Stylus Check
Thu, Mar 31 2011, 11:40AM
Where does one get one's stylus checked these days? Or does one keep a count of sides up to a thousand or so and hope for the best?
Thu, Mar 31 2011, 2:37PM
#2
RE: Stylus Check
Many thanks for this reply though I have always read that once signs of wear can be heard damage to records has already begun.
Thu, Mar 31 2011, 5:24PM
#3
RE: Stylus Check
Probably true but this has always been the case. It's why I try to minimise record wear by replacing early. By doing this, I have found record wear to be at worst, minor, and in most cases non-existent, even though the cost of replacement styli will have gone up a bit.
For me it's worth the extra expense, as a lot of my LPs are no longer available in either LP or CD format.
Also worth keeping the LPs clean. I use old soft handkerchiefs soaked in a minimal solution of detergent for the worst cases (we have a very good new and used LP store close by). Seems to work.
Best of luck!
Dick
I've had the same problem for years. You can see some wear by thoroughly cleaning the stylus tip and using a good magnifying glass, but the acid test is really just careful listening.
One thing you might want to consider is to buy replacements beforehand, as it not only enables prompt replacement but offers an opportunity for comparisons so you can be sure the stylus is worn. I always replaced early, once I aurally detected wear.
Having some idea of the age the stylus and the number of weekly listening hours also helps.
Don't underestimate the effects of tracking force on the stylus. A tracking force of 2 grams causes more than twice the wear of a tracking force of 1 gram. Currently available MM and MC cartridges track somewhere between 1.5 and 2 grams, so expect quicker wear than a cartridge tracking at 1 gram.
Diamond stylus life is estimated at between 500 to 800 hours. I wouldn't go above 800 hours and to my mind that would be pushing it.
This link might help:
http://www.gramophone.net/Issue/Page/March%201971/139/754687/Diamond+sty...