One key point to keep in mind, is that generally cartridges wear like tires, progressively and somewhat linearly, not that it is unheard of for a diamond stylus to cleave. That means it is very much a judgment call as to when to replace the cartridge.
Being conservative, my experience with tens of cartridges leads me to conclude that 800-1000 hours is the proper point to replace a cartridge. And yes, stylus shape, tracking force, condition and cleanliness of the records and a thousand other factors are at play here.
Keep in mind, if I am too conservative, I have replaced a cartridge too soon, and this has cost me a bit of money. If you are not conservative enough, it may compromise your LP collection. And really, that is the issue more than sound quality, to record collectors.
The first post in this thread is a very good example of the problems that can occur. Mistracking is the cartridge losing contact with the groove wall and will cause damage to the LP. It is to be avoided at all cost. But damage can happen well before mistracking is noted. Much depends on if one's focus is on sound quality , or on record preservation.
Being conservative, my experience with tens of cartridges leads me to conclude that 800-1000 hours is the proper point to replace a cartridge. And yes, stylus shape, tracking force, condition and cleanliness of the records and a thousand other factors are at play here.
Keep in mind, if I am too conservative, I have replaced a cartridge too soon, and this has cost me a bit of money. If you are not conservative enough, it may compromise your LP collection. And really, that is the issue more than sound quality, to record collectors.
The first post in this thread is a very good example of the problems that can occur. Mistracking is the cartridge losing contact with the groove wall and will cause damage to the LP. It is to be avoided at all cost. But damage can happen well before mistracking is noted. Much depends on if one's focus is on sound quality , or on record preservation.