Tough question. How long do you estimate you have used it in hours? Have you washed your records on a quality cleaning machine with quality fluid and placed them in new quality rice paper sleeves? Do you periodically clean the diamond tip with a zero dust system or disc doctor (brush) system? Do you use a quality Hunt carbon fiber brush to remove light surface dust prior to playing the record? Do you play the 'Cardas Frequency Sweep' record to keep your cart in top shape at least twice a year? Have you verified your set up has not changed over time? I've noticed a minor change in anti-skate can muck up the sound. Have you verified the RPM of the record has not slowed below 33 1/3?
An internet search states a diamond can last up to 5000 hours. Note there are many different types of diamond shapes used by manufacturers. Some may last longer than others. I would try a cleaning prior to replacement along with the Cardas Frequency Sweep record. Its a great tool to own if your into analog. If that does not help johnnyb53 has answered your question. Just age, not usage, tends to be hard on the suspension system of the stylus. Ozone in the air can harden the rubber and change the carts dynamics....I'm not a designer but have been purchasing high end audio equipment since the 70's. A little tribal knowledge has seeped into my brain over time.
An internet search states a diamond can last up to 5000 hours. Note there are many different types of diamond shapes used by manufacturers. Some may last longer than others. I would try a cleaning prior to replacement along with the Cardas Frequency Sweep record. Its a great tool to own if your into analog. If that does not help johnnyb53 has answered your question. Just age, not usage, tends to be hard on the suspension system of the stylus. Ozone in the air can harden the rubber and change the carts dynamics....I'm not a designer but have been purchasing high end audio equipment since the 70's. A little tribal knowledge has seeped into my brain over time.