Cartridge bolts [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

Oldpinkman

21-11-2013, 17:52

Fleabay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TURNTABLE-HEADSHELL-CARTRIDGE-MOUNTING-12MM-ALUMINIUM-SCREWS-NUTS-FREE-POST-UK-/350934824742?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51b5587726

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARTRIDGE-MOUNTING-KIT-Universal-Set-of-Bolts-Screws-Nuts-etc-for-any-Headshell-/290947523860?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bdd2e514

and others

Marco

21-11-2013, 17:55

Hi Dan,

Contact Johnnie, and he'll sort you out with some for not much nicker: http://www.audioorigami.co.uk/F_Sale/ForSale.htm

:)

Marco.

ledzep

21-11-2013, 18:00

Cheers Marco :)

ledzep

21-11-2013, 18:11

Cheers Richard :)

Ali Tait

21-11-2013, 18:23

Or Dom at NWA.

ledzep

21-11-2013, 18:25

Or Dom at NWA.

NWA isnt that a band?

The Black Adder

21-11-2013, 18:47

lol.. I always think that when I see NWA...

The Barbarian

21-11-2013, 19:45

I need some cartridge nuts and bolts not sure what size i need so does anybody know where i can some from?

I have a set surplus from a recent Frankensteins monster retro fit, i could checkout the sizes if your interested, nuts are included ofc..

Qwin

22-11-2013, 12:00

I prefer the Aluminium bolts, like the first link that Richard gives.

Many stainless steel sets, including some I purchased on ebay were the wrong grade and could easily be picked up with a magnet.

All Austenitic stainless steel like A2 or A4 has a ferous element, some grades have more than others and could in theory effect the magnetic feild in a cartridge.

I had a mixed bag of Aluminium fixings supplied with my last purchase, (Denon LOMC cartridge), the manufacturers wouldn't go to the trouble and expense if there wasn't something in it, so if I were you I would err on the safe side and go for the Aluminium.

You could allso try brass but I did read somewhere recently were someone was trying to put forward an argument that some brass can effect a magnetic feild, I'm not sure though that that is the case and can be proven.

Audioman

22-11-2013, 12:52

This an excellent mounting kit with tools and a variety of bolt sizes that should cover any cartridge.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SRM-TECH-PRO-CARTRIDGE-MOUNTING-KIT-/271322245468?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f2c10e95c

The Barbarian

22-11-2013, 13:42

Jesus do people even have to be cynical about cartridge bolts :doh:

ffks just buy some Stainless steel allen head bolts as Audioman pointed out above..

YNWaN

22-11-2013, 13:45

Qwin

22-11-2013, 17:10

Nothing cynical Barbarian.

The cartridge assemblies and Headshell are non ferous for a reason.

Many of these after market screws are just off the shelf items, sold by people that give false information like "non magnetic", call a machine screw a bolt and have probably never owned a Turntable. But each to his own.

I happen to think this is important, more so than what kind of record clamp you use, for instance. :)

The Barbarian

22-11-2013, 17:26

:rolleyes:

I aint thick for crying out aloud.. Yew were the one making a song & dance over it all.

Audioman

22-11-2013, 17:32

pure sound

22-11-2013, 17:38

Funnily enough, while hunting for some bolts of the right length this week, I decided to buy in a quantity of 2.5mm stainless bolts at 8,10,12,16mm length(20 of each) and 50 matching nuts. These came from an eBay seller called kayfast1. They were delivered quickly & came to about £7.80. It's worth ordering as many of each length as you'll ever need as increased quantities barely affect the price.

YNWaN

22-11-2013, 17:45

I'm not a fan of aluminium cartridge screws - too soft.

Marco

22-11-2013, 17:48

They are if you're accustomed to locking them up 'Linn tight'! ;)

More seriously, one thing aluminium screws are good for is reducing mass (at a rather critical point), due to their relative lightness - conversely so with stainless steel ones.

Marco.

walpurgis

22-11-2013, 18:04

Nothing wrong with good nylon nuts & bolts. There's a limit as to how tight a cartridge needs to be mounted, I personally think many people overdo it!

Marco

22-11-2013, 18:15

Me too! Nip them up gently, from 'finger tight', with a screwdriver or allen key, is all that's needed.

marco.

Barry

22-11-2013, 18:28

Me too! Nip them up gently, from 'finger tight', with a screwdriver or allen key, is all that's needed.

marco.

+1

The Barbarian

22-11-2013, 18:28

More seriously, one thing aluminium screws are good for is reducing mass (at a rather critical point), due to their relative lightness - conversely so with stainless steel ones.

:lolsign: A 1/2'' L, M2.5 Stainless nut & bolt weights 0.5grm,if your lucky, not really critial imho.. besides the amount of times ive seen fixed up cartridges with far too long bolts {excess weight for the critial mob}

YNWaN

22-11-2013, 18:48

Me too! Nip them up gently, from 'finger tight', with a screwdriver or allen key, is all that's needed.

marco.

Not for me, I've tried this and prefer them done up pretty tightly - tighter than aluminium or nylon screws will allow anyway. Your cartridge and headshell need to be built with this in mind though, nothing should get distorted or damaged.

