Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!genrad!decvax!harpo!seismo!rlgvax!tom From: tom@rlgvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.audio Subject: Re: On Kids and Needles Message-ID: <712@rlgvax.UUCP> Date: Tue, 28-Jun-83 16:14:25 EDT Article-I.D.: rlgvax.712 Posted: Tue Jun 28 16:14:25 1983 Date-Received: Tue, 28-Jun-83 22:34:21 EDT Lines: 25 A visual inspection will not diagnose a bad needle unless it is done with a microscope. That is how the stereo shops do it. In DC, a store/chain called Myer-Emco gives free turntable/cartridge/needle inspection, in front of you! If they say the needle is bad, you can look through the microscope yourself. They are careful to clean the needle properly beforehand so you are not misled by a piece of dirt. It is possible that it is still a rip-off (looks can be deceiving - how much wear is bad?), but in this case experience and reputation says no, it isn't. Why do they have the clinic, then? And why do so many needles need replacing when checked? Because most people let their needles go a long time, and through much abuse, before having them checked. "Routine maintenance" on a stereo is a rare and wonderful thing! You generally CAN replace the needle without the cartridge. It generally is approximately 50% - 80% of the cartridge. PS: I, for one, consider myself lucky for having a truly reputable stereo shop nearby - and Myer-Emco is not the only one! Washington, DC is a good place for stereo equipment. - Tom Beres CCI, Reston (formerly RLG) {sesimo, allegra, we13, brl-bmd, mcnc}!rlgvax!tom