Nagaoka MP 300 Cartridge

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.

I think the rule of thumb is around 1,500  hours. Van den Hull advertised some of his cartridges (at least the Frog) was good for 3,000 or more (twice the average). Mine had well over 2,000 when I sold the turntable… it sounded perfect.

@pooch2 just curious what are the indicators that a cartridge needs to be replaced? Are you just using hours to determine that or have you actually heard a cartridge sound worse after 300hrs - 350hrs? Cause that sounds kind of low.
I never ran a cartridge into the ground but I was hoping that my my Hana ML gets me at least 1500-2000hrs. May be I’m way too optimistic about it…

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.

The MP you can replace the stylus. 

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've used some cartridges for many many years maybe well over 2000 hrs. Sent one to SoundSmith who told me after looking at it there still was life in it. So many factors can come into play, are you tracking at the right force? Keeping your records clean? Etc

Here ya go!!

How long will the stylus last on my new cartridge? It’s a common question we receive from our customers. The answer may not be a simple one as the quality of the diamond has a great deal to do with it, as does the accuracy of the set up and cleanliness of the record. Generally, more expensive cartridges use higher quality, more precisely cut diamonds which may result in longer life. Cartridge manufacturer Ortofon tackles the question with a specific answer, but also notes the variables above. Here is their official response:

With proper care we find that up to 1000 hours is possible without degradation of performance. The stylus does begin to exhibit changes after 1000 hours, but the stylus life as a whole is expected to top 2000 hours.

Proper care comprises the following -

• Cleaning of record by means of carbon fiber brush before and after every use. Cleaning of the record by using a record cleaning machine once in a while.
• Cleaning of stylus by means of a fine antistatic brush. Please remember to remove dust from the diamond tip before and after playback of each record.
• Proper adjustment of antiskating, azimuth and tracking force

The issue of “proper care” as outlined above is crucial in maximizing both stylus life and overall performance. A clean record is, without a doubt, the single most important part of the plan. Dust, dirt and other debris in the groove can be extremely abrasive, literally acting as sand paper to rapidly wear the stylus. And if the debris can hasten wear to the hard diamond, you can imagine what it’s doing to the soft vinyl! As Ortofon suggests, use a vacuum record cleaning machine to be sure your records are as clean as they can be. Remember to dry brush your record before and after each play. It’s important to dry brush after play to remove dust that has accumulated on the record before inserting into a clean sleeve for storage.

Cleaning the stylus itself is also important. Intimate contact between the stylus and groove must be maintained and any build-up on the stylus compromises this union resulting in poor sonic reproduction, mistracking, distortion and accelerated wear.

Cleaning the stylus is a two step process. First, use a dry brush to remove loose material, always remembering to use only a back-to-front motion, never side-to-side or back-to-front which can instantly ruin your cartridge. The second step employs a mild solvent applied to the stylus tip to loosen stubborn debris, followed by another light dry brushing. We’ve found the Lyra SPT to offer excellent cleaning performance, employing mild water based solvent. Mobile Fidelity also makes a good stylus cleaning formula.

Set-up, including tracking force, overhang and azimuth are obvious factors that influence stylus (and record) wear. The facets of the diamond stylus are designed to fit precisely in the groove, making optimum contact with the groove walls to optimize tracking. When overhang or azimuth are set incorrectly the stylus now contacts the grooves asymmetrically causing uneven wear, possible mistracking and certainly reduced performance.

The Feickert overhang gauge (pictured) is an incredibly accurate way to set overhang. Most turntables come with at least some type of template or gauge to insure correct overhang.

Lastly, tracking force; always stay within the manufacturers recommended range for tracking force. Too much tracking force causes undue wear on the stylus, vinyl and internal cartridge components. Tracking too light can cause poor tracking, which results in distortion, skipping and accelerated wear of both the stylus and record. Pictured is the very accurate DS-1 digital stylus force gauge. Accurate to 1/10th of a gram, the DS-1 insures your cartridge is precisely matched to the cartridge manufacturer’s recommendation.

Stylast cleaner is excellent also.

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.

Buy a bottle of Stylast lubricant. Apply it to the stylus before playing a side. Your stylus will outlast the suspension! I have done this and it works!

Depends on quality of turntable, tonearm, and vinyl, cleanliness of same, and the setup accuracy of the cartridge and cleanliness (again) of the stylus.

Low end 300 hours. Best conditions, 500-800 hours