Cartridge Replacement issues - Turntable

[Ultraviolet]

Hi All

I'm happing a nightmare replacing the coupling cables that connect my cartridge to my tonearm (the four coloured cables shown in the picture). Any recommendations how I can do this? The main problem is releasing the existing cables from the pins on the tonearm - they're too close for my needle-nose pliers, and I'm struggling to pry them off with a screwdriver. Any suggestions on tools required / techniques etc?

Many thanks,

UV

[msmith0592]

I've used a pair of tweezers to try and pry them off in this situation.

[speedyman]

Forceps might work.

[megaphone]

Remove the cartridge first, that will allow more access to remove the connectors from the pins. They can break easily so be gentle.

[Riff Raff]

msmith0592 said:

I've used a pair of tweezers to try and pry them off in this situation.

I use tweezers to pull (rather than pry) them off. I have a pair made of some synthetic stuff that work well for this. Same goes for reassembly. As mentioned already separating the cartridge from the head shell allows you to see what you are doing. Make sure the stylus guard is on obvs.

[808 Estate]

Or remove the stylus if its a replacable one.

[Timothy Bucktu]

Use a knife or very thin screwdriver to push the plugs away from the cartridge.
I find pulling on small plugs like that can lead to accidently pulling the cable out.

[Ultraviolet]

Thanks for the suggestions.. in the end I used some very small (3”) needle-nosed pliers used for jewellery etc. So the new cartridge is now fitted, although one of the leads is quite loose on the cartridge pin. Time to test it tomorrow…

[Lucid_AV]

The pin connectors are just a tube with a slot along the side. Look at it end on, it's a cheap shape. It uses a bit of sprint tension to grip the 'finger' of the cartridge output pin.

If one connect is loose, take it off the cartridge and then apply a little pressure to close up the slot a bit. Not too much or else you won't get the connector back on.

Remove > adjust > test > repeat if necessary.

Hardly the most complex thing to do in the world.