When to Change Your Stylus
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- When was the last time you changed the stylus and how do you know when you should?
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Written & Produced by Rick Coste
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What I do is keep track of each record I play by simply making a hash mark on a pad I keep near the turntable. Each hash mark equals about 40 minutes, so it's a simple matter of just adding up the marks then dividing by 60 to get the number of hours. Pretty much foolproof. So as I start approaching max hours I start listening closely to the highs. I have found with my Dynavector 17d3 cart that you start getting a bit of break up on the vocal peaks towards the end of its lifespan. I've been able to get about 2000 hours on this cart by the time that starts to happen. My records are all hand cleaned with Disc Doctors Miracle Record using the supplied brushes, and then placed in clean MSFL sleeves. I also use a TTW center weight and periphery ring which keeps the record flat and helps to minimize stylus wear.
I love this idea and the attention to detail. I've been in the habit of changing my stylus and/or cartridge every year, but I like the idea of keeping track with a simple system. I'm jealous of the periphery ring. I've looked into those as well.
I've been listening to my records with the same stylus since 2014, it's also an Ortofon 2m red, and it still sounds great. I think it's because I always clean it and most of the records I play are in great shape, not scratched at all. You can hear it in my videos. Also, because I live in México, the cartridges and styluses are too expensive here, so I have to save in order to replace it.
Wonderful!
On this youre completely right. If we are not going off opinions and actually read studies from Shure, Audio Technica and even older Ortofon ones the time to seriously investigate your stylus is after 500 hours, preferably sooner for lesser shapes like Conical and Elitpical. Despite what they say now which Im glad you caught, where they say "possible" up to 1000 hours.
My method is to get some sort of clicker device or app and add 1 for each side of a record played, typically 20 minutes.
That means 1500 sides / clicks = 500 hours and I know its time to consider a new one. But Ive reached the point where I felt a new is necessary as soon as 350 hours before.
I love the clicker device concept @Leon. I might have to grab that one and run with it.
I like that clicker idea. I put an hour counter on my Logic power supply with a led switch that turns the counter on and off when the arm leaves the rest. Complex and costly. Cheap clicker seems like a sensible idea.
My Expert Nagaoka Quadra cartridge is the most expensive part of my record player. I wet clean every record before it gets played and wet clean my stylus every week. This routine keeps the diamond tip optimally clean. My previous stylus i’ve used for 20 years and i still use it now and then when i want to hear certain dynamics which differ from my current stylus. The key here is to use good quality products, keep on cleaning and setup your tracking force and counterweight correctly. If you use a magnifying glass to check the diamond tip you can check its shape, any residu which needs removal or any damage. If you take proper care your stylus can last for many many years.
Excellent advice! Thanks for posting it!
God bless those of you who can put up with this. I adore nothing in life more than records, but as life became more stressful in other ways, I had to opt out of this never ending loop of turntable upkeep and madness. I still have no problem with 45's and 78's, but so many of my LP's skip, and I have changed the stylus over and over, far before it could have been worn, adjusted every possible adjustment, and I'm just done. Ha. Fun fact: I live in a very haunted house. I think there are other factors at work here. Comments unwelcome.
Possibly 1000. They can't assure the longevity of the diamond cause they don't know how you treat your equipment and records. But something to take attention is that they refere to sound degradation , that doesn't mean that your records are going to be on risk after 1000 hrs. Probably (im not a scientist) you can stretch the life quite a bit without hearing a difference nor grinding your records if you are careful.
@gonzalo grillo. That’s a good point. 1000 is a safe number depending on your record and stylus care. I feel comfortable with 1500 knowing full well I change mine before it gets there.
I have a Shure M97xE cartridge on my Music Hall turntable. I installed around the year of 2014. My turntable in connected to a Yamaha 7.2 A/V receiver with a Klipsch 7.1 speaker system. When I play my records I did not notice any difference in sound. But it may be due time to purchase a new stylus for my Shure cartridge. But since Shure stopped manufacturing cartridges the price has gone through the roof. That is the main reason I have not purchased a new stylus for my cartridge. And I really like my Shure cartridge.
Rick, very nice presentation! I just discovered your great channel this morning! I really like evrything and I just subscribed! It is so fantastic to be able to share our love for vinyl reords, and phonographs and everything to do with this MAGIC EXPERIENCE simply known as.."playing records!" Thank You!👍
Thank you for the wonderful feedback @Thomas !
Great advice. Thanks. I just bought an Ortofon Blue and will follow your advice.
