Pics, is my cantilever stylus ok?

[bajaed]

Wanted to ask if some of the local experts here could take a look at these pics and tell me if there is any damage from my accident a couple of weeks ago?

http://forums.audioreview.com/pictur...339304&thumb=1

http://forums.audioreview.com/pictur...339304&thumb=1

http://forums.audioreview.com/pictur...339304&thumb=1

http://forums.audioreview.com/pictur...339177&thumb=1

[bajaed]

http://forums.audioreview.com/member...stem/58-cart2/

http://forums.audioreview.com/member...stem/57-cart1/

Full size links. Having trouble loading all 4. You can go to the other two from either of the links above.

Thanks.

[02audionoob]

It seems fine, but how does it look from directly centered in front? Your front images are taken from an angle.

[bajaed]

Thanks for the reply noob. I'll try to get a shot from straight on and post it.

[bajaed]

After recently re balancing my tonearm, last night I dipped the stylus into a magic eraser and played some records. Sound is good except for one thing, background hiss.

Very noticeable between tracks and on quieter passages. No hiss when I lift the needle.

Could this be a damaged stylus from my accident that is not detectable in these pictures?

[02audionoob]

My guess would be no...not related to damage. Have you tried another LP?

[Enochrome]

Sounds like its the records or something in the coils or connection to them. That is strange that you don't here anything when the stylus is off the record. How old is the cart? I know I get hiss from mostly head shell lead connections, or that one of connectors on the back of the cart has come loose or died (happened twice).

Could be that diamond is fractured from age or life and that could cause much distortion, especially approaching the inner groove.