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Cartridge new or used ?

How do I know if a cartridge is new or used and number of hours played ? 1- If it is bought from an individual or 2- Could it be that a HiFi store sells used or a "Demo" without anyone knowing it? 3- Is a cartridge that remains on the shelf of the store for 3 or 4 years, retains its same performance or its internal parts, can harden and lose their flexibility of reading? 4- Is it easy with a magnifying glass to see the wear of a cartridge, if so what would be the best magnification to use?
audiosens
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
1,174 posts
 
 @chakster   None of the photos that you posted have any meaning whatsoever. The first stock photo by AT is a generic photo with just one face showing...and none of the rear facets and the actual cut angles, worthless. The other photos are equally as worthless, showing a stylus at that magnification is totally meaningless...well done, lol.
@clearthink.  +1
lewm
6,770 posts
 
To answer the actual question, none of us is qualified to judge the difference in appearance between a new stylus and one that is lightly worn. No matter how powerful the microscope. That takes experience and skill. Also, most brick and mortar dealers are honest enough not to sell you a used cartridge in the guise of new. And finally, a never used cartridge that is 4-5 years since manufacture is going to be just fine. Many of us own NOS cartridges that are more than 30 years old, and we’re happy.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
never used for me
Post removed 
schubert
4,867 posts
 
chakster, this weekend I was gifted a mint ADC XLM  cart with with 4 new
stylus , a MkII, 2  MkIII and another XLM at 65x 10 compliance , tone soundsgood , what do you think !
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