Cartridge/phono stage issue

[Dylanfan253]

The issue I’m having is after installing a new AT oc9xml cart (first MC cart) the right channel is at a lower level than the left. The only variable I can’t and haven’t changed in an attempt to troubleshoot is the Vincent pho 8 as I don’t have anything else that can run an MC cart. The problem goes away when I run my MM cart and this is the second oc9xml cart. Is it possible my phono stage simply does not work properly when using the MC configuration.

Edit: it was also intermittent because it happened upon initial install, then I made sure the head-shell wires were snug and even tried another head-shell. It worked fine for at least 20 hours and then abruptly stopped working.

 

[kvetcha]

Kinda sounds like a bad preamp, yeah.

 

[Dylanfan253]

Kinda sounds like a bad preamp, yeah.

Hi fi guy has been helping me sort it out, I should be able to troubleshoot completely when I get home from work but it’s either the turntable or the phono stage. I’m just so frustrated now, the only thing I get enjoyment out of literally, and with my autism I won’t be able to stop thinking about it until it’s completely resolved, which it may not be because I may just not use the new cart since everything else works fine without it.

 

[Angsty]

For situations like these, I find it useful to have an inexpensive backup preamp. It also helps with troubleshooting cartridges and ground loops. I have a Parasound Zphono for this, but any MM/MC capable unit will do, like a Schiit Mani or a PhonoBox DC.