What devices have you found useful when inspecting your stylii for cleanliness?


Please do not describe how you clean your stylii once you have discovered they are dirty.  Make that another topic!

I am interested in what you have found useful during your inspection.  My Audio Technica microline stylus is so small I can hardly see it at the best of times.  To make things worse for me, I need reading glasses and my current tone arm is a fixed head-shell design so I cannot easily get a good viewing angle - the arm does not tilt much!  Also the background, mainly a black mat, does not offer a good contrast.

Suggestions please ....

128x128richardbrand

@elliottbnewcombjr 

I think your magnifying mirror will work well for me!  I have tried a loupe, but not as good a one as @mulveling recommends.  I will get both!

I have a USB digital microscope, but it is a pain to set up.  I might also try a car inspection camera which at least includes a light source and is self-contained.  I don't think it would help for cleaning, though.

Really need something I can use after each side is played, and which can stay in place

@lewm I am getting pretty quick at removing the entire tone arm from the mounting board.  Much faster for me than removing and refitting a cartridge!