2. tech-talk
  3. 1178265231

Microscope for stylus inspection

What power of magnification is adequate to determine stylus wear?
I purchased a 30X hand-held scope and checked my stylus.
It looks "as-new" i.e., like a perfect cone (Sumiko Blue Point Special).
There are no obvious flats on the sides and all seems to be fine.
I could see where the technician polished the sides and left the 0 and 180 degrees points a little "rough" as they never touch the vinyl.
Does this sound O. K. or do I need a more powerful scope?
128x128dweller
Post removed 
dweller's avatar
dweller OP
3,786 posts
 
The new Acoustic Sounds catalog shows a technician inspecting a stylus using a
"Heerbrugg M5 microscope, a Swiss product specifically designed for phono cartridge inspection"...
"This device allows our techs to examine cartridges at up to 50X magnification".
I feel better now that I am, at least, in the ball park.
logos47's avatar
logos47
11 posts
 
Dweller,
Can you tell me where you got your 30X hand held scope?
Thanks,
dweller's avatar
dweller OP
3,786 posts
 
Purchased at a telescope store on west Sahara in Las Vegas, NV.
Think it was around $40.00.
rodman99999
6,158 posts
 
Dweller- The seller of that album may not have ever cleaned it before playing. Grooves that are worn by styli actually sound more muted than when new, as they've been, more or less, "shaven." Dirt that has been melted into the vinyl by stylus pressure will give that crackley sound you mentioned. Then again; it could have been a noisy pressing to start with. I miss the days when most shoppes that sold cartridges, had an inspection microscope.
More to discover