Price: $29.95.
Keeping the phono cartridge stylus clean is an ever-present problem for the audiophile. Not infrequently, the stylus is only partially cleaned because the user may fear damaging the stylus and cantilever on an expensive phono cartridge. This fear may now be allayed, thanks to an electronic stylus cleaner from Signet.
The Signet SK305's cleaning head consists of thousands of tiny nylon fibers gathered tightly together to form a brush. This brush is vibrated vertically by a magnetic system driven by an IC and powered by one AA 1.5-volt penlight battery located in the body of the device. While the brush bristles are vibrating, a light illuminates them so that you can see where to place the stylus.
Prior to using the Signet SK305, make certain that the power to the turntable and amplifier has been turned off. Place the SK305 on the turntable platter, with the brush facing up and towards the platter edge. Next, apply one or two drops of the supplied stylus cleaner fluid onto the surface of the brush. Turn the device on and carefully lower the stylus onto the cleaning brush, using only the normal cartridge tracking force to keep the stylus on the brush. Never put any additional downward force on the cartridge as it may damage the stylus and cantilever. Also, make certain that the turntable platter remains stationary while the SK305 is cleaning the stylus as its movement may also damage the stylus and cantilever. The platter may be held motionless by placing the thumb in contact with the platter and turntable base plate simultaneously, or by using a rubber anti-rattle window wedge, gently placed between the platter and turntable base. The cleaning time should not exceed 20 seconds at any one time. If the SK305 is used regularly (e.g., weekly), then five seconds of cleaning time should be sufficient, either with or without the cleaning fluid. When the cleaning time is up, raise the stylus from the brush and return the tonearm to its rest. Finally, turn the SK305 off, replace the plastic cover over the brush, and store the device for future use.
The stylus brush usually supplied with a phono cartridge may be used to periodically clean dirt or dust from the SK305 brush. Although Signet supplies a stylus cleaner fluid, most any stylus cleaning fluid may be used, suet' as any good commercial cleaner or a 60% alcohol solution.
I have used the Signet SK305 electronic stylus cleaner for many months and find it to be a safe, high-performance device that removes all dirt and deposits from the stylus within a few seconds without the need of removing the stylus or Cartridge from the tone arm. The end result is a stylus in pristine condition.
-B. V. Pisha
(Source: Audio magazine; Feb. 1982)
Also see:
SOTA Cosmos Turntable / SME 309 Arm & Signet OC9 Cartridge (Sept. 1990)
Revolver Turntable, Standard Arm, and Bullet Cartridge (Apr. 1989)
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