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#1
21-05-09, 06:52 AM
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Stylus wear - vinyl record damage
I am always worrying about this.
I am using second hand items at present, they sound fine but how does one judge when they are worn out? Below are some photos taken on a £50 USB microscope from Maplins (everyhome should have one). It is a Roksan Chorus Black which came on a second hand cheap SystemdekIIX/RB250 costing £180. The stylus looks fine, what do you think? Chris http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/o...sblackside.jpg http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/o...blackfront.jpg 
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#2
21-05-09, 07:02 AM
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I think those pictures are at way to low a level of magnification to be able to see, sorry but it's true. You need something like 200x, and you need the right light, the right angle and to know what to look for.
If it sounds fine it probably is - if it sounds like it's mistracking then maybe be concerned. Edit - it's nice and clean though 
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Needles & Spins - Turntables, Cartridges, etc.
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#4
21-05-09, 08:00 AM
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Quote:
 I didn't take this, J7 at Audio Origami took it of a cartridge I sent him. I'm pretty sure that was x200, though of course he may well have zoomed it in some.
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Needles & Spins - Turntables, Cartridges, etc.
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#6
21-05-09, 08:51 AM
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More importanly is how the thing tracks on a record. I have an expensive Dutch mc with a nice tip under the scope however due to suspension material perishing it mistracks like hell. It's the mistracking which will destroy your records as this one has mine!
Just play it and use your ears.
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#7
21-05-09, 10:05 AM
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IMO, the magnification is too low. You can see there is a stylus on the end and it appears to be clean but you cannot see the shape. However, as the poster above said, it is usually the suspension which goes and causes mistracking and other problems.
FWIW, Rega have a machine which blows up the stylus to football size and you really can see wear. They reckon that stylus wear is rarely found, even on very old cartridges.
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#8
21-05-09, 02:54 PM
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The thing about stylus wear is that usually it's such a gradual process. A bit like plaque build up. It's only after a visit to the dentist that you realise how much better your teeth feel without the plaque.
If the treble doesn't sound as clear as you'd like, you may have stylus wear. If vocals don't sound absolutley smooth, clear and realistic, you may have stylus wear. If in doubt buy another new cartridge eg Denon DL103 for £100. You can always put the old one back in and use it for a bit longer if it turns out that the old one wasn't badly worn.
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#9
21-05-09, 05:14 PM
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The second picture has almost enough magnification, but it isn't in focus. I too have a cheap USB microscope (not the same one) and it can't focus either (the focus knob doesn't move smoothly --- it "jumps").
Andy
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#10
21-05-09, 06:35 PM
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so what does mistracking sound like? i know its an obvious Q, but I wouldn't know what it sounded like per se.
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Big JiLm.
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#11
22-05-09, 04:43 AM
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yea uncle ants is correct my picture is x200 chrisn pictures look like x60 to me
haveing said that i recont the tip is not to bad from what i can see but i also have a chours cart and the stylis looks a little worn but not too bad and it mistracks and sounds painfull...
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The Egotist.co.uk:)
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#12
22-05-09, 06:50 AM
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Len Gregory, the Cartridgeman, told me quite a while back that the state of the diamond is a major cause. That you should be looking for a re-tip at 1000 hrs and at 1200hrs the stylus is already damaging your records!
This I agree flies in the face of popular belief that carts are good for the estimated 2500hr lifespan or even more if properly installed. By sheer coincidence, Len is a re-tipping specialist in case anyone is feeling anxious....(I for one certainly am....now....  )Being serious for a moment....regardless of the age of the cart if you can hear damage/mistracking then the most sensible advice might be to get it checked. Alternatively periodically checking it with a Test Disc will put most minds at ease. If the suspension is wrong I would imagine you'll find out pretty quick!
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#14
22-05-09, 07:33 AM
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Quote:
Yes, ESC do the actual work I believe.
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#15
22-05-09, 08:02 AM
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What does mistracking sound like? Well you know how massed vocals don't sound smooth and clear when you get a load of grunge or some hair stuck on the tip of your stylus?
That's mistracking. With a badly worn tip it sounds like your stylus need cleaning all the time. Bass can still sound clear. It's the midrange and treble that suffers the most.
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