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typical "shelf-life" of phono cartridges?

Just wondering if there's a rule-of-thumb for the useful shelf life of phono cartridges.. I bought an fairly inexpensive Grado model PZE+(?) P-mount MM cartridge about 7 or 8 years ago which has seen very light use. It still sounds fine to my ears, but can the age alone degrade the sound? and to what degree? Thanks, jz
john_z

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,411 posts
 
For a well set stylus, it's usually 2-3000 hrs of playing.
The rest is due to external conditions as mentioned above.
BTW cartridge manufacturers do specify a life span.
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