2. analog
  3. 1415967336

Cleaning Phono Stylus- white residue

I have been an audiophile for many years but I am just a novice with analog. I have been using a Transfiguration Axia cartridge on a Vector 3 tonearm. I was wondering about the best way to clean the stylus. I have been using Record Research Lab LP#9 liquid stylus cleaner with brush. Although Transfiguration recommends holding the cartridge vertically, the Vector does not have a removable head shell. As such I've been gently taking the damp brush and moving it forward over the stylus. Recently I looked at the bottom of the cartridge near the stylus and noticed a white residue?? I'm wondering if this residue is related to the liquid cleaner and also hoping I didn't get any liquid into the cartridge mechanism. I read about using a dry Mr Clean Magic Eraser, lowering the stylus onto a small section of the eraser, and abandoning the liquids. Any advice from experienced analog lovers is most welcome! Thanks in advance.
audiobrian
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
In my opinion, the use of liquid stylus cleaner needs to be done sparingly. I personally use the Magic Eraser, and then an Onzow Zerodust.

I inspect the stylus occsisionally, and if I notice any accumulation of detritus on the stylus, I then do a cleaning with Lyra liquid stylus cleaner.

Using this method, I've only had to use the liquid cleaner a couple of times a year. Just a few gentile wipes with the wet brush, from back to front, avoidng as well as possible contact with the cantilever, is all that is needed.

Any buildup of residue is a sign you are doing too much of a good thing. Your particular stylus cleaner may be fine, with only moderate use, by making other cleaning methods such as the Magic Eraser your first-line cleaning method.

Regards,
Dan
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,655 posts
 
Just use an artist's brush and clean from rear to front. You can cause damage with those liquid type cleaners. I ruined a very expensive cartridge years ago using a liquid cleaner,luckily the company replaced the cartridge free of charge. If it sounds okay now just leave well enough alone.
fstein's avatar
fstein
199 posts
 
Anyone remember when Linn was recommending running the stylus over the striking surface od=f a pack of matches back to front?
sunnyboy1956's avatar
sunnyboy1956
424 posts
 
I was an active proponent of Doug's famous ME for many years. Of late I am getting way superior results using the Lyra SPT liquids. An initial clean with the SPT and than after 3/4 minutes of playtime I use a newer version of the Lyra liquid and the results are stunning. It's almost as if the new gen Lyra liquid is a tone control device. I was fortunate to receive a sample when my Atlas returned from Lyra HQ.
More to discover