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Cleaning Phono Stylus- white residue

I have been an audiophile for many years but I am just a novice with analog. I have been using a Transfiguration Axia cartridge on a Vector 3 tonearm. I was wondering about the best way to clean the stylus. I have been using Record Research Lab LP#9 liquid stylus cleaner with brush. Although Transfiguration recommends holding the cartridge vertically, the Vector does not have a removable head shell. As such I've been gently taking the damp brush and moving it forward over the stylus. Recently I looked at the bottom of the cartridge near the stylus and noticed a white residue?? I'm wondering if this residue is related to the liquid cleaner and also hoping I didn't get any liquid into the cartridge mechanism. I read about using a dry Mr Clean Magic Eraser, lowering the stylus onto a small section of the eraser, and abandoning the liquids. Any advice from experienced analog lovers is most welcome! Thanks in advance.
audiobrian

Showing 1 response by islandmandan

islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
In my opinion, the use of liquid stylus cleaner needs to be done sparingly. I personally use the Magic Eraser, and then an Onzow Zerodust.

I inspect the stylus occsisionally, and if I notice any accumulation of detritus on the stylus, I then do a cleaning with Lyra liquid stylus cleaner.

Using this method, I've only had to use the liquid cleaner a couple of times a year. Just a few gentile wipes with the wet brush, from back to front, avoidng as well as possible contact with the cantilever, is all that is needed.

Any buildup of residue is a sign you are doing too much of a good thing. Your particular stylus cleaner may be fine, with only moderate use, by making other cleaning methods such as the Magic Eraser your first-line cleaning method.

Regards,
Dan
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