Traditionally, how well we have maintained equipment and devices affects how long they will last. Some gadgets only last a certain amount of time, whereas with others you don’t really need to worry about how long they last because you can just as easily throw them away when you get tired of them. Simply put, some devices are definite, while others are infinite. By asking this, you are indicating that you are aware that a moving coil cartridge has a set lifespan, but how long is it?
A moving coil cartridge may have a set lifespan, but they last much longer than you might think. It all depends, as I already stated, on how effectively they are used and cared for. A moving coil cartridge that has been abandoned or stored in a hot, dusty attic for years, however, won’t last as long as one that has been indoors and in use for that same year. Even though you might think your turntable is safe in the basement or attic, you won’t find your cartridge there in good shape.
Furthermore, the lifespan of the moving coil cart is also influenced by the stylus’s quality and shape. The moving coil cartridge will be impacted if it has been suspended for a while. Particularly with the hardened rubber parts in the box, the suspension is not good for the cart. Since both are being used and one has a longer lifespan than the other, quality is unimportant in this situation. Cartridges that cost more typically have higher quality than cartridges that cost less, which explains why they last longer.
You might believe that your cartridge won’t wear out because it has a high-quality diamond, but it doesn’t actually work that way. Diamond styli also lose their sharpness. No matter how basic or high-quality your moving coil cartridge is, regular maintenance is essential.
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How Long Do They Last
Moving coil cartridges can last up to 2500 to 3000 hours if the records played on them are kept clean. Additionally, this keeps the stylus in good condition, extending its useful life. Furthermore, if your cartridge contains a standard diamond, you can anticipate more from it.
There have been instances where moving coil cartridges have lasted up to 40 years or longer because there are turntables from the distant past that are still operational today without needing any new parts. Moving coil cartridges are said to have a 50-year lifespan, depending on how well they are maintained and how well-kept the records are.
Should I Replace My Phono Cartridge?
A phono cartridge doesn’t deteriorate, as was already mentioned. A stylus, a magnet, a coil, a body, and a cantilever are the main parts that make up the device. The stylus can be taken out and replaced surprisingly easily, in contrast to the other components of a phono cartridge.
A stylus is necessary for extracting high-quality sounds from a turntable and record, especially for those who are new to the industry. It’s a tiny needle that touches the record as it rotates on the platter. Vibrations are produced and transformed into electrical signals as the needle moves through the grooves on the vinyl record.
Since they are electrical devices, preamps, mixers, and sound systems naturally cannot understand simple vibration signals. Thus, in order for these to produce sound, they must first be converted and sent to the proper devices.
Although the stylus—a tiny needle—seems unremarkably insignificant, it has a significant impact on audio quality. These do, without a doubt, deteriorate with time. It is made of unique stones like diamonds or sapphire, though, and is very durable.
Due to this, a lot of producers claim that, depending on the quality, their styluses can be used for 150 to 200 hours. Although at a lower performance level, cartridges will typically continue to function well beyond that point (1000+ hours).
How Does A Stylus Wear Out?
Now that you are aware that styluses can wear out, let’s talk about how they typically do so. By understanding how they typically wear out, you will be able to lessen these occurrences and increase the equipment’s overall longevity. Because a stylus only makes contact with the record and cantilever, very little can cause it to degrade. However, there are some reasons why you could encounter a worn-out stylus:
- Dirty records: The main problem is that the records are soiled and unclean. It’s not always necessary to start with the component when performing proper stylus maintenance. Having records that are clean, dry, and free of dust is preferable. Because it may include everything you need to ensure your vinyls are kept as clean as possible, a kit like this one from EVEO (link to check the price on Amazon) is a fantastic investment.
- Configuration: The turntable may not be configured properly in some cases. Unnecessary and excessive wear can be quickly caused by improperly configured azimuth, anti-skate, and tracking forces.
- Unbalanced cantilever: The cantilever’s pivot and the holding magnets may move out of alignment over time. The stylus may be resting heavier on the record as a result. If this happens, you can readjust the phono cartridge to the ideal setting.
There are many reasons why a stylus might wear out, but usually the main ones come directly from the record. You’ve got this, great, but let’s talk about how to make phono cartridge styli last even longer.
Is It Possible To Extend The Life Of A Phono Cartridge Stylus?
To ensure optimum longevity and performance, all musical instruments and audio equipment—including speakers, turntables, preamplifiers, and styluses—must be properly maintained. Your equipment might quickly start to show signs of wear if you don’t provide this. Therefore, you’ll want to consider these essential maintenance tips:
- To begin with, think about regularly cleaning your stylus with the right cleaning agents, such as the Hudson Hi-Fi Turntable UV Stylus Cleaner (link to check the price on Amazon). For every record playback, according to many turntable enthusiasts, a solution like the one suggested should be taken into consideration, though every two or three is also ideal.
- Furthermore, even with the best cleaning techniques, your styluses’ lifespan will unquestionably be prolonged by performing an occasional deep wet clean on them. You can completely clean the vinyl of any dirt, dust, or other particles by performing this task correctly.
- Make sure a solid surface is where your turntable is placed. Let’s say the vibrations from people passing by (or anything else similar) cause the record player to spin continuously. In that case, the vibrations may cause the stylus to dig deeper into the grooves of the record, reducing its longevity.
- It is advised to hire a specialist to set up your equipment if you are new to the scene. The entire configuration is frequently inaccurate. Because of this, the stylus, record, and other components deteriorate more quickly.
How Can You Tell If A Phono Cartridge Stylus Needs To Be Replaced?
To ensure the longevity of your stylus, you must have a basic comprehension of the aforementioned. Nevertheless, no matter how well you take care of these parts throughout their lifetimes, they eventually deteriorate. A worn stylus, however, doesn’t produce particularly good audio. As a result, depending on the model, you will need to determine when it needs to be replaced or resharpened.
- Visible damage: Visibly examining the stylus is the quickest examination you can carry out. They are typically very sharp and pointed. It is a good sign that the stylus may need to be changed if they appear rounded or blunt. You may also want to think about the conformations listed below.
- Thin sounding: In addition to the foregoing, you might start to hear a fading sound coming from your records. These are simple to spot because your records will start to sound remarkably like an AM radio station. As a result, the bass and dynamic range will be very low.
- Skips and scratches: In the worst cases, it can present skips and scratches because it will lose its trackability on the record. Watch out for the wrong frequencies if you’re listening to a vinyl that you’ve learned well.
After reading the aforementioned information, you ought to have a better understanding of whether a phono cartridge wears out. This part doesn’t, as you now know; the stylus does. To ensure that your system is operating at its best, we talked about how to spot a damaged stylus and lengthen its lifespan.