Yes, a misaligned cartridge can damage a record. The stylus of a cartridge is very delicate and can easily scratch or damage the record’s grooves if it is not aligned properly.
The stylus of a cartridge is made of a very hard material, such as diamond or sapphire. It is designed to ride in the record’s grooves and pick up the vibrations of the music. However, if the cartridge is misaligned, the stylus can wobble or vibrate excessively. This can cause the stylus to scratch or damage the record’s grooves.
The amount of damage that a misaligned cartridge can cause depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the misalignment, the type of record, and the playing time. In some cases, a misaligned cartridge can cause only minor scratches. However, in other cases, it can cause serious damage, such as deep grooves or skips.
If you think that your cartridge may be misaligned, you should have it aligned by a qualified technician. Misalignment can damage your records and ruin your listening experience.
Here are some additional tips for avoiding cartridge misalignment:
- Install the cartridge properly: When installing a new cartridge, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
- Handle the cartridge with care: Avoid dropping or knocking the cartridge.
- Replace the cartridge regularly: Cartridges have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every few years.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your cartridge stays aligned and that you enjoy many years of trouble-free listening.
Here are some of the signs that your cartridge may be misaligned:
- Intermittent playback: The stylus may not be able to follow the record’s grooves properly, resulting in intermittent playback.
- Sound distortion: The electrical signal generated by the cartridge may be distorted, resulting in poor sound quality.
- Tracking problems: The cartridge may not be able to track the record’s grooves properly, resulting in skipping or wow and flutter.
- Damage to the record: The stylus may scratch or damage the record’s grooves if it is not aligned properly.
