2. analog
  3. 178995-41852

How many plays can you get out of a good record?

I haven't seen this question posed in the Audiogon forums, but I have seen many answers on generic audio sites, that say a record can be expected to last for "hundreds" of plays before any sonic degradation is noted, if well cared for. 

I'm wondering if they might last even longer with modern audiophile styli / styluses, which track at around 1.8 grams.  Does anyone have any real experience or knowledge about the longevity of records in such a scenario?  (If records only last 100-200 plays before some degradation, then this means that playing a record once a week could be at least partially deteriorated in two to four years, which is a real shame.)  

drbond

Showing 1 response by bkeske

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,593 posts
 

I have LP's I have played since the 1960's. I also have LP's I bought that were produced in the 50's/60's.  Some sound fantastic still. Other's were probably played with inferior cartridges, tables, arms, poor set-ups, and mishandled, including my own (not unusual for the time really....it's 'all we had', and did not angst over record care as we do today). Those may not sound as good, obviously, but still very playable, and some that were taken care of, close to or as good as my newest vinyl today. 

Keep you table/cart properly set-up and renewed when necessary, and your LP's clean and properly cared for, and obviously they will last for decades, easily.

More to discover