Marco

22-11-2013, 19:12

:lolsign: A 1/2'' L, M2.5 Stainless nut & bolt weights 0.5grm,if your lucky, not really critial imho.. besides the amount of times ive seen fixed up cartridges with far too long bolts {excess weight for the critial mob}

I hate exposed bolts sticking up like that - it looks really shite!

In fact, I hate any visible mounting hardware, which is why I prefer cartridges that are enclosed inside headshells, such as the SPU. That's also why I love those big fat headshells, which aside from the 'business end', hid cartridges completely and were once commonplace on most tonearms (mainly during the 1950s).

When I said 'critical', dude, I meant a critical position on the tonearm for reducing mass, not that half of a gram was a critical amount by which to reduce it. Also, some SS nuts and bolts weigh rather more... I know from years of spending time fine-tuning the mass on headshells for DL-103s! ;)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 20:32

Marco, what weight did you run your 103's at, and anti skate?

Marco

22-11-2013, 20:50

2.6g and 2.5 anti-skate, dude. Have you tried adding extra mass to the headshell of your Jelco? If not, you've not heard your 103 at its best yet ;)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 21:02

Bought a Sumiko from Dom at Owston, rewired by himself with solid silver wire. How do I add extra mass?

walpurgis

22-11-2013, 21:03

2.6g and 2.5 anti-skate, dude. Have you tried adding extra mass to the headshell of your Jelco? If not, you've not heard your 103 at its best yet ;)

Marco.

Yes, a bit of extra mass won't hurt with a 103. It'll help the low compliance suspension extend itself better. Something to play by ear though! You'd have to experiment.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 21:03

Funnily enough, been messing about the last few days, and am running at exactly that. :-)

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 21:04

2.6 and 2.5 I mean.

Macca

22-11-2013, 21:13

NWA isnt that a band?

It's the same people. Didn't you know? If you don't pay for your upgrades they will come around and pop a cap in your raggety ass. Or something.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 21:20

Haha, having met Dom a few times, I couldn't imagine anyone being further away from that, an extremely nice bloke, as is Nat too of course, not that she's a bloke :-)

Marco

22-11-2013, 21:22

Bought a Sumiko from Dom at Owston, rewired by himself with solid silver wire. How do I add extra mass?

Nice one, dude. The Sumiko's good, but the 103 needs a bit more mass. Try adding one of these babies (3g stainless steel plates) and I guarantee that things will improve further:

http://www.analogueseduction.net/headshell-weights/vpi-stainless-steel-3g-headshell-weight.html

You might need some longer bolts, though, to accommodate it (the plate slots between the cartridge and headshell) :)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 21:26

Thanks mate, have a selection of bolts, so not a problem.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 21:29

Plate now bought, cheers mate.

Macca

22-11-2013, 21:36

Haha, having met Dom a few times, I couldn't imagine anyone being further away from that, an extremely nice bloke, as is Nat too of course, not that she's a bloke :-)

Yes, just my little joke - I had a visit to NWA HQ a while back and would wholeheartedly agree.

Marco

22-11-2013, 21:42

Plate now bought, cheers mate.

Nice one, dude. When you fit it, don't forget to alter the height of your tonearm to compensate (VTA) :)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 21:51

Aye. I bought a set of round levels, and used the wee one to set the headshell level when the stylus is on the record, I take it that's correct?

Marco

22-11-2013, 21:54

Yup :)

Marco.

Marco

22-11-2013, 22:03

Btw, going back to headshells that hide all mounting hardware, this ebony baby is a beaut: https://www.stereo-lab.de/EN/phono-accessories/stereo-lab-tondoses/ebony-tondose-spu-a-for-denon-dl-102-mono-mc.html

No screws or bolts in sight! :)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 22:07

The Barbarian

22-11-2013, 22:09

I hate exposed bolts sticking up like that - it looks really shite!

In fact, I hate any visible mounting hardware, which is why I prefer cartridges that are enclosed inside headshells, such as the SPU. That's also why I love those big fat headshells, which aside from the 'business end', hid cartridges completely and were once commonplace on most tonearms (mainly during the 1950s).

When I said 'critical', dude, I meant a critical position on the tonearm for reducing mass, not that half of a gram was a critical amount by which to reduce it. Also, some SS nuts and bolts weigh rather more... I know from years of spending time fine-tuning the mass on headshells for DL-103s! ;)

Marco.

Barbarian lad ole needs to ark about 'DL103', cos old Barbarian never tried one fer himself loike, the thang be the tracking frightens old Barbarian. more than 1.5grm scare der pantipoos of him.. jeeez fer ffks.. Al dis SUT BS aint dat impressive, everywan knos Mayware 'T24' be end orl wiv MC loike. Arsk why go on..

:eyebrows:

Marco

22-11-2013, 22:22

Nice!

Long term plan will be to send the cart to Dom for a rewire and new cantilever etc. And new body of course.

I'll enjoy what I have at the moment though.

A better arm is on the cards though, thinking about a 12". What would you say?

Getting Dom to fully fettle the 103, as described, is a good plan. However, before doing so, try and get to listen to an SPU. It has a similar sound, just much more refined and grown-up!

