SP14 Stylus with no cantilever suspension? DIY?

Hi everyone.

I have had a beogram 1203 which I have been fixing up. It was not running at all when I got it - now it runs but, takes a while to warm up; still just a tad slow and has a few other problems.

 

The problem I have is with the stylus. It appears to be running an Sp14 cartridge.

There is also no cantilever suspension that I can see. I can see along the cantilever tunnel to the X where the stylus connects to the cartridge (see image). The cartridge and stylus work but if I try to weight the arm more than .5 grams the body of the cartridge starts to hit the record.

 

I understand that the rubber suspension in these styli ages, but

1. but why does mine completely lack one?

2.I can remove the cartridge but the stylus appears to be glued into its cover. Is this normal?

3. Is it likely my stylus is a copy, but that the cartridge is genuine?

4. I know that there are several places that will fix the stylus but I am just fixing this up at the moment/unsure how good I can get it running I am not going to commit serious $ (also I have my doubts about whether the stylus is genuine). Is it possible to fix up a sort of DIY replacement of the suspension? I can think of a few ways of sliding a tube of rubber up the shaft etc.

4.5 If so any suggestions what density or type of rubber I might use?

I know my approach might sound a bit strange for bang and olufsen gear (I have some great speakers by the way). I have another turntable already so I'm just trying to fix this turntable up gradually and see how it goes.

Hi,

Welcome to Beoworld.

It looks genuine to me.

The SP14s haven't got a removable stylus so you'll either have to get it restored or buy a new one.

If it can't handle any tracking weight the suspension will definitely have perished. It happens. It can't be fixed at home. It really need a professional with all the right equipment.

Lee

The suspension is well inside the cart and sliding a bit of rubber over the cantilever will certainly not work and will likely damage it further.

 

Ah, thanks for your reply.

 

I was going off this image below. Which suggests (to me, two rubber rings for suspension. Clearly mine lacks these - though I also noticed that none of the sp14 images I've seen resemble the picture below.

The picture you posted refers to the older SP range and not the SP14 you have.

Ben

Have you checked the tracking force adjustment?
Is it properly calibrated ?

Martin

I think I have done it properly:  (1) balanced the toenarm, and (2) then tried to set the stylus weight (tracking force?).Can't go much beyond .5 grams. Perhaps this is the reason the B&O text has rubbed off the stylus sheath - from rubbing the record.

Touching the cantilever with my finger proves that it is not remotely stiff.

 

The good news is, though. I have the TT running at proper speed (had used a too viscous grease previously).