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What effect does a cartridge with a knackered suspension have on what we hear ?

Thanks in advance

Stu

karatestu wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:41 pm What effect does a cartridge with a knackered suspension have on what we hear ?

Thanks in advance

Stu

I would imagine that it has a considerable effect but exactly? Not a clue. If I knew the suspension was damaged I wouldn't use it in the first place.

Geoff.R.G wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 6:43 pm

karatestu wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:41 pm What effect does a cartridge with a knackered suspension have on what we hear ?

Thanks in advance

Stu

I would imagine that it has a considerable effect but exactly? Not a clue. If I knew the suspension was damaged I wouldn't use it in the first place.

My cartridge is 17 years old. Not had much use but people say the suspension hardens over time. I have no idea what condition if is in.

The only time I've noticed it was picking up my upgraded Fruitbox. On first listen it sounded great, then Trevor said, try it with a new stylus as we discovered an issue. The sound opened up, like cleaning the windows.

There was also a much lowered gap between the stylus and the body of the cart. I can recall the incident that caused it, when I dropped the arm onto the felt mat while it was turning

I guess nobody really knows. That's fine, I will continue with this 17 year old cartridge and hope all is well.

If suspension is knackered it will ‘sink’ into the groove- try lowering the tracking weight &/ tracking height to give it more clearance

The suspension will not be effected by none use as long as it's stored corrrectly

Daniel Quinn wrote: ↑Sat Jan 14, 2023 3:37 pm The suspension will not be effected by none use as long as it's stored correctly

Possibly. Some elastomers and synthetic rubbers deteriorate in storage irrespective of the conditions. I know for example that turntable/tape recorder drive belts and pinch wheels can turn to a goo over time despite correct storage. Thus the material of the suspension will be a significant factor in whether it deteriorates.

Deteriorating suspensions is a hifi myth , people talk theoretically not empirically , largely because nobody as experience .

Daniel Quinn wrote: ↑Sun Jan 15, 2023 3:41 pm Deteriorating suspensions is a hifi myth , people talk theoretically not empirically , largely because nobody as experience .

Not knowing what the suspension is made from does rather make it difficult to be absolutely certain but certain materials do deteriorate, if the said materials are used for suspensions they will still deteriorate. However, if the materials used are known not to deteriorate there shouldn't be a problem, except that I don't know of such a material.