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Quick Cartridge Questions

As someone relatively new to vinyl, I have a few simple questions that I need help answering...

First, what is the average lifespan of a cartridge? I listen for approximately 10 hours per week, with a Goldring 1012GX. I cue, rather than drop, and I thoroughly wipe each record before play. Would 4-5 years be a reasonable estimate? Also, how do you judge when a cartridge needs replacing? By ear?

Next, out of curiosity, which cartridges are said to match well with the Pro-Ject Tube Box II?

Truthfully, I don't understand the emphasis on matching the cartridge with the phono-pre. From my uninformed perspective, I would think that the amplifier and speakers would at least be equally important in achieving a balanced sound. For instance, if one has a tube amplifier along with some warm sounding speakers, wouldn't ANY cart/pre combination sound a bit on the warm side?

Thanks for the help!
jferreir

Showing 1 response by jferreir

jferreir OP
45 posts
 
Thanks for the responses.

As a brief follow-up, which 'stylus profile' does the Goldring 1012GX fall under? And again, how does one determine when the cartridge needs replacing - by ear?

As a point of interest, what determines whether a cartridge is an appropriate match for a tonearm? I thought, perhaps mistakenly, that the tonearm was to preserve signal quality only - nothing more. How, then, can a cartridge be 'matched' to a tonearm? I'm genuinely curious (and obviously ignorant on the matter).

Finally, what does 'good vinyl hygiene' exactly amount to? I try to keep my records static/dust/dirt free, but I tend to let the stylus be as it may. Is there anything I should be especially cognizant of?

Thank you once again!
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