received used cart loose in case - should I return?

[denti alligator]

I ordered a used AT150-MLX from Audiogon and it came loose in the case, meaning it had been jostling about from CA to PA in the mail. Should I assume it's damaged? It didn't even come with proper hardware to mount it, and I also don't see how the seller could have mounted it to the case to keep it safe. How would I determine if it's damaged?

[tomytoons]

Did it have a stylus guard on it? If so was it in down position or attached, should be OK I would presume.
Some people are just not too smart or don't care. Try it if the stylus isn't bent.
I would ask the guy WTF?

[denti alligator]

Stylus doesn't look bent. The guard was not up. It's part of the cart, as far as I can tell, so I don't see how it could be removed.

[Brianev]

Firstly, tell the seller about it, so he knows it arrived in that condition, and then you can either check it out by playing it, or sending it back. I had the same problem with an AT catridge, the stylus protector came off in transit and one channel was well down on output, so it went back. At over £500 I want it in pristine condition and full working order. Hope that helps.
Brian

[gg383]

If the guard was down, that's good, at least it was protecting the stylus. I'd mount it and test it with some of your not so fine records and maybe work up from there if everything sounds OK. I always ask that the used stylus be put in a pill bottle or case with a tissue or 2 to protect it, doesn't always happen tho. Most of the people selling or shipping this stuff don't know how fragile it is. Hopefully you're OK on this one. Good luck, Glenn.

[denti alligator]

I don't recall if the guard was down. But I've mounted and aligned it and it seems to sound good. However, I keep thinking, what if it could sound better if it hadn't be jostled about. Is there any way for me to see if the stylus has been damaged by way of visual inspection or audio test?

[Eoin]

I don't recall if the guard was down. But I've mounted and aligned it and it seems to sound good. However, I keep thinking, what if it could sound better if it hadn't be jostled about. Is there any way for me to see if the stylus has been damaged by way of visual inspection or audio test?

No, I doubt it. If it had been damaged it would either have been visibly bent or sounding terrible.

Sounds like its playing well, it which case it's all good. There's no damage so forget about it. And enjoy.