Hmmm... is it my stylus or the record?

[Try1256]

I am coming up in 3 years with my Soundsmith Aida. It is a wonderful phono cartridge. However, I am experiencing something unusual. My daughter gave me James Taylors “One Man Band” record for my birthday. I opened it up and put it on and there is some very noticeable distortion throughout the first 2 sides. Bad enough that it isnt pleasant to listen to. I thought “oh crap, stylus is going out” but when I put on a known good record, there is no distortion. Hmmmm. The new JT record is an RTI pressing which are usually very good. I tried the second LP and although it was better, there were still some spots that distortion was audible.
I actually spoke with Peter Lederman last week on a zoom meeting our club had. He said they are usually good for 1000 hours. I would estimate that I have 700 or so hours on the clock.
Is it possible that there is enough stylus wear/damage that one might only hear distortion during peak passages on a very dynamic recording but not in a recording that is less dynamic

I can return the record and get another on. I can also send the Aida to SS and they will inspect it to see if it is worn or damaged.
If I send the Aida, I would go ahead with the rebuild since it would be pretty close. That would be about a 6 month journey.

just thought I would throw it out there to see what you think.

 

[ChrisO]

I'd return the album - if other albums sound fine - then most likely it is the album. Wouldn't be the first time I've sent an album back that had issues - and received a better album.

Also good to have another cartridge to slap on - to also confirm. I'd also clean the stylus well.

 

[Try1256]

I'd return the album - if other albums sound fine - then most likely it is the album. Wouldn't be the first time I've sent an album back that had issues - and received a better album.

Also good to have another cartridge to slap on - to also confirm. I'd also clean the stylus well.

I clean the stylus per SS instructions after every use. I have a barely used AT OC9 II, which is nice but I have gotten the SS set up so well I hate to take it off unless I am sending it back.
Exchanging the record will most certainly be the first step.

 

[240sx4u]

My buddy has a SoundSmith cartridge and he wore his out without even realizing it. It still sounded okay but just wasn't great. His just got back from a rebuild. Inspection isn't a bad idea, I need to send my OC9/III into A/T for inspection and/or upgrade. I am quite certain I am way past 1000 hours.

 

[mackat]

It very well could be the pressing. There is, unfortunately, no shortage of quality control issues with new vinyl. That being said, some research has shown that a 1000 hour estimate of stylus life may be on the optimistic side, and you may want to have your stylus checked. Here is some interesting information about that: The Finish Line for Your Phonograph Stylus… - The Vinyl Press

 

[prime minister]

It very well could be the pressing. There is, unfortunately, no shortage of quality control issues with new vinyl. That being said, some research has shown that a 1000 hour estimate of stylus life may be on the optimistic side, and you may want to have your stylus checked. Here is some interesting information about that: The Finish Line for Your Phonograph Stylus… - The Vinyl Press

Great read. This deserves its own thread. Thanks!

 

[Michael V]

I am coming up in 3 years with my Soundsmith Aida. It is a wonderful phono cartridge. However, I am experiencing something unusual. My daughter gave me James Taylors “One Man Band” record for my birthday. I opened it up and put it on and there is some very noticeable distortion throughout the first 2 sides.

Your thread title caught my attention as I just had a similar experience with a new record that was distorting.

Perhaps a coincidence, perhaps not, but my record is JT's "October Road." The distortion is most noticeable on the inner groove tracks. It's one of 7-8 brand new records and the only one with this kind of distortion.