 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
69.198.136.119
Without a microscope, how can I tell if a stylus can be safely used? Thanks.
Follow Ups:
Here's what I do, even though I have a small microscope.1. Never use an unknown stylus (say from a turntable you just bought, unless it's new)
2. Figure out roughly how many hours a week or month, you use it, then replace it, well within the recommended time. I replace mine every 12 months or so. It's cheap, compared to the vinyl you might ruin.
-----------------
Not sure if this helps but ...With my last Denon DL 103 I noticed a very slight harshness in the high frequencies. It wasn't anything major and it also happended at the worst of times as it coincided with the introduction of a pre-amp (line-only, phono stage wasn't changed at that pont) so I was off on a wild goose chase tracking down the 'problem'!; hmmmm ... it just occured to me that perhaps the greater resolution of the new pre-amp brought the issue to my attention sooner than later?
Anyway, not sure if harshness in the highs is the telltale sign for all cartridges but that's what I experienced. Of course if comtemplating mounting a used cartridge there'll be so sonic reference to compare so in that case I would think a proper inspection would be near mandatory (where condition is not know).
No Guru, No Method, No Teacher
If there actually was some type of reliable or consistent audible indication of a worn out Stylus, it's a certainty it's not universal even with a given stylus configuration, let alone across the board, if there was a valid example with a particular type I don't think it would exactly be a secret, the manufacturer(s) would use that feature
as a selling point, and it would be a significant one at that.I believe this is more along the lines of wishful thinking :-(
A foolproof " heads up " Stylus would be truly wonderful, like the metal bands that are incorporated into brake linings, so they'll sing or screech when they're worn to the point where they're about to start scoring and gouging the drums or discs.
The audible clues associated with worn Styli is very sadly
the sound of the now damaged groove IMHO.The intrinsic and monetary value of just about any serious listeners record collection, makes the idea of running a Stylus beyond it's rated service life absurd.
Kind Regards FredJ
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
