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Phono Cartridge Connections
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Fatmangolf View Drop Down
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Points: 8392 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Fatmangolf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Mar 2022 at 9:06pm
It makes sense to check the basics like cartridge wiring before looking inside the electronics.
Jon

Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC.
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Points: 15474 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Graham Slee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Mar 2022 at 9:09pm
Example phono cartridge wiring (Denon DL103)

Denon DL103 connections

L + White
L - (or EL) Blue

R + Red
R - (or ER) Green



Edited by Graham Slee - 23 Mar 2022 at 9:14pm
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Graham Slee View Drop Down
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Points: 15474 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (2) Thanks(2)   Quote Graham Slee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 1:06pm
Referring to my last post's image, the cartridge pins (as David commented) vary in diameter from manufacturer to manufacturer, and the clasps (the connectors) can be too tight or too loose. When dealing with such miniature things and a cartridge with a delicate fixed stylus (as in moving coil types), if you don't have the experience or expertise, you may shy away from doing a thorough job.

Vinyl, however, was more of a hobby than a convenience, and as such we bought tools to deal with these problems. By starting at the affordable end, it didn't cost the earth if we made a mistake. The right size of snipe nose pliers, a "sixpenny" screwdriver, and a steady hand, allowed just the right adjustment to be made to the clasps. Ever flattened one? I have, but through the determination to enjoy vinyl and patience, managed to open up the clasp and get just the right tightness of fit.

A turntable is a mechanical thing and it helps if the owner is technically minded. The cartridge is electro-mechanical, so it helps to understand the very basics of electricity. I would expect the bare minimum would be the ability to wire a power plug to a mains cable, but in these days where domestic things must, by law, have one already fitted, has made the human race a bit lazy and dare I say it? A bit dumb? Wink


Edited by Graham Slee - 24 Mar 2022 at 1:08pm
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Points: 1386 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote patientot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 1:53pm
Here's an example of two popular big brands of cartridges:



You can see how they differ. Easy to make a mistake if one is not paying attention. Some models and brands of cartridges don't even have the little color coded rings.

The other thing is that Ortofon pins are usually press fit into the body, not cemented, and these pins are connected directly to the transmission lines which are connected to the coils. Pull too hard on one while installing or removing a cartridge and you can damage the cartridge permanently.

Another issue is that more and more, the audiophile market moved to one piece tonearm tubes with integrated headshells and continuous wiring through the tube. That wiring with the cartridge clips can be very fragile and easy to break. It might look okay but you could could end up with a broken connection that you need to test with a multimeter to know what is what. Then you'd have to break out a soldering iron to fix it. A lot of people don't have those tools.

I recently tried soldering again after 20+ years of not doing it and to say I needed some practice is an understatement.
Reflex M + PSU-1 used with AT150-40ML, AT VM95ML, Stanton 680mkII + Ogura, and Shure M35X cartridges.
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Points: 8392 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Fatmangolf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 3:45pm
If you take a photo like Graham did it is a helpful reference to check against the manufacturer's diagram. The order of pins varies as the last post shows very well and checking pin colours can be complicated. The colours may just be a dot of paint on the head of the pin or finely moulded writing that is hard to see when the cartridge is on the arm. So how about also taking a photo without the cables and off the arm.
Jon

Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC.
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Points: 1703 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote BAK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 3:51pm
Originally posted by Fatmangolf Fatmangolf wrote:

If you take a photo like Graham did it is a helpful reference to check against the manufacturer's diagram. The order of pins varies as the last post shows very well and checking pin colours can be complicated. The colours may just be a dot of paint on the head of the pin or finely moulded writing that is hard to see when the cartridge is on the arm. So how about also taking a photo without the cables and off the arm.

To eliminate errors, I always follow the manufacturers' installation instructions.
If the cartridge does not come with instructions (or at least have available on their website),
 I won't buy it.


Edited by BAK - 24 Mar 2022 at 3:53pm
Bruce
AT-14SA, Pickering XV-15, Hana EL, Technics SL-1600MK2, Lautus, Majestic DAC, Technics SH-8055 spectrum analyzer, Eminence Beta8A custom cabs; Proprius & Reflex M or C, Enjoy Life your way!
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Points: 15474 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Graham Slee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 5:54pm
Originally posted by Fatmangolf Fatmangolf wrote:

So how about also taking a photo without the cables and off the arm.

Like this? 

DL103 connection pins

Took some doing to get the camera to focus this close, then a lot of dusting and sharpening in PS.
That none should be able to buy or sell without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps
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