega dealer here. Not sure whether their cartridges are compatible with an Artemiz, but a Rega Ania would be about the budget.
I would then keep the Shiraz in the hope that one day I could afford to have it properly rebuilt and a new stylus fitted.
Meantime I just want something that will work.
Hoping someone might be able to help!
Cheers and Happy New Year.
I took it to the only registered repairer /dealer I could drive to (in Nice), and they gave it an overhaul, and fixed the anti-skate spring, but said that this wasn’t the problem, and with a good cartridge anti-skate isn’t even needed (or better left disengaged).
But back home the problem is still there, it still plays some records (especially old ones) fine, but it often jumps and skates, particularly (or so it seems) on new vinyl. I’m not sure the sound is as good as it once was.
The cartridge has definitely had a lot of hours use. I don’t know how many, but I have had the t/t for eighteen years and it came with it then.
This is how I found this thread. I’m reasonably sure the cartridge /stylus must be at fault as I have tried adjusting the tracking weight and so on with no positive outcome, and the turntable and arm are both fine.
Main problem is that 2020 has hit me hard financially and I cannot afford anything much. I have a top-spec Caspian power supply and phono stage for MC, so best to get another MC cartridge.
What can people recommend, and would it be possible for me to fit it myself? (I am not stupid, but I have no expertise in such engineering). If not, then I will have to limit myself to something available in Nice (or Marseille at a push - I’m not prepared to send the Xerxes by any carrier here). There is a Rega dealer here. Not sure whether their cartridges are compatible with an Artemiz, but a Rega Ania would be about the budget.
I would then keep the Shiraz in the hope that one day I could afford to have it properly rebuilt and a new stylus fitted.
Meantime I just want something that will work.
Hoping someone might be able to help!
Cheers and Happy New Year.