sonotone cart.

[hermitcrab]

I have no knowledge of these carts , this is still good , but the needle was shot... but to my surprise I had a new one in my stash of replacements ...must of got it for that VM I sold to Bill ...I measured the weight and it was almost 10 grams , I figured that was way to much , so I lowered it to around 5.5 -6 . then it would not play... both channels would cut out at random so I put it back to 8 grams and it seems ok now ... what is the correct weight for these?... also I must have something messed up on the slide as it will not shut off.... the table just stops like it is hitting a brick wall when it hits the switch , the switch moves easily ?... more investigation is needed

[electra225]

Maybe I missed it. What is the model number of the Sonotone cartridge? What brand is the changer?

I like to track cartridges as light as they will work. I'm not sure that is the best practice. I have read where setting the cartridge weight where it tracks and sounds best is a better method. As long as the needle is good, I'd say you would be okay. Some guys get concerned playing stereo records much above five grams of weight.

Edit.....Looks like you have a Sonotone 8T. The VM website gives the tracking weight at 3-5 grams.

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

This may be the stylus yoke being hardened and the extra
tonearm pressure engages the ceramic transducer elements better.

[hermitcrab]

yes this is an sonotone 8 , and it will not play that light, HI FI Mogal I believe is correct , the more weight the better it plays.... it is 64 years old .. looks like a candidate for a P-226 replacement

[electra225]

Have you gone thru the changer to make sure it is not on the fritz somehow, making the tone arm drag? Old, dry grease helps cartridges do funny things sometimes. The new cartridges they make to replace the original ones are not all beer and skittles getting them set up right.

[William]

The Sonotone 8 really sounds good, i have one in one of the VM consoles. My VM562 tabletop unit has a EV26 cartridge that all of a sudden as gone wonky. I started to notice it not sounding right, then it kind of cut out a few times, and now nothing! I have not looked into it yet but suspect the cartridge. It has an aux input so I will plug something in there and make sure something in the amp has not failed.

Bill