There are so many things that effect this that it is very hard to say, stylus cut, alignment, tracking force, cleanliness and condition of the records being played, bearing friction in the tonearm, etc. I hew very closely to the time span given in the Ortofon FAQ which is 600 to 1000 hours:
http://www.ortofon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97&Itemid=78
I hear figures of 3000 hours from those that have invested a lot in their cartridges, but as a practical matter, find these to be fairytales. Note though, that a cartridge does not just fall off of the face of the earth but wares fairly linearly, like a set of automotive tires.
I am sure that you will hear longer lifespans for cartridges, and should those who claim this be correct, you will be throwing away some money by replacing your stylus too quickly should you listen to my advice. However, if Ortofon is correct and you do not heed this advice, you will be compromising your irreplacable record collection by subjecting it to excessive wear. I usually err on the side of caution.
http://www.ortofon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97&Itemid=78
I hear figures of 3000 hours from those that have invested a lot in their cartridges, but as a practical matter, find these to be fairytales. Note though, that a cartridge does not just fall off of the face of the earth but wares fairly linearly, like a set of automotive tires.
I am sure that you will hear longer lifespans for cartridges, and should those who claim this be correct, you will be throwing away some money by replacing your stylus too quickly should you listen to my advice. However, if Ortofon is correct and you do not heed this advice, you will be compromising your irreplacable record collection by subjecting it to excessive wear. I usually err on the side of caution.