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Is elliptical the best stylus profile

In my experiences, it seems that elliptical shaped stylus track better and pretty much have the same amount of detail that a line contact has, maybe a little less.  The difference, again in my experience is that the line contact needs to be set up perfectly for good performance.  How many of us are experts at setup.  Cartridge manufacturers, Why not just use elliptical shape and give everybody a break? 
tzh21y

Showing 2 responses by viridian

viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
If all other factors are held equal, such as tracking force, polish, alignment, compliance, etc. an elliptical has the smallest groove contact area of any stylus cut, including conical, and hence will wear the LPs more quickly than any other shape.

Hyperelliptical styli are not known as Shibata and have a much smaller major radius than any of the Shibata cuts, while still being larger than an elliptical.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Wouldn’t a Shibata ride higher in the groove than an elliptical or conical due to its much larger primary radius?
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