2. analog
  3. 174325-8622

Is this stylus worn out?

Hello,

I own a Lyra Delos. After several years, it began to sound a bit off. I think I was detecting some distortion in the high frequencies. As I had a 2nd cartridge in a similar price/quality/performance category (Transfiguration Axia), I switched to that one and put The Delos in the box for a while. Recently I began to play with a USB microscope and took some photos of the styluses on both cartridges. I was wondering if you would look at my photos of my Delos stylus and comment on its wear. I do not know what it looked like when new. Actually, I would love to see an image of a Delos stylus at the beginning of its life!  (I also attached one photo of the transfiguration axia for comparison.  Apologies in advance for the poor photo quality.  my microscope is not great.  Not sure if the image is attaching properly.  if you click on it, it will take you to a page with both shots that I have.

 

thanks!

Mark

 

 

 

marktomaras

Showing 2 responses by sandthemall

sandthemall
544 posts
 

Moving coil carts should be cleaned quite often. I find that after about 2 weeks or about 20 hours of play, enough debris accumulates on the cantilever that it begins to deaden the sound a bit.

I use a 50/50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol to gently brush the stylus. MC cantilevers and output are so delicate that you’ll notice an improvement.

Also, you’ll be better able to see what’s going on with a clean stylus.

sandthemall
544 posts
 

@mijostyn 

​​​​​​10% alcohol duly noted. Thanks for the correction! 

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