Frankiesays
Rats is life.
How often do you replace yours? I use Nagaoka MP200, replacement styli only around a 100 notes direct from Japan, so I just bin it yearly, remember 'a worn stylus can damage records', at only £2 p/w who's to argue?
Vinyl isn’t my main source and hasn’t been for some years, I stream 70% of my music now... however I rarely keep a cartridge for more than about three years, they still have plenty of life at that point. The only time I’ve ever suspected one worn is recently with a 2M blue... I bought it new and didn’t think it had seen much use but it sounds off, I’m going to take it to my dealer for a proper cleaning and check over.How often do you replace yours? I use Nagaoka MP200, replacement styli only around a 100 notes direct from Japan, so I just bin it yearly, remember 'a worn stylus can damage records', at only £2 p/w who's to argue?
It depends how often you use it, I play vinyl for a few hours most days, for some its only a few hours per week.Vinyl isn’t my main source and hasn’t been for some years, I stream 70% of my music now... however I rarely keep a cartridge for more than about three years, they still have plenty of life at that point. The only time I’ve ever suspected one worn is recently with a 2M blue... I bought it new and didn’t think it had seen much use but it sounds off, I’m going to take it to my dealer for a proper cleaning and check over.
Yes, I’d say it’s wise to change it annually then. As you say, £2 per week is nothing for something you enjoy and for the peace of mind.It depends how often you use it, I play vinyl for a few hours most days, for some its only a few hours per week.
Thanks for that! The Shure references may be duplicated in AES journals, but even if they are, that page is a good source for everyone. The Weiler item seems to require a 'partner' to access it.
I think Stan Kelly, Watts, and Walton may also cover this area, but again may be hard to find on the web.
I tended to adopt the Shure argument which boils down to: Low tip mass and high compliance means lower forces, and thus lower wear and a longer useful life. Hence my irritation that almost no-one these days takes any interest in measurements of tip mass and compliance. We are left with playing force and max tracable levels as a surrogate.
You are welcome Jim!
Weiler is in the public domain...
https://www.vinylrecordcleaningsystem.com/media/Weiler-Wear-and-Care-of-Records.pdf