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Do you have a fixed period you won't go over, or do you wait for the signs? And what are the signs?

On average I listen to records for up to a couple of hours each night and change the stylus (actually cartridge as I tend to use Rega ones) every two years or so. It's nothing I rigorously stick to but after that period I'm usually quite keen to treat myself to a new one. I think (generalizing massively) they're good for about 500 hours or so?

A microscope or hand-magnifier is the only real way to tell if the diamond is still in good nick but in lieu of having hi-fi peripherals that would shame a balding cardiologist it's better to change the stylus before the sound alters very much. I've let mine go longer than I should before now and it does deteriorate (loss of definition, higher frequencies 'scratchy' and harsh). It's not worth the risk, however small that might be with a bit of wear.

You've chimed in with a spooky prescience Chapter Two as I'm about to replace my current cartridge and was going to ask if anyone had any recommendations off the Rega trail. I've been using a Super Elys but fancy trying a moving coil so if anyone has any suggestions to fit an RB250 tonearm I'd be really eager to hear them.

What is the deal with changing the cartridge / styli?

I've got a Technics turntable which I have never replaced the needle on.

Is there only one specific part which will fit? I literally know close to nothing on the subject.

cjh wrote:... in lieu of having hi-fi peripherals that would shame a balding cardiologist... ...recommendations off the Rega trail. I've been using a Super Elys but fancy trying a moving coil ...

Goddamn I wish I knew what you were talking about


spooky prescience is my middle name


Thanks for your answer

(Just switch the fucker when it starts to sound a bit crap!)

Some Rega cartridges - these all have a body in one fixed piece so when the stylus wears out you need to replace the whole caboodle which isn't the case for some others. They're also 'moving magnet' (the stylus moves a tiny permanent magnet inside a coil to generate a small current - typically this is much larger than 'moving coil' cartridges which are the other way around and often thought to be more sensitive, they're also more expensive).

I see. Nice one.

Rodabod wrote:What is the deal with changing the cartridge / styli?

I've got a Technics turntable which I have never replaced the needle on.

Is there only one specific part which will fit? I literally know close to nothing on the subject.

It depends on the cartridge that you are using. Some manufacturers use the same cartridge body on a number of different models - only the stylus is different, so you can upgrade to a better model simply by changing the stylus.

Cheers

James.

According to my local Rega dealer, the Super Bias is good for ~ 1400 hrs. Inspecting the tip won't tell you all you need to know either since much of the deterioration comes from work hardening of the cantilever. Trust your ears. I tend to A/B periodically against a couple of CDs of demanding recordings I know well - the absolute comparison is less important than the differences you are familiar with.

Anyway, you never really waste money on a new stylus / cartridge because if you were being too pre-emptive, you still have the old one as a spare.

i was told by a high-fi guy once, "if you can't remember the last time you changed your stylus, it's time for a new one".

seems good to me

JeremyLemos wrote:i was told by a high-fi guy once, "if you can't remember the last time you changed your stylus, it's time for a new one".

seems good to me

Unless you have Alzheimer's disease.