Why Buying A New Cartridge Is Better Than Replacing Your Stylus-Vinyl Revival

Why Buying A New Cartridge Is Better Than Replacing Your Stylus

Several times a day we have people coming into or ringing the shop, asking for a new stylus for their old turntable that they have just dusted off in order to discover the atmospheric sound of vinyl. We celebrate their mission, after all everyone deserves the great sound and experience of listening to records.

What most people don't know is that whilst their stylus may need replacing, their cartridge is more than likely worn out too. The average life of a phono cartridge is about 5 years and for the people wanting to replace a stylus on a 30 year old turntable, their cartridge could now be considered ancient. Replacing the stylus in this situation could result in a 40% return on a 100% investment. The other part that is regularly misunderstood is that the stylus is about 90% of the cost of a phono cartridge and it is more cost effective to just purchase an entirely new cartridge.

Then there is another part to this puzzle, the stylus they have just paid $50+ for isn't even a diamond stylus, it's a sapphire one and even worse, it's a conical shape. What does all this mean? It means a whole lot if you want to get the best sound and look after your precious vinyl. Firstly,a conical shaped sapphire stylus will not only give you a limited music experience due to it's minimal contact with the record groove but that minimal contact also creates a pressure point on the sides of the record groove that damages your records.

Now,here is the crazy part! For the same cost as one of these vinyl destroying conical sapphire stylii you can buy an eliptical diamond cartridge and stylus. Unlike a conical stylus an eliptical stylus is a "V" shape, much better matched to the shape of the record groove and a partnership made in heaven. This means that the stylus has immensely more contact with the record groove. This equates to two things; more musical information and far less record wear.

And then there is also the possibility of upgrading your cartridge to something significantly better than what was originally on the deck. Purchasing a new phono cartridge is the most effective way to improve your music listening experience. Extracting more information from the record groove will always give you a greater music listening experience. We stock brands such as OrtofonRega and Audio Technica. All leading cartridge manufacturers that make cartridges that will bring life to your enjoyment of playing records.

 

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.