Old Supex cartridge needs glueing??

[ammers2]

Hi I have bought an old Rega t/table with R200 tonearm and Supex SM100 Mk 3 Moving magnet cartridge. As I was setting it up I realised the metal part of the cartridge has come unglued? from its plastic body.

My initial thoughts are just to key both surfaces and use a superglue to reglue the metal part into its housing.

Does this sound like a good fix or are there any alternatives? It hasn't been used in years so I am assuming the glue has just dried up - I am also assuming it was glued in the first place and not just sat snuggly? Does anyone know these cartridges?

Cheers in advance

 

[Galu]

I presume you mean that the metal section has become separated from the plastic section that accepts the cartridge mounting bolts.

A photograph of the separated parts would be confirmation, but it does sound like a superglue job.

 

[Boydk]

I would advise against superglue.
It´s highly resonant and will do a bad job.
Use something more soft like some silicone based glue, that doesn´t harden in the same way as supeglue.
Just my 2 cents

 

[wiseoldtech]

Superglue is no good for such things.
It produces gasses that will corrode the stylus.
Better off using a small blob of epoxy or gasket sealer.

 

[ammers2]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think I'll try the silicone based glue route. I'm curious to know what the effects of an "unglued" cartridge would sound like. At the moment the metal part is quite firmly lodged in it's plastic housings so has no discernible movement when in use. The sound I am getting is very bright , harsh and "in your face" is the cartridge the only problem?

System is TOTEM ARRO speakers , Naim Nac62/Nap90 and orig Planar 3 with R200.

p.s. what should I look for to test if the anti-skate bias control is "dicky"?? I hear it's a common problem for the belt to break?

cheers all

Ammers

 

[Galu]

You've just bought a second hand cartridge/turntable combination.

The first thing to do would be to install a new stylus. Have you done that?

P.S. From your description, there appears to be nothing wrong with the actual cartridge body and mount - sounds like they simply lock together as you first suggested.

 

[wiseoldtech]

You've just bought a second hand cartridge/turntable combination.

The first thing to do would be to install a new stylus. Have you done that?

P.S. From your description, there appears to be nothing wrong with the actual cartridge body and mount - sounds like they simply lock together as you first suggested.

I always use Common Sense in such a situation.
No matter what the seller states, I don't trust any "used" stylus for my records.
You simply purchase a new stylus and have "peace of mind".

 

[Galu]

Replacing the anti-skate belt on the R200 is a delicate operation - let's hope you don't have to do it!

Rega R200 Anti Skate Belt Replacement

To test if the anti-skate is working, dial the tracking force to zero and move the arm over the turntable platter (protect the stylus during this test).

If the anti-skate is working, the arm should slowly return to its parking position.

 

[ammers2]

Thanks Galu and all new stylus seems to be my second job after regluing.

Cheers all

Steve

 

[ammers2]

Oh just revised Galu's previous post re cartridge mount. Are you suggesting the Supex cartridge was never glued together - the metal part just sat in the housing? Is this a common feature on some cartridges?
Ammers

 

[Galu]

In post #2, I suggested you post a photograph of the separated parts - that might help.

However, you said in post #5, "At the moment the metal part is quite firmly lodged in it's plastic housing so has no discernible movement when in use.", and I think you should be reassured by that.

The metal body on the AT95E is attached to the plastic mounting bracket by a screw (visible on the top on the attached image).

Your Supex may simply have a snap-on arrangement, but I can't find any information which confirms that.

 

[ammers2]

Photos attached everyone

 

[Galu]

That white residue must be the old glue. Go ahead and glue it back in!

P.S. How did you get on with the anti-skate?

 

[Galu]

All this may be for nothing though, as a quick look at stylus suppliers appears to indicate that a replacement stylus for your Supex may be unobtainable.

In that case, I recommend you replace the entire cartridge with the best you can afford from the Audio Technica range.

Moving Magnet | Audio-Technica

 

[Galu]

An SMM/5 stylus is available here:

Supex SMM/5, replacement stylus | My Needle Store

Considering the price, I think a spanking new replacement cartridge would be the more sensible and cost effective option!

 

[wiseoldtech]

Yes, Galu, I tend to agree.
Playing around with old obsolete cartridges is a silly waste of time and money.
If generic replacement styli are even available, the quality and resulting performance is unknown.
And if even "new old stock" is found, the eleastic suspension is likely deteriorated.
So why bother? - why chance things? - why play around?

And I don't care what the die-hard fanatics have to spew regarding their "prized" old Shures, Stantons, Pickerings and such.....



The wide range and known performance of the Audio Technica line is a much better bet.

 

[Galu]

Yes wiseoldtech!

The replacement stylus to which I linked is simply a generic stylus of unknown quality and has an unremarkable 0.7 mil conical tip.

A brand spanking new cartridge with an elliptical tip is the better choice (provided the anti-skating is working that is!).

 

[ammers2]

I think you're right guys

 

[tvi]

Supex Sm100 Mk III stylus

Hello everyone, this is my first post.
So I had a bit of a win today. My best and most favourite cartridge is the Supex SM100 MkIII, and for a long time I've been scouring the interwebs trying to find a replacement stylus that is within my budget. Today I discovered that the generic stylus I ordered for my Shure M75e type 2 cartridge (N75ed or N75b) fits my Supex and I am just as happy with the sound as I was with the Supex smm/5 stylus I previously ordered online for 45 euro plus postage, as opposed to about $25Au delivered. I hope this helps anyone else who has a Supex tucked away in a cupboard because they couldn't afford to buy the original stylus.
Happy listening.

You might ant to try a little blu-tack to see if a complaint glue is suitable and would dampen the cart and is easily reversable?
Also use a non acid cure silicon if you go that route, I'd be a little bit worried about the acetic acid corroding things, maybe?.
Maybe a little hot melt might be best?

regards
james

 

[ammers2]

Thanks tvi