If you’re an audiophile, you know the importance of keeping your equipment in top shape.
One common issue that can arise is oxidization on electrical connectors, which can lead to crackling and poor sound quality.
Enter Deoxit, a popular cleaning solution that promises to reduce oxidization and improve the performance of your audio gear.
But what about phono cartridges? Can you safely spray them with Deoxit?
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and provide some tips for keeping your phono cartridges in pristine condition.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of audio maintenance.
Can You Spray Phono Carts With Deoxit
Phono cartridges are delicate pieces of equipment that require special care and attention. They are responsible for converting the grooves on your vinyl records into electrical signals that can be amplified and played through your speakers.
Given their importance, it’s natural to wonder if you can use Deoxit to clean and maintain them. The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that not all phono cartridges are created equal. Some are designed to be easily removable and replaceable, while others are integrated into the tonearm of your turntable and cannot be removed without professional assistance.
If your phono cartridge is easily removable, you can safely spray it with Deoxit to clean and maintain the electrical contacts. However, it’s important to use a gentle touch and avoid oversaturating the cartridge with the solution.
Additionally, it’s important to use a brush or lint-free cloth to gently remove any debris or oxidization before applying Deoxit. This will ensure that the solution can penetrate deeply into the contacts and provide maximum benefit.
If your phono cartridge is integrated into the tonearm of your turntable, it’s best to leave cleaning and maintenance to a professional. Attempting to remove or clean the cartridge yourself can result in damage or misalignment, which can negatively impact sound quality.
Understanding Phono Cartridges
To fully understand the proper care and maintenance of phono cartridges, it’s important to understand their specifications and how they function. The most important specifications include frequency response, channel separation, channel balance, and output level.
Frequency response refers to the range of sounds that the cartridge can reproduce uniformly. A flat frequency response ensures that no frequencies are given over or under-emphasis, resulting in even and accurate sound reproduction. Audio-Technica Vector Aligned cartridges are known for their smooth and uniform frequency response, even in their less expensive models.
Channel separation is another key specification, measuring how well one channel ignores the other stereo channel. The higher the separation measurement, the better the cartridge can isolate each channel’s signals, resulting in a more precise and accurate sound.
Channel balance is also critical, as both sides of a stereo cartridge should have equal loudness when equally recorded levels are present. This ensures that the sound is balanced and consistent across both channels.
Output level is essential in matching your cartridge to your electronics. A level that is too low can result in noise, while a level that is too high can overdrive a preamp into distortion. Audio-Technica Dual Magnet cartridges have output levels that work well with virtually any magnetic phono input.
While there are other measurements of phono cartridge performance, these specifications are the most important when considering how well a cartridge performs audibly, interfaces with other system components, and preserves your record library for future use.
The Importance Of Maintaining Phono Cartridges
Maintaining your phono cartridge is crucial to ensuring optimal sound quality and longevity. Over time, dirt, debris, and oxidization can build up on the cartridge’s electrical contacts, leading to crackling or distorted sound.
Regular cleaning and maintenance with a product like Deoxit can help to prevent this buildup and extend the life of your cartridge. By removing metal oxides and leaving a lubricant/sealer, Deoxit can help to reduce the occurrence of oxidization and keep your cartridge’s contacts in top condition.
It’s important to note that over-cleaning or oversaturating the cartridge with Deoxit can also have negative effects on sound quality. It’s best to use a gentle touch and avoid excessive use of the solution.
In addition to cleaning, it’s also important to handle your phono cartridge with care. Avoid touching the delicate stylus with your fingers, as oils from your skin can damage it. Use a stylus brush to gently remove any dust or debris before each use.
What Is Deoxit And How Does It Work?
Deoxit is an electrical contact cleaner spray that is designed to remove buildup and oxidization from metal surfaces. This buildup can cause irregularities in electronic transmission, leading to sound distortion, crackling, and even unusable equipment. Deoxit works by penetrating deeply into the contacts and dissolving any debris or oxidization, leaving behind a clean and conductive surface.
Deoxit is particularly effective for sensitive electronics or music equipment that require clean and efficient connections. It can help improve conduction and reduce distortion, leading to better sound quality or overall electrical performance.
When using Deoxit, it’s important to apply it in a thin film using a brush or lint-free cloth. This will ensure that the solution can penetrate deeply into the contacts and provide maximum benefit. It’s also important to avoid oversaturating the surface with the solution, as this can lead to damage or misalignment.
Can You Safely Spray Phono Cartridges With Deoxit?
When it comes to spraying Deoxit on your phono cartridge, it’s important to exercise caution and follow proper procedures. While Deoxit can be effective in cleaning and maintaining electrical contacts, it’s important to use a gentle touch and avoid oversaturating the cartridge with the solution.
One recommended method is to use a brush or lint-free cloth to gently remove any debris or oxidization before applying Deoxit. This will allow the solution to penetrate deeply into the contacts and provide maximum benefit.
It’s also important to note that some phono cartridges are integrated into the tonearm of your turntable and cannot be removed without professional assistance. In these cases, it’s best to leave cleaning and maintenance to a professional to avoid damaging or misaligning the cartridge.
Alternatives To Deoxit For Phono Cartridge Maintenance
While Deoxit is a popular choice for cleaning and maintaining phono cartridges, it can be expensive and not always necessary. There are several alternatives that can be just as effective and more budget-friendly.
One option is to use electronic contact cleaner, which is specifically designed for cleaning electrical contacts. It comes in an aerosol can with an applicator straw and can be sprayed directly onto the contacts. After letting it sit briefly, use a cotton swab to gently rub off any debris or oxidization.
Another alternative is to use baking soda. Simply create a paste with water and apply it to the contacts, then scrub with a paper towel, cotton swab, or new toothbrush. Be sure to thoroughly clean off all paste and residue before applying a 91% isopropyl alcohol finish with a cotton swab.
A melamine sponge, also known as a Magic Eraser sponge, can also be effective for cleaning phono cartridges. Select a clean end of the sponge and either leave it dry or dampen it lightly before vigorously scrubbing the contacts. Finish with a 91% isopropyl alcohol and cotton swab, and let dry before testing.
It’s important to note that while these alternatives can be effective, they should still be used with caution and a gentle touch to avoid damaging the delicate phono cartridge.
Tips For Properly Cleaning And Maintaining Your Phono Cartridges
Properly cleaning and maintaining your phono cartridges is essential for ensuring optimal sound quality and prolonging the life of your equipment. Here are some tips to help you do it right:
1. Use a good stylus cleaning fluid and brush to clean your stylus tip regularly. The frequency of cleaning depends on how clean your records are. Avoid using anything containing isopropanol alcohol, as this can dissolve the glue holding the stylus needle into the cantilever.
2. Be careful to use a fairly flexible brush and always pull the brush along the stylus in the same direction the record travels. This will prevent damage to the delicate stylus tip.
3. Use fluid sparingly as it can degrade the rubber suspension inside the cartridge if applied too liberally.
4. Before applying Deoxit, use a brush or lint-free cloth to gently remove any debris or oxidization from the contacts.
5. If your phono cartridge is easily removable, you can safely spray it with Deoxit to clean and maintain the electrical contacts. However, be sure to avoid oversaturating the cartridge with the solution.
6. If your phono cartridge is integrated into the tonearm of your turntable, it’s best to leave cleaning and maintenance to a professional to avoid damaging or misaligning the cartridge.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your phono cartridges are properly cleaned and maintained, leading to better sound quality and longer equipment life.
