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What condition will you not play on your main system? LP content

I have a few great records ie early Prestige and some others with "sentimental" value that I'm hesitant to play on my main system. I've cleaned them but I'm not sure what kind of damage I could do to my stylus. Do you guys have a cut off point where you relegate LP's? Thanks, I know it seems like a silly question..
dhm78
inna
7,296 posts
 
If it skips or jumps, try to play with the tracking force a little. Also, turn the volume down a bit, it might help, I have one record with which it helps - bad scratch there covering about half a minute, I turn the volume down and it plays through.
bondmanp
1,808 posts
 
As long as it is clean, and not so warped as to hit the tonearm, I will play anything.  For poor quality LPs, I use a rugged Ortofon OM-30.  Not as detailed as some better pickups, but it can track almost anything.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
I have AT 5001 arm with 3 headshells with cartridges I can choose to play LPs of any condition.
I played to test record that I graded G Enter Wu Tang Clan in order to grade it and sell it.
Still sounded OK because of mainly loud tracks there.

dhm78 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks! I actually only have one cart right now for/on my Pro-ject. I was more curious as to how scratches could effect a stylus. I clean and treat the stylus every week or so.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Defects on vinyl surface that cause skips, jumps, heavy and deep scratches can damage stylus. I have luxury of quick swap the cartridge and convenient arm weight that slides to accommodate necessary VTF settings for cartridges used.
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