Hi Rick, great video. i check my stylus on both my TT;s regularly with a microscope and replace them when its necessary. The better the cartridge and the better care that you take of the cartridge and records the longer it will last. Moving Coil cartridges can be re-tipped instead of needing replacement. I have never felt the need for a moving coil cartridge, (ducking for cover), I have used my Shure V15 type V-MR with a Jico SAS stylus, it has the most neutral sound on my English Logic Gemini two motor belt drive TT. I don't criticise MC cartridges other than two say that every MC cart seems to sound different, even the same model from the same batch. The music on the record should be heard, not the cartridge.
Well said @Peter Rech. I've also heard good things about Jico's replacement styli.
Since Shure styli are no longer available, the only way I can keep my V15-V MR in use is by using a aftermarket stylus, and after testing all the ones available for the V15-V I found the Jico SAS to be the nearest in sound quality to the original stylus.
4:45 that is one very well kept Technics SL-1200MK2 for sure, whoever owns it must have been taking care of it, the one's I have seen have some pretty noticable signs of use, especially ones used by disc jockeys.
I change my stylus about every year and a half. I also check the diamond under a magnifying glass(jewelers loupe) to see it's shape.
Personally, a microscope is essential for my peace of mind, I need to know the grooves are being hit by something rounded, not a sharp edge!
I'm always surprised how cheaper conical diamond styluses doesn't even last a year until sibilance and distortion start to be so evident to the point that the sound is so bad
You're right. I'm with you on that. It's a noticeable degradation.
I used AT microline syluses (both AT440Mb and VM95ML) probably 2x expected life (1000hrs) , did not notice neither sound degradation nor significant physical wear (observed through $25 USB microscope).
I should get one of those USB microscopes
can you explain why a diamond running on a piece of plastic needs to be replaced? hardest mineral on on earth, I have diamond tipped drills will go through tungsten like butter. how can a piece of plastic wear out a diamond? or is it just manufacturers creating a need?
Hi! Even though diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth, a stylus can still wear out because of friction. As the stylus moves through the grooves of a vinyl record, it experiences constant contact and rubbing. Over time, this friction can gradually wear down the diamond tip. Don’t forget it’s incredibly small.
Good info. I had a 2M Red for a year but when it was time to replace I upgraded to the 2M Blue. The blue and red use the same cartridge so it was easy. It cost twice as much for the blue but it was totally worth it. I would recommend trying it out this next Halloween. If you find it wasn’t worth the extra cost you can go back to red the next year. Just a suggestion but I have a feeling if you do, you won’t go back to red.
That's my plan this year @quikspecv4d!
I just bought Blue, let's check what the difference is!
@@wujBatawesome! Let me know what you think after you spend some time with it
Hello there - great info. Love your channel. I am a regular LP listener and have owned turntables since the early 70s. I have to admit that while I enjoy my equipment I have no real clue as to what is required in terms of upkeep. I have never really asked myself what kind of cartridge I have. I have replaced stylus every once in a while (I admit that only when I see visual wear on the stylus itself). From this video I have to assume that my cartridge is a moving magnet type which as you said allows me to continue buying off the shelf styli. I wanted to ask if I am correct about that and also get a recommendation of what type stylus to look for.
I have a 30 year old Gemini XLDD 50 II and still use the original cartridge (STANTON 680 EL) I have many old jazz albums that were purchased used and some have scratches which I don't mind if the there is no skip.
Thanks for all the useful info - David
Thanks David! And especially for the kind feedback. Happy to help if I can. It's been a long time since I heard the name Gemini. You're right in that it is a MM cart, and you can replace the stylus. The Stanton replacement will run around $75. (www.lpgear.com/product/STNS680EL.html).
For only a little bit more you could grab a new turntable - like the ATLP60 for improved sound. But if the Gemini still works and sounds great a simple stylus change will definitely help.
GM ☕️
A record cleaner ( brush as a minimum) and STYLAST used religiously will help extend your cartridge life.
If you’re a fan ( like myself) of Koetsu MC cartridges ,I run an OG BLACK…not looking to dropping several thousand dollars on an annual cartridge change ..
Great video 👍☕️🔥🍕🥓
Thanks again Carmine!
If I ever buy a stylus that expensive it will only get occasional use because I'm only going to buy it once, LOL.
That can set you back a few bucks. Agreed!
I just got a brand new stylus and accidentally turned the table on without a record. The stylus hit the padded felt surface while it was running for a few seconds before I noticed. The needle should be alright correct? I’m sorry for such a noob question but I am indeed a vinyl noob.
Hi! I'm sure the needle is fine. Just check to make sure the cantilever isn't bent (the tiny rod the stylus is attached to). It might be hard to see, so take a picture and magnify it. If it doesn't look bent I'd say you're good to go. The stylus may have picked up some threads from the felt so it's worth making sure its clear of fibers. Hope this helps!
