From all my previous posts about recording level problems I think I now have that sorted though not as I wish.
From the begining I initially recorded a few clips of songs just to hear what they sounded like.
I had put a new stylus in (to get the best results)but shortly afterwards when I attempted to record again the record arm slid right across the record to the centre.
I had a second new spare stylus which I fitted and then recorded a complete cd's worth which I put onto cd with excellent results.
The following day I started to record again and there was awful distortion, stylus and record clean, it seems the stylus is worn but cannot understand after 70 mins of playing.
I use stanton 500AL which I have done since 1980 with no problems.
They are known to be hardwearing often used for scratching so this is really odd.
I bought the twin pack in 1996 in Tott crt Rd so I could not take them back but bear in mind I have only just started to use them.
Seems hard to accept I got two dud ones, has anyone got any ideas?
PS: tracking etc correct

From my experience the only things that will cause the tonearm to slide right across the record would be a large amount of dust on the stylus or an incorrect anti-skating setting (though this is only really gonna cause your tonearm to swing outwards).
Yeah your styli would definitely not wear out after 70mins. Are they geniune Stanton styli? Have they got the silver Stanton logo, or are they just generic styli? Even that shouldn't make much difference really though.
If somethings wrong then it should be fairly obvious. Try re-zeroing the tonearm and setting your stylus pressure again (about 3 shold be fine for just playback).
Bit of an odd one. I doubt the styli is knackered but just have a quik look to see if it's still there and looks normal.........
Peace
Deft

I think defts said it all really. Also you could check the stylus for dust, if the records are dusty the buildup could stop it from sticking in the groove... Ive used stantons for ages and havent had a problem... wierd

Hi Chris,

Funny u should post this prob as I had the same trouble which was caused by a bent cuing slide which was preventing the arm lowering fully all was ok till a third of the way through a side when the arm would shoot off to the centre. Straightened the mechanism out and all was well. May be wise 2 give the whole arm deck stylus a good going over.

Hi guys and thanks for your responses.
I reluctantly purchased two new stanton (copies) on Christmas eve, third day of using one and so far so good but then so it should be.
Because I wnat the very best results from recording I had already bought a liquid vinyl cleaner so the records would be in pristine condition prior to recording.
As I had already mentioned I took the weight off and reset it correctly so I just don't know what it is. Only time will tell if it happens again very soon but am keeping my fingers crossed.
I have a wealth of other problems re recording which I just cannot get sorted, if you are interested look through my other posts.
Thanks,
Chris