Nagaoka MP 300 Cartridge

Interesting, I have never herd of stylist lubricant, i will check it out. Based on what I have seen on the internet it seems the 300 to 500 hour range seems to be the standard. I will be using 350 hours as my time to pick-up something new, I was interested in trying a MC cartridge for a change. I am running a Sansui SR-525 Turntable with a project tube phono preamp. A Hana Cartridge has peeked my interent along with an Allnic Preamp update.

I think I am generally careful with all my vinyl, all have been cleaned recently (using a wet system and vac.), stored in appropriate inner liners and cleaned with a carbon fibre brush before playing. I do not currently own a stylist brush, cleaner or lubricant which, going forward I will be doing some research and hope to rectify. I do clean the tip with a very fine brush I have from one of my old record cleaning kits (must be twenty years old).

I have owned my direct drive Sansui SR-525 turntable from new and have learned over time to check all the adjustments on a regular basis, especially if I notice a change in sound with a familiar recording. I have adjusted my tone arm recently (having to relearn the process every time I do it!)- Including knife edge bearing, tracking calibration using a digital devise (reset weight if required), arm height adjustment (as required), refill drop arm reservoir with silicon as needed, anti-skating, and lateral weight adjustment (if needed). Insure speed control is accurate using an outside devise (speed control app.). I also check the speed oscilloscope on the platter every time I use the turntable.

I am always open to something I may be missing, so I try to keep an open mind as to what others are doing. The cartridge currently in use recommends a tracking force of 1.5 to 2.0 gram so I have it set for 1.75 grams which seems to be the sweet spot for my set-up as I have no issues with sound or tracking, even with some older vinyl which have developed an interesting wave form as it tracks. A new stylist brush and lubricant is on my to do list.

Thanks to all for the input.

I am on my second MP 300 stylus replacement. I have been very happy with the sound quality of this cartridge. After the last stylus change, I neglected to keep track of the hours that I used it, so I wanted to be on top of this change.

I think the sound degradation is so slight as the stylus ages it may be difficult to determine if I am actually losing much from one session to another. That was the situation with the previous stylus, I didn't actually notice any significant reduction in sound quality, I am thinking more about the vinyl,  which makes me want to be a little more on top of what others consider a reasonable cartridge or stylus use.

I did notice a difference when the new stylus was installed, and the turntable set-up redone.

I try to consider all the input from others and consider their experience. I am currently considering the Hana ML as my next cartridge so that would give me some additional longevity, based on what audiophile 1 has mentioned, compared to the Nagaoka. I will be keeping the MP300 as my backup cartridge once replaced.