A 12" arm on a Garrard is virtually mandatory... I'd go with a nice SME 3012 :)

Marco.

The Barbarian

22-11-2013, 22:25

Fanks but Barbarian boyo aint into lining the pockets *************.. wat the standard model loike?

walpurgis

22-11-2013, 22:26

I should mention the ZYX R50 Bloom H here. It too has a sound somewhat like a 103, but on steroids. The soundstage is huge! With transparency and depth to match.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 22:26

Aye, and Dom does a very nice one..

An SPU would be interesting, never heard one. Talking to Dom, he reckoned having the 103 rewound etc would be the best SPPV, rather than spending more on another cart...

walpurgis

22-11-2013, 22:29

Fanks but Barbarian boyo aint into lining the pockets *************.. wat the standard model loike?

Pleasant enough. It definitely sounds like an MC. Not the last word in top end analysis though, good bottom end (bit like a girl I know).

The Barbarian

22-11-2013, 22:31

I ask a simple question. How does the DL103 sound standard? Aint interested in linning anyones pockets????????????????????

Edit: Thanks Geoff

Marco

22-11-2013, 22:36

I should mention the ZYX R50 Bloom H here. It too has a sound somewhat like a 103, but on steroids. The soundstage is huge! With transparency and depth to match.

Yes, Paul (Reffc) was singing its praises to me recently :)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 22:44

I ask a simple question. How does the DL103 sound standard? Aint interested in linning anyones pockets????????????????????

Edit: Thanks Geoff

Sounds great. Thing is though, just started on the vinyl thang, so don't have anything to compare it to, if you know what I mean. First impressions make me think that I need a better arm before anything else though.

Marco

22-11-2013, 22:45

Talking to Dom, he reckoned having the 103 rewound etc would be the best SPPV, rather than spending more on another cart...

Yup, providing that the '103 sound' is the one for you... The fact is, no amount of fettling can fundamentally change the inherent 'DNA' of a cartridge: essentially it will always be what it 'is' - if you see what I mean?

Therefore, if you're going to give Dom a cartridge to fully optimise, then make sure it's a keeper! :)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 22:48

Aye, buuut, if the cart has been rewound, with a different cantilever, and in a different body, it's not the same cart at all Shirley?

The Barbarian

22-11-2013, 22:48

Sounds great. Thing is though, just started on the vinyl thang, so don't have anything to compare it to, if you know what I mean. First impressions make me think that I need a better arm before anything else though.

Very worried about VTF scares me past 1.5grm!

Marco

22-11-2013, 22:49

Fanks but Barbarian boyo aint into lining the pockets *************.. wat the standard model loike?

Nice - I think you'd like it. It has many of the sonic qualities you like in your favourite vintage gear :)

Marco.

Marco

22-11-2013, 22:51

Aye, buuut, if the cart has been rewound, with a different cantilever, and in a different body, it's not the same cart at all Shirley?

You might think that, Belinda, but the discernible 'house sound' will still be in its 'soul' ;)

Marco.

Ali Tait

22-11-2013, 22:55

I think the main thing is, I don't know what it is I like. I've only the 103, and nowt to compare it to.

337alant

23-11-2013, 08:20

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-5mm-M2-5-A2-STAINLESS-ALLEN-BOLT-SOCKET-CAP-SCREW-HEX-HEAD-ALLEN-KEY-DIN-912-/321111192676?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&var=&hash=item76c519a68a#ht_1405wt_1331
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-Steel-Micro-Cap-Screw-Allen-Bolts-M1-6-M2-M2-5-M3-/160835446026?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&var=&hash=item6b1f34f22f#ht_1699wt_1119
I bought a selection of lengths and matching nuts from ebay M2, M2.5 & M3 all in A2 stainless steel 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20mm long, for less than 20 quid you have enough to last you a life time

Alan

Mus

23-11-2013, 20:03

Pleasant enough. It definitely sounds like an MC. Not the last word in top end analysis though, good bottom end (bit like a girl I know).

+1 I couldn't find anything I liked as much anywhere near the price. It's definitely a bit of a marmite cartridge though.

337alant

05-12-2013, 00:36

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/11213921383_3f3738dc88_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/11213921383/)
. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/11213921383/) by 337alant (http://www.flickr.com/people/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Alan

Marco

05-12-2013, 10:48

Show off! :ner:

;)

Marco.

YNWaN

05-12-2013, 10:53

I'm just in the process of making a nifty little headshell nut spanner - will hold both nuts simultaneously and keep them neatly aligned whilst they a re tightened :).

337alant

05-12-2013, 22:48

Show off! :ner:

;)

Marco.

LOL yeah I guess your right
Alan

ortofan

05-12-2013, 23:46

I'm just in the process of making a nifty little headshell nut spanner - will hold both nuts simultaneously and keep them neatly aligned whilst they a re tightened :).

Well...

Ortofon already thought about that and does sell this little double spanner pretty cheap, for their OM/OMB cartridges series:

11140

Perhaps it's also a good basis for possibly making spanners for a few other cartridges by machining the central zone only...

Cheers, JPB