Fixing Sonotone 21T ceramic cartridge

[Phantomrose1999]

Wanted an original Sonotone 21T for my Kriesler master Multisonic and after buying 2x NOS only to find the cantilever suspension has disintegrated, I decided to fix one.

I removed the cantilever from a BSR C1 and was able to fit it inside the Sonotone 21T. However the end result was not great with poor high frequency response

So went back to the Sonotone 9TA that is just stunningly good in the same unit.

Video is a bit long but shows what’s inside these ceramic cartridges

https://youtu.be/eVCyjPm9hhM

[John10b]

Thanks for the informative video, always interesting to see the inside of cartridges.
John

[hayerjoe]

Originally Posted by Phantomrose1999

Wanted an original Sonotone 21T for my Kriesler master Multisonic and after buying 2x NOS only to find the cantilever suspension has disintegrated, I decided to fix one.

I removed the cantilever from a BSR C1 and was able to fit it inside the Sonotone 21T. However the end result was not great with poor high frequency response

So went back to the Sonotone 9TA that is just stunningly good in the same unit.

Video is a bit long but shows what’s inside these ceramic cartridges

https://youtu.be/eVCyjPm9hhM

Suspension must have been a real problem on those, Ive also had a couple of 21T's and both had no suspension and yet the C1's keep on trucking. Good attempt at a solution though!

[Phantomrose1999]

Now I understand what’s inside one, I wonder if the stiffness of the cantilever and the bits holding the ceramic plates is what determines the “compliance”.

The Sonotone AT9 seems to have a very soft cantilever compared to the 21T and the C1. Wondering if that softness gives it the incredible high frequency response.

Anyway the mystery of what’s inside one of these has been solved

[John10b]

If you care to look there have been many post over the years on cartridges.
John

[Phantomrose1999]

Originally Posted by John10b

If you care to look there have been many post over the years on cartridges.
John

Not as much fun as drilling out the rivets, peeking inside, and moving bits around to fix stuff.

Could not find anything on moving the Y bit from a C1 to a21T.

[John10b]

Yes I agree looking inside and seeing how they are constructed is great fun.
John