Stylus cleaner

Ok, I've never had liquid cleaners do that. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just relaying my experiences. But I bet the Onzow has its place in the crazy world of high end audio!

That's why I said that liquid cleaners have the 'potential' to cause damage in those ways. Like anything in high end audio whether they actually do is subject to debate. Some cartridge manufacturers believe that they can create issues and therefore recommend against using them when other safer alternatives are available.

Regardless of what kind of cleaner is used, it is still necessary to clean the gunk off of the stylus AND the cantilever. A Magic Eraser sorta works on the stylus but isn't completely effective.

Looking at the problem from a microscopic perspective, the gunk needs to be softened to help release its bond to the stylus AND the cantilever. Some kind of mechanical action needs to be used to remove the softened gunk.

Raising and lowering the stylus into a dry Magic Eraser may help remove some of the material, but gentle brushing (back to front) will be much more effective and will get the build-up off of the cantilever.

The fluid used to soften the gunk can be most anything that will not loosed the glue bond of the stylus, and something that will dry leaving no residue.

This debate has been endless and will not end soon. As long as there is vinyl, there will be discussions about cleaning the components in the chain.

BTW, I use DiscDoctor Stylus cleaner and some cleaner that was given to me when I got my Clavis dC. In examining both cartridges, there is not residue present on either stylus or cantilever. I also have a Magic Eraser block which I have used a few times.

But what do I know.

My thoughts are rather along the lines of Bpoletti's regarding the effectiveness of relying entirely on Magic Eraser with a dip 'n dunk technique. I use Magic Eraser after every play, but have always used it with a "sideswipe" and a dunk. I cut the stuff into little 3/16" blocks and glue those to 2" x 1/4" pieces of popsicle sticks. You can use the top 90 degree edge of the little block of ME wipe the side of the stylus and cantilever without dragging the stylus through the fibers. You do need a very steady hand and really good eyesight to do it safely, so be forewarned. I've been "upper case shouted at" on certain other audio websites for even suggesting this. Like I said, I've got a steady hand and I'm really nearsighted. LOL. To tell the truth, I use Stylast because of its purported positive effects on stylus longevity. It would be interesting if there were ever any third party validation of Stylast's claims. I also understand why a cartridge manufacturer is going to recommend against wet cleaning. They have no way of knowing what solvents are going to be used in the myriad variations on the market or if a ham handed individual is going to over apply the liquid.

Photon46. Are you using Lasts stylus cleaner or their Stylast which I think is a fluid to reduce friction. They are different. I've used their stylus cleaner for years now and never had any problems with it. Of course I don't use it every time I play a record but use it once every couple of weeks to remove any baked on gunk that may adhere to the diamond or the cantilever. All of the other times I just use a soft stylus brush to get the loose fluff off each time I play a side of a record. Once again, I never had any problems with this cleaner in terms of loosening up a diamond or any migration problems from the fluid going up the cantilever tube into the cartridge's suspension.