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How do tell when my stylus is too much worn?

I have had my MC cartridge for about 5 years. I haven't kept a proper log but I would guess about 7-800 hrs. How can I tell BY LISTENING that it is worn enough to replace or retip? Does it get edgy or shrill or....?
I suspect that the change would be so gradual that it might be hard to tell, as the ear slowly accomodates.
Of course I should remove the cartridge and view under a microscope but un mounting and remounting is a perilous business that I would like to avoid.


rrm

Showing 3 responses by don_c55

don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Raul

The MM cartridges that I referred to from the 70's were Shure M97 and were elliptical not conical!

It is more about the size of the diamond tip than shape.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Raul

All cartridge maunufacturers must love you!

500 hours of use then discard is total BS!
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
It is also debatable whether slightly rounded edges on a slightly worn fancy diamond, result in more audible record wear than say one with a simple conical tip. Of course the fancy diamond will sound better, but is there less record wear?

I have old records played many times on cheap old MM cartridges from the early 70’s that sound "mint" with expensive properly setup MC cartridges of today.

Records can survive more abuse than you think. Also your system resolution comes into the equation..

I feel the best solution is have two interchangeable arm tubes (like VPI and other brands) which contain a new and older cartridges for audible comparison.

If you can not hear a difference, you do not need a retip, or new cartridge.

I do that.


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