LP12 lost a channel. What next ?

[MikeMusic]

Diagnose me over the phone please Doc
:-)

It was sounding so nice....
One channel on my LP12/Aro/Karma went. Swapped leads around into the BNCs, back of the Naim 82. Definitely the signal from the LP12 at fault.
Channel came back for a short time, then went again
Wires from the Karma look in place
Gently scraped the stylus to pull any dirt off.
Had a look inside the LP12 and gently flexed the cables from the Aro
Still no luck
What's the next move and best guess for the problem ?
Karma was retipped about 5 years ago when I had the Aro installed by Infedility, Kingston. Say 5 LPs a week since

[chelsea]

Have you a spare cart to try?

[YNWaN]

It is probably the connections to the cartridge - I know you say you have checked them - but how well have you really checked them?

[DSJR]

I do hope that's all it is, as a broken internal cartridge wire will cost you I'm afraid.

[Thing Fish]

I hope the outcome is favorable...

[keiths]

Maybe try (carefully) swapping the channels over at the cartridge and see if the problem changes sides? If it does, then the problem is likely with the cartridge, if it doesn't, then it's further down the chain - probably the tonearm wiring.

[YNWaN]

It is unlikely that the arm wiring has spontaneously failed though.

[MikeMusic]

Thanks all
A twiddle with connections at the back of the cartridge seems the least invasive so that first
Have a cartridge in my not currently used Thorens, so could try that if it fits

How easy is it to set up a cartridge *properly* ?
Never done it before

[YNWaN]

It depends on the individual - some seem to find it exceedingly difficult. I've fitted a lot of cartridges so it's difficult to asses - it's not a five minute job though. In addition, you need some minimum tools and good light - a small pair of pliers is essential IMO and so is an alignment protractor.

If the cartridge tags are too big for the pins (which is often the case), this is how I would crimp them a little bit smaller. Get a cocktail stick and first push it into the tag and then use a small pair of pliers to crush them just a little smaller. If you don't use the cocktail stick, it's very easy to crush them too much. If you don't have a small pair of pliers, buy or borrow some, or don't attempt the job.

[MikeMusic]

Thanks
Should have some time tomorrow to at least have a very good look at the connections. Perhaps time to take my Luxo magnifying light home

Mike

[YNWaN]

So, have you fixed it?