What is a typical life span of a stylus or cartrid

Hello Sky- Is that $70 off the regular price of a $200, or a $20,000 table?(BIG difference) Seriously: 30 hrs is not much time off the lifespan of any turntable/cartridge combo, and there really is no "typical life span" either. A cartridge's stylus will wear much more quickly, if subjected to dirt in the grooves of the records it's asked to track. Many don't realize just how abrasive that is. A cartridge's compliance(the rubber in which the cantilever is suspended) should last many years, before it's elasticity wanes. Then there's the cartridge's magnets, the table's/arm's bearings, belt and motor which should all be good for many years also. See if the dealer has a stylus microscope, and check the alignment/wear of the stylus. If straight and without evident wear, and you like the sound when auditioned with YOUR phono stage/pre-amp: buy the piece, and enjoy your return to vinyl.

Thanks for the response. I haven't owned a turntable since I was 19 years old, many moons ago lol. I am now 44 so a lot has changed since then I know.

The table I am looking at is the Pro-ject Debut 3 with acrylic platter and sumiko pearl cartridge installed. He is asking $595.00 I believe for it new or $70.00 off and take the demo.

Thank you

I'd pay the $70 to buy new.

You have no idea how the cartridge was played/(mis)aligned/dropped etc.

30 hours can be a lifetime if handled improperly.

IMO

Agree with Audiofeil, plus you have no way to verify how long the cart has been played.

It lasts until it's worn out which depends on use/abuse.

If it's a reputable dealer, it should have been taken care of properly. However, it it was demo'd by a number of customers not in the presence of the dealer, it could have been abused a bit. Personally, I'd pay the $70 and get a new one. It avoids problems.