Need Advice on Checking Stylus

I think at 50x you will not be able to come to any conclusions about your stylus, unless it is just plain broken. I have a digital microscope, cheap one, which goes up to 800x, and I use it for SRA. As far as determining wear, even at 800x, it is very hard to say conclusively that you do, or do not have wear. The best angle for wear determination is straight on, but even then, you have to know how much of the stylus is actually in the groove, and then what wear actually looks like at that magnification. I believe we are talking a out very subtle differences in the image, even at 800x. I don't think you stand a chance at 50x.

I think it is worth, it is great seeing the different stylus designs at 800x. Plus with experience you might be able to detect wear. You can get a cheap digital microscope, like mine, for around $60, but you get what you page for. Getting it focused is painful, because the base is poor quality, also the software is not that great. USB interface that does stills and video. Also great for seeing how clean your stylus is and the results of cleaning it, also results after playing a dirty record. At 800x you can also look at the grooves of a record before and after cleaning to see the results. Great fun. I actually suggest you get one, but it should be a minimum of 400x and if you can splurge for the ones with a better base, it will be much easier to use.