Issue with Magnavox Micromatic Cartridge

Hi all,

I recently purchased an old Magnavox console that's got a Micromatic Collaro player inside it - model # W620. The original cartridge and wiring on the tone arm was shot, so I replaced it with a kit from V-M Audio Enthusiasts: http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/ ... ?PID=P3869

Although this works, I'm experiencing some issues with the sound: (I have an Aux input hooked up to the console so these issues at least are not due to the speakers...though that still leaves everything else...)

1) Bass is much louder than expected and distorts at times
2) The mids and highs are much muddier than sound coming through the Aux mode
3) This is probably unrelated, but when the player is operating I hear a tinny version of the sound coming from the player itself - if I switch the audio output to Aux I still hear this.

I'm wondering if issues #1 and #2 (#3, no clue) might be due to the cartridge's alignment with the tone arm - because of ribs on the inside of the tone arm the cartridge is sticking out a fair bit - see these images for some more detail:

The tone arm on a record:


The tone arm - close up of the cartridge:


Is this something that could cause issues? Would filing down the ribs and fitting the cartridge deeper into the head space help?

Is there anything else that might be causing these issues? Wondering if perhaps that's just what I can expect from the new cartridge/needle.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

I will have to speak to Gary Stork at VOM about potential issues - judging from the photos, and assuming this retrofit was done properly.
The dusting brush cannot ride on the record as it seems - an improper installation.

The stylus cantilever should be longer on that Tetrad, to reduce output and tracking pressure.

Magnavox used very low output cartridges on the order of 150-250 millivolts.

Hi,

Thanks for the reply! I've reached out to Gary to see what he thinks about getting the cartridge better aligned -as-is the needle is definitely dragging on the record. I also think the cartridge is likely overdriving the preamp...not sure what my options are for that.

I have a circa 1974 credenza stereo with a new W716 turntable that has a replacement cartridge. The previous owner actually left the little case. The needle does not drag, but the brush definitely doesn't touch the record. It fits the same way as the original poster's cartridge but the needle does not drag. I don't know the relationship, if any, between Tetrad and EV, but my labeling says Electro Voice. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona