What's Missing?

[Brf]

Gene, you should definitely use the stylus guard. Just to be sure that you remove it properly by pulling in towards you rather than pulling it downwards.

Dorian, if Soundsmith can't quickly repair your cartridge--they usually have quite a repair queue--don't hesitate to have Steve at VAS repair it.

Soundsmith gives their branded cartridges priority over other repairs in the queue.

[Jprod]

Im either lucky or my 2m black can take a beating. I have been careless with it on more than a few occasions and no issues whatsoever....

[WntrMute]

Since it it a SS cartridge, I'd send mine to the designer/builder - no question. I'd bet he'll turn it around much quicker than a usual repair. I had a minor repair returned in a week. Peter is a stand-up guy.

[TomD]

I had the same thing happen to my Zephyr, but it was no mystery what happened, just a stupid move. It came back better than new from Soundsmith.

On a side note, I always thought the stylus guard was only for use in storage, or maybe if you have unruly kids or cats around. It seems much more likely to cause damage messing with it than any damage it might prevent. Maybe I could see using it if you don't have a turntable cover.

[Dorian]

Thanks all. I’m sending it back to soundsmith. Hopefully it’s a quick turnaround.