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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