long lasting cart

@chakster,

I would not be so dismissive of VTF as a variable for record and diamond wear.  The advanced profile stylus's such as Micro-Ridge increase the surface area of the stylus to better contact/track the groove.  The hardness of an inclusion free diamond is fixed.  So, a consequence is that force over area calculates the pressure and this is a major factor in wear of any material, so the advanced profile stylus's have longer life if not compromised by excessive VTF.

As far as the Garrott Optim FGS, the life cost for 2000 hrs is $1150 for the cartridge and $660 for retip (non user replaceable) = $0.91/hr-use, and the manufacturer is in Europe which for USA means international shipping (for retip) with associated shipping cost/customs.  None of this is any critique of the cartridge performance - just a cost analysis.

As far as digital, your passionate opinion is well known on this forum, but my statement was life cycle cost only.  Some Mobile Fidelity Gold and JVC XRCD CD's on a good CD transport can sound quite good.  But, I am equal opportunity, so I have analog and digital, but my dollar investment is in analog. 

Hi,
The more elaborate profiles will last much longer and do less damage to the grooves.
Micro ridge styli can last well over 2,000hrs within specified limits of playing weight. Too much weight kills the suspension.
VDH styli cannot last 3,000hrs, i had 2 of them and hit approx.1,5k hrs mark, not the same with Zyx as one passed well over the 2k mark but started mistracking due to suspension (had it for over 10 years). Expect my current one to set a new record!

I would not be so dismissive of VTF as a variable for record and diamond wear.

There is a given recommended VTF for any cartridge by the manufacturer, life span of the stylus stated for a given (recommended) tracking force, however there is a range, but the difference is so tiny, so i don’t think it’s a big problem. I always use recommended tracking force from the manual, but it can be a bit lower or a bit higher and that’s also stated in the manual.

People who love the analog does not use just one cartridge, they got many cartridges in rotation, it’s a part of the hobby.

As far as the Garrott Optim FGS, the life cost for 2000 hrs is $1150 for the cartridge and $660 for retip (non user replaceable)

@antinn This is AUSTRALIAN Dollars, not USD :) You can correct your calculations
AUD 1150 = USD $705 and this is a cost of the cartridge
AUD 660 = USD $405 and this is a cost of stylus exchange
Fair price for such cartridge with F.Gyger stylus profile.

Feel the difference, it’s Australian company, shipping worldwide is not a problem for a cartridge.

@chakster,

Error noted.  However, the $1150 AUD$ includes a 10% tax that is deleted if selling to US, so the USA$ price drops to about $625, and with $35 express shipping = about $660; hard to argue with that price :).  Not sure if the stylus retip is also = +10%, but if not 2000-hr cost is about $1100 with shipping = about $0.55/hr, not a bad price.

Yeah. The price is great, but don't forget that Garrott can be purchased from audiophiles, i bought mine from audiogon member from Australia long time ago, he had a stylus counter for all his cartridges. I bought very low hrs sample for funny price, it was the progonal Garrott P77. 

Very few people on this forum are using Garrott cartridges, those cartridges are great!