How do you know if your TT needle is worn out?

I have a older Sota Star Sapphire turntable with Sumiko MMT arm and Grado reference cartridge, how do you know when your needle is worn out?

bbchem12-03-2006 6:48pm

oregon Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 820 posts 12-10-2006 at 06:01am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Take a post it piece of paper. Place the stylus on the paper (lay the paper on the table mat, but do not turn anything on). Genltly turn the platter so that the stylus passes over the paper. If the stylus catches, or scrathes the paper, it probably needs replacing. It should go over the paper smoothly and not snag along. Otherwise, take it to a dealer who can look at it under a scope. Good luck.
rlxl Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 92 posts 12-04-2006 at 06:10am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete when it is really worn, you will heard a lot of distortion. Hopefully, you will have replaced the stylus before then.
mlsstl Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,436 posts 12-03-2006 at 08:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Have someone with an experienced eye look at the stylus under a low-power microscope. Signs of wear will be easily apparent.