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Sumiko Pearl fails tracking test miserably out of box. Is this normal?

I've just opened a new Sumiko Pearl cartridge ordered from Needle Doctor and mounted it on two turntables: 1) Pioneer PL-15D 2) Lenco L75 w/ Linn Basik LVX. My setups are pretty meticulous. I use a laser level/pointer to align the site line on the Turntable Basics mirrored protractor and a Shure stylus force gauge. Then I use the Hi-Fi News Test Lp. I've been testing cartridges and listening to them today as follows: The best tracker is the Ortofon OM20, which will seamlessly track all three torture test bands on the lp. Second best is a vintage Shure M91ED with original stylus. Then a Stanton 681EEE with immaculate original stylus that I just got. And finally, the brand new Sumiko Pearl. This cartridge, no matter how much I play with setup, anti-skate, or stylus force, will not even pass the first band on the test lp without failing miserably. I've tried it on both tables/arms. How could this be? I hardly ever buy new cartridges. Is this something to do with the suspension needing to loosen up? Is this normal? If so, how long should I break it in to expect it to start tracking well and which record should I destroy in the process? Unfortunately, aside from the horrible results on the test lp...the cartridge sounds pretty wonderful. But it seems to me that we have another Grado here...something with nice, vivid midrange and smooth tonality that is ultimately useless unless you don't mind creating piles of groove damage. I must have good tracking ability. Your comments/thoughts?


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Topic - Sumiko Pearl fails tracking test miserably out of box. Is this normal? - Mr Blue Sky 19:19:22 06/23/12 (25)

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