MMC4 on Beocenter 7007: Distorted sound

Hi all,

I've recently bought a MMC4 cartridge online, which was supposed to be in good condition. But once I plugged it into my Beocenter 7007 the sound is very distorted. The seller says it's because of the needle pressure, but I've put that on 1.5 as stated in the specs, but the sound is still distorted.

Picture below with a close up. He told me the cartridge is in good condition, but looking at it up close I don't get the feeling it's in good condition. What do you guys think?

 

It could be dirty

I agree. It could be dirt, but the cantilever looks a bit offset to the side.
To judge the stylus, a close-up of the stylus from the side would've been better.

Martin

the plastic cover looks not straight - I guess this in not as advertised - if cheap, re-tip it. If expensive, return.

Thanks to all for the answers. Below is a side view, hopefully that's detailed enough?

 

Thanks,

Boj

 

Think a better closeup is needed, but form this picture the needle look a bit "rough". Dirt?

I agree, the tip looks very dirty.

Martin

Thanks both. Any tips on how to clean the tip? 

Thanks both. Any tips on how to clean the tip? 

Back to front with a cartridge brush for light dust. Gentle vertical dip onto a magic Mr Clean Magic Eraser without detergent works nice. Soundsmith recommends a dip into Blue-tak and that works nice too. I'd avoid liquid solvents if possible in order to preserve the suspension compliance and stylus adherance.

Many dedicated products are sold for this, Google and YouTube will be your friend here.

As peter said if expensive just return it lots of eBay sellers sell junk,

Take a look over here for all the options offered by audio origin for repair

http://www.audio-origin.co.uk/retipping-stylus.html

or here to go through eBay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/audio-origin?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

You can send it to me to get repaired, happy to clean it and check it on the microscope but it will most likely need to be repaired the angel of the cantilever does not look correct in that image, if it just needs cleaning I can return it for the postage cost.

audio.origin.uk@gmail.com

 

Alistair

AudioOrigin:

the angel of the cantilever does not look correct in that image

Here's a good MMC-4.  The cantilever drooping on yours is a sign of suspension failure.

on your first picture the needle seems not in the center position of the Cartridge, needs repair!

On the second Picture (look from the side) the diamond looks very bad, dirty or broken?