How long does a stylus last?

A cartridge stylus will last much longer than anticipated if you follow Cello's advice. I've never had to replace a cartridge because I've worn it out. The desire to get something different happens first and in my case after seven years or so.

Speaking of cartridge selection. You've probably run into a post or two regarding the ZYX Universe and how wonderful it is, especially at it's price point. LOL. I laugh because that price point is so far above consideration for me. I've had the pleasure to listen extensively to the upper end ZYX line of cartridges and (now this is my opinion...not looking to argue) to my ears they are the best I've ever heard. I have been impressed enough to order one of the more entry level ZYX cartridges for myself and will receive it this week. I don't want to sound overconfident about it but I believe it will live up to my expectations and far exceed the performance of more expensive ones. My advice is to wait a while, do some research and at least consider one of these while you can get them at a huge introductory savings. I don't want to divuldge the cost to me as I think that would be rude to the distributor but it should be known just how helpful he is and willing to go to every effort. I didn't request it but I'm pretty sure there would be an opportunity to listen to one of his demo units. IMO, there is a very good chance you can get a better cartridge brand new. Food for thought anyway. And, no this isn't some shill. I've never met the guy and have no vested interest in his success other than I've fell in love with what I've heard and he's the kind of guy I really like doing business with.

The tips are diamond, very very hard,
But even they wear in soft vinyl with time.

A clean record, and cleaned stylus help preserve the tip.
I can get in excess of 10 years out of tips on my deck, but I use a Keith Monks machine.

I suspect that the VPI would give acceptable results as well. Even the lowly disc washer is a help.

Last don't forget stylus pressure, more is less time, and handling. NO cartridge takes rough handling well, dropping the stylus tip into records, side skates, etc. all can shorten it's life.

Hope that helps.

loon

Though I don't have a cleaning machine, I usually use the Premier LP cleaner and dry brush method,Last stylus cleaner and Zerostat before each play. I found the Zerodust doesn't work all that well. More offensive records get hand cleaned with Record Doctor fluids and brushes.
Re: ZYX, I have read here:
http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Cartridges.html
how good these are so maybe I will hold out for one.
Thanks.

Nowadays, does anyone ever use a microscope to examine a stylus? I recall pictures of diamond stylii with a couple of hundred hours on them showing obvious wear. Perhaps the line contact stylus wears less, but by the same token would degrade more with wear. 1000 hours used to be considered a reasonable maximum.

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Stuart,
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I would highly recommend that you clean every record with Disc Doctor, RRL or Audio Intelligent cleaning fluids with either Disc Doctor or Last brushes and a good record cleaning machine like the VPI or Loricraft(this one is great but quite expensive).
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Every record even brand new LP's have the mold release compound on them left from the manufacturing process.
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I would not think of playing a record regardless of how good it looks (even if brand new) on the surface without giving it a thorough cleaning. Playing clean records will definitely extend your stylus life.
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Rgds,
Larry
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