You have a new subscriber Sir. Thank you kindly for the detailed answer. Everything looks alright. I’m not really sure how I tell if it’s bent or not. I’d imagine it would be obvious if it was? I tried playing a record and it sounded fine both times I played it.
I just didn't understand why the stylus skipped. Does it do that when it's worn out?
Hi! Yes - it is possible depending on how the stylus is worn, if it's damaged, etc. There's no single cause for why a stylus will skip but could be an indication that the stylus is old and needs to be replaced.
Personally, a microscope is essential for my peace of mind, I need to know the grooves are being hit by something rounded, not a sharp edge!
video started at 2:40 but you may still have to skip. takes a while to cut to the chase.
Expensive MC carts can usually be re-tipped.....at least make sure that they can from some trustworthy service before you buy. Cold day in Hell before I'm replacing a $1,200 cart every yr. Some sub-grand MC carts can even be upgraded to like a micro line stylus.....better than what it had originally.
Question, my record player recently has been distorting my records.. Any chance this could mean a new cartridge/stylus is needed? Not too familiar with this stuff.
It could be a number of things actually. I would need to know a bit more about your setup (type of turntable, peripheral devices, speakers, etc). What type of distortion are you experiencing?
Next Halloween, an Ortofon Blue!
My plan too @Stanley Costello :)
What about retipping? (Ps i like your videos keep it up the good work 😀)
Thanks @Quint! I will probably cover that in another video. For a higher end stylus you're right - that's definitely an option worth pursuing!
I have ortofon reds on my turntables. I didn't know about how often to change them. I am new to it all & still in my researching phase. So, if i just buy a needle & not a whole cartridge. Could you point me in the right direction, please? And thanks for sharing this crucial advice in your videos.
Great stylus, and yes you can certainly purchase a replacement stylus only and not the entire cartridge. You can even go for an Ortofon Blue stylus and use your existing cartridge. Once you get to the Ortofon Bronze you would need to buy the entire cartridge. Hope this helps!
Are there any of these videos that just play the same record before and after a stylus change?
There would be if copyright wasn't an issue. I've looked - there aren't any vinyl records in the public domain that I could find.
Would you be interested in selling your used stylus?
I appreciate the ask! I hang onto my used styli just in case I need them or if I set up another turntable.
Need to replace my 2M Black at like £500! I’m shocked to learn how short a lifespan they have!
Opinions will vary in lifespan. I tend to err on the side of caution.
I have a vintage gramophone named iskra, it is made in england and shipped to yugoslavia, the stylus NEEDS to be replaced because i heard the surface noise was really loud, i didnt change the stylus neither did the guy i bought it from, the stylus is in pretty bad condition, its going to the left and i can't bend it to the right, the tip was grey and now its red and black, i guess it's time for a change, btw i played all of my records through that stylus, are my records damaged now or am i good to go?
The short answer is you probably haven't ruined them. The longer answer is, it depends on how many times you've played it through. If I go by your description of the stylus in its current state the main danger would be in scratching the sidewall of the groover. I wouldn't continue to play records through it given the condition of the stylus. Finding a replacement may be difficult so you could consider a new turntable to be safe. The Iskra is a very cool looking unit - I would definitely hang on to it.
My ears told me to change the 2M Red stylus the first time i heard it lol
It’s funny you say that. I switched to the blue and love it. Added a couple NOS Mullard tubes also to smooth everything out.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I was very dismissive of the red and i skipped the blue as i realose its tonally balanced very similar jist offering better HF performance in the main which tbf was my main critisism. Ive since crossed paths with a modified 2M Red... i bought a Project Debut Pro for use as a second deck in a small desktop based system and it comes with a pre mounted Pick It Pro cart. Its definately abit fuller sounding and abit gentler in the treble after a run in period. For someone who deost want to spend more than 2M red money its a decent alternative. I will likely run it out and go AT microline or shibata. As always taste should be the deciding factor in these things, theres alot of choice out there!
In my opinion...and it's just my opinion...I love my red
Ke lurt.
A lot of young hipsters I see in record shops seem more concerned with when to change their stylist.
So a $1000 cartridge costs $1 an hour to use.
From what I understand mileage may vary
What the fuck I’ve just put this video on AS I HAVE ZIGGY ON MY TURNTABLE
🤣
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords spooky coincidence man
all you need to do is polish styli every fortnite
I do this every two weeks with a small piece of steel wool.
@@dennman6 how do you do it with steel wool that's gonna catch on the skyli are you being ironic?? Green Emery is what you need
@@hoobsgroove that was my attempt at Carlinesque humor. I use a camel hair paint brush to gently pull any debris off the stylus in a forward Direction only. And I go about 500 hours with a stylus, including my 3 mil 78rpm stylus for the oldest records in the Archive.
Yeah, don't share needles.
😂