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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 mofimadness

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,440 posts
 
Most cartridges if keep clean and not abused, should last 1500-2000 hours.

The cartridge should really be matched to the tonearm first. The phono stage matching is more along the lines of cartridge output. You wouldn't be able to use a low output MC into a MM stage.
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